Somali piracy is a symptom of a larger problem.

The fighting between Somalia's warlords has killed up to a million people, and forced many more to flee their homes. In the process, Somalia's farms and entire system of agriculture have been nearly destroyed. This, along with years of drought, when there has been little rainfall, has led to terrible famine in Somalia. The photo on the left shows two young victims of Somalia's years of famine. The picture on the right shows one of many tent cities in Somalia, made up of people who were forced to flee their homes because of violence. What do you think it is like to live like this?

The fighting in Somalia also destroyed its economy, making it one of the poorest countries in the world. The average yearly income in Somalia is only $650, compared to about $30,000 in the United States. Still, the Somali people have managed to create their own system of trade to keep their country running. And Somali people who have left the country often send money to their families to help them survive.

Meanwhile, Somali pirates can make more than $10,000 by capturing a ship. Can you understand why some Somalis are willing to risk their lives and the lives of their hostages as pirates? The Somali government has almost no power to stop the pirates from operating off Somalia's coast. What do you think the United States and the rest of the world's powerful nations can do to help the people of Somalia?