To the Point
Piracy: The Legacy of a Failed State
Four more ships have been seized by Somali pirates who threaten vengeance for those killed during hostage rescues. We hear how instability in the Horn of Africa has bred international lawlessness. Should the merchant nations resort to force or help the region solve economic and political problems? Also, President Obama speaks hard truths about the economy and opens a crack in the door to engagement with Cuba.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenFour more ships have been seized by Somali pirates who threaten vengeance for those killed during hostage rescues. We hear how instability in the Horn of Africa has bred international lawlessness. Should the merchant nations resort to force or help the region solve economic and political problems? Also, President Obama speaks hard truths about the economy and reverses long-term restrictions on dealing with Cuba.
Banner image: Pirates leave the MV Faina for the Somali shore October 8, 2008 while under observation by a US Navy ship. Owned an doperated by Kaalbye Shipping, the Belize-flagged cargo ship is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related military equipment. The ship was seized by pirates September 25 and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali coast. US Navy photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky
In this episode
3 storiesObama Tries a Fireside Chat
In what the White House billed as a "major speech on the economy" today, President Obama warned that despite massive efforts economic recovery won't come easy .
Read the story6 minPiracy: The Legacy of a Failed State
In the hours since President Obama promised to " halt the rise of piracy ," four more ships from the Philippines, Liberia, Greece and Togo have been attacked in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Somalia. Naval vessels are in the region. Pirate leaders are threatening vengeance for those killed during French and American rescues.
Read the story36 minObama Opens US Travel to Cuba
Cuba will be a major topic at this week's Summit of the Americas , when President Obama meets Latin American leaders in Trinidad. Yesterday, Obama reversed past policy and removed all restrictions on Cuban-Americans to travel home or send money to relatives. But yesterday's move is a long way from lifting the 47-year old embargo on trade.
Read the story7 min
