posted
Either I wasn't part of Hatrack when ya'll grew so fond of pirates or I was just asleep and missed it. However, I have seen so many references to "piraty things" here that I know each and every one of you is infatuated with them!
I was reading and article about the current threat of piracy and couldn't help thinking of Hatrack and that there might be others who, like me, have really only thought about piracy as a throwback to a bygone era. The authors of the article claim that there is a resurgence of piracy and that it could be vehicle for global terrorists as well as just opportunists.
quote:From 2002 to 2003, the number of those killed and taken hostage in attacks nearly doubled. Pirates have also increased their tactical sophistication, often surrounding a target ship with several boats and firing machine guns and antitank missiles to force it to stop.
quote:Many pirates, especially those in eastern Asia, belong to organized crime syndicates comprising corrupt officials, port workers, hired thugs, and businessmen who dispose of the booty. Grossly underpaid maritime security personnel have also begun to enter the business; many are complicit, and some are actively involved, in attacks.