Topic: Horn of Africa

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Somali pirates seize oil tanker. Where are the anti-piracy forces?

The Greek-owned Maran Centaurus was seized Sunday more than 800 miles east of Mogadishu fully loaded with an estimated 2 million barrels of oil heading for New Orleans from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Maersk Alabama: Should ships use armed guards to stop Somali pirates?

Lethal or nonlethal weapons? The attack on the US-flagged Maersk Alabama reignites the debate over how to stop Somali pirates.
Eritrea: Africa's version of North Korea?

In a rare interview, Eritrea's president Isaias Afwerki denies helping Islamic militants in Somalia, and says his country doesn't need elections.
Are Somalia's pirates linked to Al Qaeda?

Reports that pirates may want to swap a British couple they captured last week for fellow pirates detained by foreign navies have fueled speculation that the pirates are linking up with Islamist militants.
The international politics behind Obama's Nobel Peace prize

The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Barack Obama appears to be an effort to spur on, rather than reward, peacemaking.
Obama's first Somalia strike hits Al Qaeda suspect

US commandos killed Kenyan national Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan in a helicopter raid against Mr. Nabhan's convoy, as it traveled through the Barawe district in southern Somalia.
Opinion: Can Somalia be saved?

To avoid aiding rebels, Obama must cease direct aid to the government and work with regional neighbors.
The Monitor's View: Somalia is Obama's new 'Afghanistan'

While beefing up military support, he also needs to reach out to moderate Islamic militants.
Shelling in Somali capital takes fresh toll

Tuesday, battles between government forces and Islamist militias in Mogadishu killed seven civilians. Experts say some of the militias might be open to dialogue with President Sharif.
Opinion: Sustainable population, minus the control

Empowering women will naturally restore balance.
Kenya poised to intervene in Somalia

It has massed troops on the Somali border. Islamist militias have threatened retaliation if Kenya acts.
Ethiopian troops return to Somalia

Less than a year after fleeing in the face of an Islamist insurgency, Ethiopian forces have come back to help prevent a moderate government from collapsing at the hands of militant Islamists.
Top Somali warlord: willing to talk?

The fiery Sheikh Dahir Aweys may be ready to hash out a peace deal, following weeks of fighting the moderate government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.
In Somalia's break-away corner, an oasis of stability

The self-declared republic of Somaliland has elections, a strong economy, and zero tolerance for extremists or pirates. But no one recognizes it.
In Somalia, African Union takes the offensive in information war

AMISOM is rehabilitating Radio Mogadishu and publishing articles to 'empower' Somalis and push back against Islamist insurgents.
Is Somalia in Ethiopian Army's crosshairs again?

Somalis near the border with Ethiopia say that country's troops have crossed over, raising speculation of another battle with the militant Islamists closing in on Somalia's government.
More Somali migrants say Britain should ban khat

Britain's large Somali community chews at least seven tons a week of a drug banned in most Western countries.
Piracy now high on Washington agenda

Secretary Clinton vows action, and seeks an international effort against the Somali pirates
Where will captured Somali pirate get justice?

The high profile of the case suggests a trial in the United States, but the Justice Department might be wary of bringing the young suspect into the American court system.
Captain freed from pirates in daring rescue

Navy snipers shot three pirates who had held Richard Phillips hostage since Wednesday. The episode threatens to change the dynamics of piracy in the region.
Why Arab leaders embrace Sudan's indicted president

At the Arab League summit Monday, the UN secretary general condemned Sudan's expulsion of humanitarian aid groups in response to the ICC arrest warrant for Bashir.
US Navy captures suspected pirates in Gulf of Aden

The seven men arrested will be turned over to Kenya, which plans to set up a court to try pirates.
Moderate Islamists take on hard-liners in battle for Somalia

Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a moderate, was elected president last week by Somalia's transitional parliament. But hard-line militant Islamists are fighting to take over the country.
Piracy raises pressure for new international tack on Somalia

The world is not willing to allow this strategic nation to remain ungoverned. Can a coordinated effort create a stable government?
The Monitor's View: Obama as geo-politician

In so many acute global crises lie opportunities for new partnerships, led by the US.