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A Malaysian maritime police commando captures a supposed pirate on a ship during a demonstration at Westport of Klang, Malaysia, Tuesday, June 29, 2004. Credit: Teh Eng Koon/AP.

Teh Eng Koon/AP

Former Piracy Hot Spot Sees
Huge Drop In Attacks

Five years ago, piracy was the scourge of Southeast Asia, not Somalia. Back then, about 40 percent of reported sea attacks occurred in the Strait of Malacca. Now, those attacks have fallen off, due to greater regional cooperation and increased resources to stop piracy. Above, a Malaysian commando captures a supposed pirate during an exercise in 2004 in response to a dramatic uptick in attacks.

In Somalia, Piracy Is An Attractive Career Option

Books

Why Do We Overeat? Fat, Sugar, And Salt

GM Posts
$6 Billion Loss
For First Quarter

The automaker has received $15.4 billion in federal loans and faces a June 1 government deadline to finish a restructuring plan or go into bankruptcy protection.

Graduates Brace
For Worst Job
Market In Years

Employers may cut on-campus hiring by more
than 20 percent.

Fiat Hopes To Benefit From Downturn

For Sen. Sessions, Appointment Is Vindication

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, once rejected for a judgeship, has replaced Sen. Arlen Specter as the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee.

Don't Miss

Elbow: The Weirdest Joint

On the upside of the recent flu mania, one weird body part is receiving new attention: the elbow.

Vote: Best Pathogen-Free Greeting

Commentary: 100 Years, 100 Novels, One List

Listing the best 100 novels of the 20th century is quite a task.

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Politics

Cheney Chooses Spotlight Over Keeping Quiet

by Liz Halloran

The powerful ex-vice president picks the path less traveled and vocally opposes some Obama policies.

Nation

Gay Marriage Leaps Ahead In Maine, N.H.

Maine's governor signed a bill Wednesday allowing the practice and was followed closely by the New Hampshire Legislature passing its own bill.

World

In Somalia, Piracy Is An Attractive Career Option

by Gwen Thompkins

Known for their pragmatism, Somalis have taken to piracy, a multimillion-dollar industry that works.

Health & Science

Inside The New Flu Virus

by Richard Knox

A new discovery: Swine flu had been circulating undetected in Mexico since last fall.

Deaths In Early Virus Outbreaks Can Be Misleading

Business

Kindle DX: Size Might Matter After All

by David Folkenflik

The larger Kindle DX may attract more digital newspaper subscribers.

Opinion

Against The Grain

100 Years, 100 Novels, One List

by Dick Meyer

Listing the best 100 novels of the 20th century is quite a task. At the risk of mockery, I share.

NPR Music

full music site

Mother's Mix

Give Mom a link to our music mix -- the gift that costs you nothing and involves no thought whatsoever. It'll give her something to listen to while she waits in vain for your phone call.