Is piracy in the Gulf of Aden helping to create the (im?)perfect storm leading to one of Barack Obama's first serious crises upon taking office? It sure seems that way. Shipping firms, which are suffering some of the worst losses at the hands of the Somali brigands, are demanding action. India's navy is stepping up its presence in the gulf. And the economic and political instability that created and enabled piracy in the first place shows no sign of improving. In short, this is not a story that seems likely to fade any time soon and it will almost certainly draw the attention of an Obama administration fairly early.