Topic: Roger Middleton

Second tourist kidnapping raises alarms on Kenya coast (video)

A second tourist kidnapping near Lamu, on the Kenya coast, raises concern that Somali criminal groups, pirates, or Islamists may have found a new soft target. Retired French journalist Marie Dedieu was seized Saturday.

Somalia famine could cause militant Al Shabab group to splinter

The Somalia famine has exacerbated divisions within the Islamist militant group Al Shabab, whose more pragmatic leaders want to allow Western food aid into the areas they control.

How the Chandlers' release could spur Somali pirate kidnappings

The size of the ransom and the amount of media attention for Paul and Rachel Chandler has set a 'bad precedent' that could put others in danger from Somali pirates, analysts say.

Fewer attacks by Somali pirates, but their net widens

There were fewer attacks by Somali pirates in the first quarter of this year than during the same time last year, but their reach is extending far beyond the Gulf of Aden.

Somali pirates: Does France have the most effective navy against the buccaneers?

When it comes to taking on Somali pirates, France is emerging as the most effective naval force. French officials announced Sunday that the French frigate Nivose had captured 35 suspected Somali pirates and four mother ships since Friday.

Somali pirates fight over record ransom

Owners of a Greek-flagged oil tanker dropped a record ransom payment of $5.5 million to $7 million on the deck of the ship today, prompting Somali pirates to release the Maran Centaurus.

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.

Kenya poised to intervene in Somalia

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

Islamists battle for Somalia

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.

Somalia: East African bloc calls for a UN blockade and no-fly zone

The group wants to prevent Islamist militias from getting arms. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's apparent renewed involvement in support of the government carries risks.

Sticky legal battles await for captured Somali pirates

Will Kenya be tapped as the next ‘Hague’ of the high seas?

Should ground troops hunt pirates in Somalia?

A Bush administration proposal to allow foreign forces to go ashore in Somalia to hunt the country's notorious pirates is getting a cool reception from US military leaders, regional analysts, and some Somali officials.