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In Pictures: Somali pirates

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Keep Calm
Europe launches airstrikes on Somalia to uproot pirate base

This is the first time the European-led naval expedition, Operation Atalanta, has attacked a pirate base on Somali territory.
Nations must learn from past mistakes in helping Somalia

This week Britain led another international attempt to help Somalia, a dysfunctional state plagued by piracy and terrorism. Nations must learn from the past that trying to build up a central government in Somalia won't work. It's the regions and sub-clans that need bolstering.
Global News Blog
What's the hurry, Belgium? Somalia has gone without a government for 20 years.

Today, Belgium announced the formation of a coalition government after 541 days of stalemate.
Africa Monitor
Better US response to Somalia famine could fix misperceptions

US restrictions on aid for Somalia famine, although well-intentioned, are severely hindering relief efforts. International Crisis Groups says that lifting them would improve Somali opinions of the US.
Chapter & Verse
A "third wave" of Somali pirates?

A new group of younger, more violent Somali pirates may be on the rise, says Jay Bahadur, author of "The Pirates of Somalia."
Chapter & Verse
Interview with Jay Bahadur on "The Pirates of Somalia"

Jay Bahadur chewed khat, fielded lies, and made his way through the intricacies of Somali clan politics as he gathered information for "The Pirates of Somalia."
Africa Monitor
Somalia famine: Lessons we can take away

Somalia expert Ken Menkhaus spoke with a guest blogger from the Enough Project about what policies need to change for a durable solution to the famine.
Africa Monitor
New semiautonomous region in Somalia vows to fight Al Shabab

The creation of Jubaland/Azania was driven by the need to fight the Al Qaeda-linked militant group, Al Shabab, but it's unclear whether the new region will be able to do that effectively.
Africa Monitor
Somalia transitional parliament extends term three years, prompting criticism

The vote of Somalia's transitional parliament to extend its term may damage its international credibility and undermine support in the West.
Terrorism & Security
South Korea dispatches destroyer to rescue tanker hijacked by Somali pirates

South Korea has dispatched 300 troops and a destroyer to secure the release of the Samho Jewelry tanker, which was hijacked recently by Somali pirates.
Africa Monitor
Ivory Coast, Sudan referendum: Africa stories to look out for in 2011

The year 2011 will include some big developments in Africa to look out for – Sudan's referendum and the continuing strife in Ivory Coast, among others.
Terrorism & Security
British charity workers kidnapped in one of Somalia's 'safer parts'

Two aid workers for British charity Save the Children were kidnapped Thursday night in Somalia, where kidnapping has become an industry and most aid groups have fled.
African Union summit: As leaders discuss Somalia, fighting rages there

Heads of state gathering at the African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda, pledged to strengthen the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia. Meanwhile, fighting in the past few days has killed scores in Somalia.
Africa Monitor
Why Somalia would make Afghanistan seem like Mr. Rogers' neighborhood for US troops

Sunday's Uganda bombings show that the threat of Somalia's Al Shabab is very serious, so what should the US do about it? The status quo is not working, but if you think Afghanistan is a quagmire, you ain't seen nothing yet.
At last, a court to try Somali pirates

Most navies catch and release Somali pirates. But Kenya's new pirate court, funded by the UN, aims to bring legal clarity to a complex international crime.
Somalia mosque bomb targets Al Shabab leaders

A bomb attack in a Mogadishu mosque this weekend failed to kill Fuad Shongole, a top leader of Somalia's Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab militia. But the Somalia mosque bomb is taking fighting there to a new level of intensity.
In Pictures: Somali pirates
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.
Global News Blog
Why Somali pirates are hijacking yachts in Seychelles

Missing British couple's yacht was found adrift near the Seychelles. Somali pirates are going further afield to dodge US, European naval patrols.
Global News Blog
Pakistani Muslim missionaries killed in Somalia mosque. Why?

The brazen attack spotlights the presence of religious foreigners in a lawless country that US officials say could soon turn into the next terrorist haven run by militant Islamists.
Terrorism & Security
Is promoting Sufi Islam the best chance for peace in Somalia?

Some armed groups who adhere to a more moderate interpretation of Islam have begun battling Al Qaeda-linked extremists.
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.
Pirates, Inc.: Inside the booming Somali business

Meet the modern-day brigands behind the sometimes sophisticated, always risky operations that raked in an estimated $80 million in ransoms in 2008.
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.
An interview with a jailed Somali pirate leader

Behind the bare brick walls of a desolate former British colonial prison in Somali land, five jailed Somali pirates didn't seem very fearsome at all.