[Biker]

In Somalia, the pirates have discovered a lucrative way to stay in business. Play both sides of the fence. Local governments are hiring them for protection, and they've figured out that they can buy the Islamic factions as well.

Quote

While local government officials in Hobyo have deputized pirate gangs to ring off coastal villages and block out the Shabab, down the beach in Xarardheere, another pirate lair, elders said that other pirates recently agreed to split their ransoms with the Shabab and Hizbul Islam, another Islamist insurgent group.

The militant Islamists had originally vowed to shut down piracy in Xarardheere, claiming it was unholy, but apparently the money was too good. This seems to be beginning of the West’s worst Somali nightmare, with two of the country’s biggest growth industries — piracy and Islamist radicalism — joining hands.

So what we basically have are a bunch of religious radicals who want to do away with all things "unholy", unless it provides a butt load of income? Good to see where their priorities are. Could be something for our own government to think about. They're already experts in throwing away money, why not spread the wealth and see if they can buy off a few radical groups as well?

http://www.nytimes.c...ner=rss&emc=rss