Overview
When Somalia’s government suffered an insurgency in the early 90’s, the United States engaged the country in a disastrous military operation most people know of through Black Hawk Down. Unprepared to deal with a multisided urban war, the US mission found itself being bested by insurgents and warlords at every turn. After the failed undertaking, the US withdrew from Somalia and–leaving the country in shambles–without a functioning government for nearly two decades. However, this changed last year when the Council of Islamic Courts (CIC) appeared poised to take power in Somalia and establish a stable government. However, as the CIC gained control of the capital of Mogadishu last January, providing the first hope for peace in decades, the United States backed an Ethiopian invasion of Somalia, providing the money, weapons, and air strikes needed to topple the CIC. Since then, Somalia’s situation has deteriorated from minor political hotspot to incomparable disaster.
Key Terms and Figures
Council of Islamic Courts: Group of Islamists who had formed the first (de facto) government in nearly 15 years. Had the war lords on the run and were generally popular among the populace. They ruled via Islamic law, held power until a US backed Ethiopian invasion removed them from power and returned the nation to the hands of a multitude of squabbling warlords.
Ethiopia: Currently occupies much of Somalia. They are resented by many of the citizens of Somalia for removing a popular government. This resentment has led to a broad insurgency against the occupiers and has led to the growth of Islamic militants and even terrorist recruitment – both generally unheard of before the invasion. Seen as a puppet for the United States.
United States: Failed to stabilize the nation in the early 90’s. Has since been using tactical air strikes to take out what they say are terrorist cells. The most recent strike was on March 3, eye witness claim that the missile killed at least six, all of whom – they say – were civilians. The US has also provided funding for Ethiopian intervention in the region.
The African Union: Has been assigned responsibility for stabilizing and rebuilding Somalia. However, with most of its resources going to Darfur – mainly because of Western pressure – it lacks the assets to accomplish much of anything in the nation.
Statistics of the conflict: In the last year, over one million people have been displaced. In the capitol alone, over 6,500 were killed. 90,000 children have been placed in mortal danger because of a lack of medical care. In the first two months of this year, 182 boats carrying 8,713 people arrived in Yemen, with at least 113 people perishing during the voyage and over 200 missing and presumed dead.
Major Issues
Terrorism: Much of this conflict, specifically the US involvement, has been cited as a part of the War on Terrorism. This has been based on the hypothesis that failed states are a prime breeding ground for terrorists. This has been somewhat warranted because Al Queada has maintained a strong influence in the southern regions of the nation. However, the US assertion that the CIC had ties to Al Queada has never been substantiated – suggesting that the Ethiopian invasion may have been an overreaction. This is especially true since the primary result of the invasion has been a decrease in the stability of the nation, and a subsequent resentment of the west. As such terrorist recruitment has been on a steady rise in Somalia, suggesting US efforts have effectively backfired.
Lack of Media Attention: While many would argue that 20 years of ethnic and economic violence in political vacuum would warrant a major crisis, Somalia has received very little attention in the mainstream press. Doctors Without Borders labeled it the most underreported story of 2007 and United Nations Security Council President Ricardo Arias called Somalia the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, even worse than Darfur. Despite this, it has failed to receive US press for two primary reasons. First, it simply is so dangerous that many reporters fear to go into the nation and report on the extent of the violence. With no semblance of a government, reporters are left at the mercy of local warlords, who often see them as either someone who can be bullied into telling an incorrect story or a great hostage. Beyond that the conflict has simply lost news novelty, the violence has been going on for almost 20 years, and it is an example of catastrophic US foreign policy failure across two presidents. All of this suggests that the media, and much of their apathy, may be why this conflict has failed to elict much public response.
Sample Questions
Should Ethiopia withdrawal from Somalia?
Is the international community doing enough to protect human rights in Somalia?
What should be the future of US foreign policy towards Somalia?
What can be done to prevent Somalia from breeding more terrorists?
What does the African Union need to bring stability to Somalia?