In chaotic Somalia, economic stimulus packages come in the form of pirate booty. The country's weak central government cannot stop rogue seamen from hijacking huge commercial ships and demanding millions of dollars in ransom. Right now, these pirates are asking for a record $10 million [1] in exchange for a Saudi oil tanker [2] carrying over $100 million worth of cargo.

Thanks to the surge of cash, pirates bring a surge of commerce most places they go. CNN reports on life in the pirate-centric towns [3]:

• Savvy Somalians have created a pirate economy, selling cigarettes, food, and orange soda to pirates coming back to shore daily.
• Since pirates often take things without paying, sellers have set up a special credit program for them, hoping to be reimbursed when the ransoms come in.
• Formerly destitute towns are now lively centers filled with restaurants, luxury cars, and cyber cafes.
• More income has allowed residents to purchase generators that provide day-long electricity, previously unattainable.
• Pirates treat their captives well, hiring caterers to cook Western favorites like spaghetti and grilled fish.

Can you think of any way for pirates to channel their capabilities toward positive contributions to Somalian society that doesn't involve pillaging and plundering?

Source [4]