New York Times:  “The Cook Islands have a smaller population — about 20,000 — than one apartment complex in Manhattan, and an economy with little to offer except tourism and pearl exports.  The country contracts out its national defense to New Zealand, which is four hours away by plane.   But sand and sun are not the attractions for some Americans who have sent their money to the Cook Islands.  Under Cook Islands law, foreign court orders are generally disregarded, which is helpful for someone trying to keep assets away from creditors.”