I remember reading somewhere that around the time of Terry Waite and others being kidnapped in Beirut in the mid-late 80s, the local scallies decided it might be a good idea to take a couple of Russians hostage too
Apparantly the Kremlin wasn't too keen on the idea though and a couple of the locals rapidly became temporary guests of Uncle Boris. Who kindly returned them a few days later, albeit minus a few body parts, but full of useful advice about the wisdom of kidnapping Soviet citizens
The story went that the kidnapped Russians were released immediately along with a grovelling apology and the promise not to do anything quite so silly in future.
And I think that's the way to deal with these pirates - communicate with them in a way they understand. Soft soap and pussy footing round the issue simply isn't working
