Somali pirates' area of operations decreased in 2011, as did the number of successful ship hijackings. However, the fundamental factors that lead to pirate activity remain largely unaddressed.
Though international observers hope the Dec. 11 parliamentary elections in Ivory Coast will help repair the damage from the country's 2010-2011 civil war, the elections are more likely to further political grievances.
While former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's death is symbolically important, the fall of Sirte and the start of efforts to form a transitional government are more significant. (With STRATFOR map)
