Captain Richard Phillips has been rescued and the three pirates holding him captive have been killed.  A fourth pirate who was responsible for negotiations is in custody.  It's good to see a happy ending.

     The rescue by the United States, along with a recent rescue by France, will hopefully make some pirates think twice.  Although, I don't think this is likely.  As I was watching a report on Fox News, I learned that the United Nations passed a resolution to stop piracy.  Unfortunately, governments can only act when the piracy is in progress, and crews are not allowed to arm themselves.  This situation turned out well, but we might not be so lucky next time.

     Crews should be allowed to have weapons to defend themselves.  It is possible that some pirates would be dissuaded by armed crews.  With over 200 hostages being held in Somalia, I'm wondering if the international community will make an attempt to save them and go after Somalian pirates.  The time for such an operation is long overdue.