Topic: Somalia

Will pirates join forces with Islamist militias in Somalia?

Escalation of violence could lead pirate gangs to join radical militants, including those with ties to Al Qaeda, say analysts.

New bid to free captain of pirated US ship

The Maersk Alabama's crew, now in Kenya, tells story as negotiations continue over captain held hostage.

American captain rescued from pirates by US forces

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.

Maritime officials seek more authority to confront pirates

As attacks continue, experts consider whether deadly force would be an effective deterrent.

Standoff with Somali pirates shows limits of naval response

Military options could only make things worse, some analysts say, if they did not go hand in hand with political solutions.

Critics say US should attack Somali pirates' land bases

Is it time to replace bluewater policing with tactics of Jefferson, who defeated the Barbary pirates on land?

Somali piracy back in spotlight with US hostage

The FBI has joined the effort to try to secure Capt. Richard Phillips's release.

Who will stop the pirates?

American merchant sailors showed their mettle in retaking a hijacked ship, but piracy off Somalia continues to vex the international community.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about how the US Navy impacts marine mammals, why some Somalis have turned to piracy, Obama's role in Europe, and the Taliban in Pakistan.

To stop pirates, do ships need firepower?

Most merchant sailors are not trained to use weapons, but some maritime educators say that is changing.

Somali piracy hits every consumer

Why the US didn't intervene in the Rwandan genocide

After a disastrous peacekeeping mission in Somalia, the US vowed to stay away from conflicts it didn't understand.

Piracy ‘surge’ off Somali coast

Pirates seized five ships in a 48-hour period ending Monday.

Antiwar activists split over Obama's Afghanistan policy

Lawmakers and others who were against the Iraq war generally support the president. But they worry about another 'quagmire.'

Hundreds of African migrants die in shipwreck off Libya's coast

Will Arab leaders discuss Israeli airstrike in Sudan?

Arab League likely support Sudan's Bashir against war crimes charge, but discourage ties with Iran.

Monitor writers celebrate ‘unique’ moments

From crawling on the carpet with Ronald Reagan to sipping tea with the Che Guevara of Afghanistan, former staffers recount stories as the Monitor transitions to new formats.

Lessons from most successful schools abroad

Education trends from other nations are gaining cachet as political and educational leaders strive to bring American schools in line with the demands of the 21st-century global economy.

Suicide case highlights stresses in Japan's Self-Defense Forces

Parents of a soldier say they pressed charges to prevent future abuses. The suicide rate has risen as the forces' role has expanded.

Climate may heat crises, too, military analysts say

Competition for resources, ‘climate migrants,’ failed states are among top concerns.

World

USA

Opinion: Want a better, safer world? Volunteer.

Employment, education, and peace are interlinked.

In soccer, Somalis find a link to home

The national team unites a scattered diaspora and provides a reason to cheer for war-torn Somalia.