America is now supplying weapons and training support to the transitional government in Somalia. No American troops or even trainers on the ground; just weapons and support.
The 1992 Mess
Apparently, Obama has learnt the lessons from the last failed intervention in the African Horn. One of the iconic photos from the ‘92-’93 era was that of an American Marine being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu by Somali rebels.
Americans have stayed away from Somalia since then, apart from providing naval and air support to the Ethiopian invasion a few years back. The recent resurgence of Somali rebels, however, has caused sufficient concern in Washington to merit another intervention, but from afar.
The biggest problems for the transitional government are dearth of support among the populace, lack of fighters and a parliament without credible leaders.
State claims that these new weapons will now:
repel the onslaught of extremist forces which are intent on… spoiling efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia
Wrong. The African desk at State is comprised of a bunch of idiots, unfortunately. Just providing weapons will not help, when there’s no one to fire them.
Obama – don’t make the mistake of supplying machinery to a corrupt bunch of warlords who will merely sell it all off on the international market for a neat profit. Obama’s new policy in Somalia is already doomed to failure.
Somalia needs sensible policy. Somalia needs negotiations. Somalia needs reconciliation. Not more weapons.
