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25/05/2013

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Outlook

Image for Held For Years By Somali Pirates

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Held For Years By Somali Pirates

Duration:
25 minutes
First broadcast:
Wednesday 23 January 2013

Matthew Bannister talks to Gul Bacha and Ali Mohammad, two seamen from Pakistan's Swat Valley who were held hostage for nearly three years by Somali pirates. They were beaten and tortured before they were released in a 12 day gun fight.

Also Anthony Swofford, the former US marine who wrote a bestselling book called 'Jarhead' about his experiences, reveals why that money didn't bring him happiness.

And Outlook listeners share their surprising and touching stories of long distance love affairs.

Picture: An armed Somali pirate looks out to sea.
Picture Credit: MOHAMED DAHIR/AFP/Getty Images

  • Anthony Swofford

    Anthony Swofford, the author of Jarhead

    The ex-Marine who wrote Jarhead says his success nearly killed him.

    Picture: Anthony Swofford

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