Free Republic

A story that I have been working on for some time is being published this Sunday in the Washington Post magazine. “The Princess of Somalia” is a long feature with a great photo spread. If you live in the Beltway area, be sure to have a look. The piece, which is unlike anything I have ever done, has been posted online today. I’ve been following this story since 2009, which is when I first met Michele Ballarin, who presented herself as someone who could tame Somali pirates and warlords and rebuild a broken country. She seemed to have the ear...

U.S. Woman Negotiating With Somali Pirates Virginia Businesswoman Michele Ballarin Returned Just Last Week From Somalia By MARTHA RADDATZ and RICHARD COOLIDGE Nov. 27, 2008 An American businesswoman with connections to U.S. intelligence and the military has been talking with the Somali pirates who have commandeered the Saudi oil tanker Sirius Star, trying to get the ship released, ABC News has confirmed. Michele Ballarin, an american businesswoman with connections to U.S. intelligence and the military, has been talking with the Somali pirates who have commandeered the Saudi oil tanker Sirius Star, trying to get the ship released, ABC News has...

I have heard of tough women before. And mean women. And women most men wouldn't dare cross. But to end the Somali Piracy industry . . . with a satellite phone? Now that is tough. More . . .