maritime terrorism

Navies of the world have united against a common enemy -- thousands of rag-tag underfed men and boys in the western Indian Ocean. Crammed into open boats and armed with ancient AK-47's, these pirates travel up to one thousand miles from their home shores of Somalia. No one knows how many die at sea. But occasionally they hit the jackpot, ransoming crews and vessels for millions of dollars.

Includes a wide range of opinions surrounding issues concerning piracy on the high seas.

Examines the lives, tactics, and motives of Somali pirates, draws links between the pirates, their financiers, and the al-Shabaab Islamist extremists, and traces the source of the pirate problem to the chaos, clans, and violence in Somalia.

This riveting narrative examines the world of the Somalian pirates: how they live, the forces that have created piracy in Somalia, how they spend the ransom money, and how they deal with their hostages.

Presents a diverse selection of primary sources representing all sides of the debate in question about modern-day piracy.