Honestly, is there no honour among theives these days? The looting of Africa is what the West does best and they don't like any competion from the locals. The French luxury yacht seized by a team of Somalian pirates was liberated by the French navy two weeks ago. The French paid the ransom and then tricked the pirates into a gun battle which the latter lost. The pirates got away with a lot of money, though, but the Western governemts don't like it up 'em. France and America have both called for UN authority to steam into other countries territorial waters they suspect pirating is going on there. Hmmmm. . . .
Meanwhile the stories behind the pirate excitement are more familiar - they are the 'heroes' gone 'bad' again [see 'Poor List' below]. This from AP
"Siyad said his decision to become a pirate was a matter of survival. Impoverished and with no job prospects, he saw two options: risk his life by fleeing Somalia in a leaky boat to the more prosperous countries across the Gulf of Aden, or join up with pirates who were flush with cash.
Now, $35,000 richer after hijacking two vessels, including a Japanese tanker seized in December, Siyad said the best, most profitable choice was clear.
He plans to use his spoils to try to escape the poverty and instability of Somalia. "I want to go abroad using a safe route, using my money," he said.
But Muse — the pirate who spent all his money in one go — had second thoughts a few years ago, blaming the easy money for the loss of his wives and other personal misfortunes."
Muse gave away most of his gotten gains - which shows a generous spirit, more than can be said of the bourgeois state pirates Siyad and co. are up against on and off the high seas.
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