As much as I'd like to think that there was no other possible outcome that kept the US captain alive, a part of me wishes things could be different.

When I heard about the four pirates, my first thought was, "all it takes is four snipers."

Upon reflection, and after hearing the ages of the pirates, I realized this was not truly the best possible outcome. It might have been the best likely outcome, but I'm never satisfied with that.

The issue is simple: these people are starving to death, so they'll do anything to survive, even send off their children to capture ships and hold them for ransom.

The problem of piracy is caused by destitution, hopelessness, and desperation. The only "healthy" way to eliminate it is to eliminate those sources.

Where is the leadership that says, "Let's go to Somalia and find a way to help these people help themselves."?