Somalia and the Pirates

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On the news recently was the report that four Americans that were hijacked in Somalian waters by Somalian pirates were killed during a rescue attempt. Obviously, this is a great tragedy.

But even though the waters are patrolled (ineffectively, apparently) by various nations to protect shipping from pirates, I keep wondering why Somalia hasn't been invaded by U.S. (or other) troops, and occupied, until the pirates are eliminated.

And the only reason I can think of is that Somalia doesn't have any oil reserves. It doesn't matter that scores of ships have been hijacked, and the crews killed, or imprisoned until some kind of ransom can be paid.

No oil - no strategic importance. If it were Iran or Iraq who were sending out pirates, then there would be no hesitation to invade them.

No, wait! That's already been done, and they have oil.

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