I saw a program on the History Channel recently on the history of piracy. Pirates not only still exist, but are actually thriving in multiple areas of the world like the African coasts, Indonesia, and, yes, even in the Caribbean. Apparently, during the Cold War the strong presence of American and Soviet navies around the world significantly reduced piracy everywhere. Since the Cold War ended ("ended"), piracy has been on the rise as both powers have reduced their naval presences.
Hard to believe there are still pirates in the world. Even when I was a kid I thought they were the stuff of legends.
Thanks, very interesting.
Thomas Jefferson refused to pay protection money to the Barbary pirates. Europe was ready with cash in hand. As they are today when their citizens are kidnapped by Islamic terrorists.
Same as it ever was.
An informative website
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/pirates.htm