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Sophia R.

War & Conflict Africa Somalia

Black Hawk Down: The Battle of Mogadishu and the 18 Hours That Ended America's Faith in Humanitarian War

An 18-hour raid in Mogadishu killed 18 Americans, an estimated 500+ Somalis, the Powell Doctrine, and became one of the worst foreign policy decisions in U.S. history.

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Black Hawk Down: The Battle of Mogadishu and the 18 Hours That Ended America's Faith in Humanitarian War

Somalia

Failed-state geography, pirate havens, and a coastline that became the operating base of the largest maritime kidnap-and-ransom industry in modern history.

Harardhere: The Somali Town That Listed Piracy on a Stock Exchange

The Underground

Harardhere: The Somali Town That Listed Piracy on a Stock Exchange

A Somali town built a stock exchange where you bought shares in upcoming hijackings. The founder was lured to Brussels by a fake film deal.

Portrait of a male author wearing a cap and backpack, smiling with a city skyline at sunset in the background.

Eyl: The Puntland Fishing Town That Became the Face of Somali Piracy

The Underground

Eyl: The Puntland Fishing Town That Became the Face of Somali Piracy

A fishing village with no electricity ran a billion-dollar piracy economy from its beach — anchoring the largest ship ever hijacked at sea.

Portrait of a male author wearing a cap and backpack, smiling with a city skyline at sunset in the background.

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