I believe there is a great disconnect in our world. Before taking Global Seminar, I saw institutions such as the United Nations and our great United States democratic government as strong, relatively fair and powerful institutions. After doing some research with the war in Somalia and after finishing the first several weeks of Global Seminar my understanding of the intuitions that strengthen our country and dominate the world is much more complex as I call there greatness into question. With my research I ask why these institutions cannot help stop years of internal strife within the suffering country of Somalia. Why was the help to Gorazade, and so many countries all over the world, just as weak? It seems to be a reoccurring theme to see that intervention takes place only after a problem is spread through the media arising emotions of citizens and help only comes after the problem worsens to a point where the suffering citizens cry for savior is heard around the world even if it could have been avoided in the first place. These intuitions do not have emotions. Everything has become to ideological that we are blinded.
In Amy Chua’s article, she describes America as the dominant “dominant minority” of the world. Supporters believe that markets and democracy is the ultimately solution to the “multiple ills of development”. The cold war spirit of saving falling countries by imposing democracy on their societies is what we have known throughout time, and as American have experiences the benefits democracy reaps. The ideological image of democracy, however, blinds us to see that democracy might not be the best answer. Instead it has sparked further instability, such as in Somalia, and a backlash has been created.
Just as democracy has been an ideological image, I believe the strength of our world’s leading institution’s strength has also been idealized. Joe Sacco uses his cartoon to illustrate in a very effective and matter of fact manner the humanitarian crisis of ethnic conflict in Bosnia. The reader encounters several characters that are living through the war and deep emotions are sparked. While reading Sacco’s book my sympathy for the character grew alongside my frustration towards the UN who seemed to accomplish nothing. Even though the UN was present in Bosnia, the rest of the world was blind to what was going on. The disconnect lies between the people and the truth behind their intuitions and what is truly going on. Peacekeeping efforts were horrible and the people suffered the consequences. It wasn’t until the Serbs had basically destroyed Bosnia that the United States finally took action.
Although my vision of the world has been altered, I have not lost faith in our institutions. I just can’t help but question the motives behind the inactivity of our intuitions and I believe that some of these disconnections need to be connected.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
COLLECTION OF IDEAS FROM RECENT RESEARCH:
Strong religious boundaries with US intervention/ downfalls of US intervention - (Susie Bayer T shirt article)- Used clothing is accepted worldwide through networks of corrupt distributors who see this charity pouring out of American’s clothes as an opportunity to make money. This creates issues of dominating and contaminating cultures of ingenious places. On the other hand, it is charity. Packer brings up the point of how countries are often capable of producing their own products, but as western nations send out things such as clothing they also send the message that they are not capable of doing such things. Also it competes with domestic business making it nearly impossible to succeed. Developing countries need our long-term support, not absent minded domination. Mention Somalia: “proves to be more resistant to western clothing,” for religious reasons and calls the used clothing “rather contemptuously, huudhaydh—as in, who had died?”
US intervention, a positive note of understanding and genuine motives behind helping- A chance to learn new things!- both sides (US Supports Burundi’s Efforts in Somalia)- US works with Burundi officers to enhance leadership capacity before leaving for peacekeeping rotation in Mogadishu. This is under the “African Union Mission in Somalia”, an operation to stabilize security in Somalia and directed under the African Union that compromises over 53 African states. They are going to use what they have learned from the US to implement further peace. Burundi is a recent victim of civil war and is now apart of the union with eastern niegbbors. US has also sees this as an opportunity to engage with other land forces and there “is a great thirst for knowledge.”
Capture Osama Bin Laden and tides will turn tides as his legacy continues in Somalia. (Top job now is to go after terror’s shining symbol) The extremist al-shabaab have threatened the World Food Program to cease operations in the south and they have done so out of fear. A lot can be blamed on them, but more so Osama Bin Laden who is the “shining star” of Islamic terrorism. Bin Laden has brewed trouble ever since the attack on the USS Cole, Khobar towers in Saudi Arabia, bombing of US embassy in Kenya and Tanzania. Al Queda has imitated and supported such attacks and it all came too real with the 9/11 attacks. Bush declared a war on terror, attacked Afghanistan and within 2 years diverted his interest into Iraq. Today, Bin Laden resides in Pakistan and continues to serve as inspirational symbol world wide. Bin Laden is extremist super hero, he attacked the world only super power, “permanently altered the nation’s domestic and foreign policies- and got away with it.” Support for him has exploded amongst Islamists. Al-shabaab is one of them, and is of the vilest. He still issues tapes each month and his legacy lives on. The most effective thing for the US to do is capture their shining star.
Islamic extremists Al- Shabaab views against the World Food Program, they are competing with local farmers and should stop bringing food from overseas. They have a point too. (Bloomberg). The rebels deny demanding security payments from WFP. The WFP has curbed aid because of the unreasonable conditions set by the rebels. The rebels demand 20,000 dollars for security every six months and refuse the food distribution to areas they control. Al-shabaabs spokesman claims they have not asked for any money. As much as a million are in need of food but they have stopped because of the rebels. The rebels believe that allah is the provider of food, not the WFP. They also ask that the WFP buys from local farmers to support production and not get food from over seas. The spokesman explains that they could then, “distribute to any place it needs.”
WFP leaves lines of communication open to rebels who have provoked their suspension in southern Somalia. (WFP sees no quick solution..) They have no plans to leave Somalia completely, but they do not see a quick solution to Somalia’s crisis. They emphasize the suspension of food to over one million people in the south is only temporary and they continue to feed the mouth of two million hungry people in the rest of the country, including in Mogadishu. The situation in the south is dire and is likely to worsen and they have removed aid to places they suspect will soon increase with demand. The main reason for leaving was the escalated attack from al-Shabab against the staff and unacceptable demands. They asked for large sums of money and for all women to be removed from the posts. The UN says it has been difficulty to maintain operations in the face of constant threats, extortion and looting. Staff members have been assaulted, kidnapped or murdered. Despite the risks, the UN makes it clear they will not abandon the people of Somalia. But are they really doing that much good for them? Other than these food groups, which seem to cause even more anger and chaos between the government and insurgencies, what else has the UN really done?
“Darfur may not be the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.”(As Crisis swells, experts see a void in aid)- Somalia is a forgotten emergency. It has 200,000 people who have been displaced and are crammed into swelling camps that are rapidly running out of food. Mogadishu is a bloodbath. Natheefa Ali’s 10 month old baby was so mal nourished it could not swallow and “her skin is falling off too.” Top united nations officials who specialize in Somalia said the “country had higher malnutrition rates, more current bloodshed and fewer aid workers than darfur”. Darfur is publicized as the largest crisis and has gotten clear priority in terms of aid money and peacekeeping. People are hungry, exposed sick and dying. There are few aid organizations willing to brave the dangerous environment to keep up with the needs of the Somalis who have been driven out by the constant combat between the transitional government (installed impartially by the us) and Islamic insurgencies. Eric Laroche, head of UN humanitarian operations in Somalia says, “Many of these kids are going to die- we don’t have the capacity to reach them.” He also added that if this were going on in darfur, there would be a big fuss, “but Somalia has been a forgetten emergency for years.” Their situation includes floods, droughts, locusts, suicide bombers, roadside bombs and near-daily assinnations. They have also experienced a recent round of plagues. 19% malnutrition in Somalia, 13% in Darfur, and 15% is the emergency rate. Aid in Sarfur comes in the form of an over billion dollar plan whereas in Somalia it barely reaches 200 million. Aid is hard to get because of the conditions; it is still considered a no-go zone just last week two aid disruptors were shot to death in the center of Mogadishu. Pirates also lurk off the coast of Somalia and attack more than 20 this year, including two that have contained UN food supplies. Militias rule the street with load weapons and are usually young teenage boys with flip flops and wraparound sun glasses- these soldiers have up-ed roadblock tax prices to $400 per truck. The African Union promised to send out 8,000 workers, but only 1,600 Ugandans have arrived while the union continues to build of Darfur’s 26,000 aid worker group. They have a drought-flood-drought cycle, that has left an impenetrable crust over fields and caused the worst cereal harvest in 13 years.
The UN has conceived that Somalia was in better shape before intervention. During this time was when the Islamic movement reigned only last year. It was more peaceful and the country was easier to work with under their rule. “The islamists didn’t cause us any problems,” Laroche explained. This period of six months was the most peaceful Somali’s has tasted in years, it was named the “Golden Era.” There “ills” have come in waves. In 1991, clan based militias overthrew the government and Somalia became an anarchy. The fighting resulted in disrupted markets, kept out aid shipments, and led to to rapid inflation of food prices. Hundreds of thousands starved. 1992 the USA tried to come to the rescue and sent thousands of soldiers to Somalia to assist with humanitarian operations but quickly pulled out after Somali militiamen shot down two Black Hawk helicopters in Mogadishu in 1993 (USA went to help, but just to return a year later- they gave up). After that, they basically turned its back on Somalia. In 2006, they began paying attention again when Islamic movement emerged from the chaos and seized control. The US and Ethiopia (once rival) quickly labeled the islamists as a threat and accused them of having connections with Al-Qaeda. These islamist, however, were popular at home initially but eventually over played there hand and declared a holy war against Ethiopia in 2006. American helped out, and bombed fleeing islamists! The USA saw this as an “anti-terrorist success” and a transitional government was installed by the end of December. The TFG struggles against Islamist fighters, rival clans, and profiteers who have made a fortune off the anarchy- by exporting expired baby formula or renting former government lands. The transitional government, like the 13 others that have come before it, will fail unless it reaches out to Islamic elements and becomes more illusive. “We want the Islamics back” says, Mohammed Ahmed, a 80 year old squatter- he was not especially religious, but “at least we had food.”
A lack of commitment weakens the international community and wastes resources. (Somalia’s Government needs more effective and coordinated support. UN Enovoy)The international community still has good cards but should play them right. It can no longer be ignored. Somali Representative, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah thinks that to prevent the situation for getting any worse, “we should join the dots.” Play the card of the current government whole-heartedly. “There is an absence in concrete commitment and a determined international policy towards Somalia and its present leadership.” Because of this continued lack of commitment, “continued hesitation and the absence of effective action have encouraged the extremists and, at the same time, weakened the government. He also explains even though there is a lot of international support of TFG, but it is not “translated into the necessary material assistance.” Support is talking the talk, but no walking the walk. Somalia is not longer a “failed state” but rather it is in a “fragile state” that “should be nurtured, supported to be able to carry out its responsibility at home and abroad, including in the region.” He suggests to the council “that the international community depart from past practices of uncoordinated efforts and individual diplomatic initiatives, support a common policy objective and fully support the government.” This would send a “strong message to extremists by strengthening the government in a practical manner.” Suggested to also work closely with regional organizations. Everything needs to be back be “concrete action”. All should be done in an harmonized manor. Failure to intervene in this harmonized and concrete manner is already threatening the effectiveness of our international community while also costing vast amounts of resources. “Failure to act now in a decisive manner can only dramatically increase these costs.
It is an Islamist vs. Islamist war. From a clan war to a religious war. (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- Once men of peace, Sufi Islamist have risen to fight against extremists. It was initially ripped apart by its clans in 1991. Fighters from different clans are now forming alliances and battling one another on religious lines. Sufi are regarded as the moderate figures in which western countries are relying on to repel the al-shabab who jihadists are flying in to support. Whether the country becomes an incubator for terrorists and a genuine regional threat or is finally steadied from its previous years of war, hinges on who wins these battles in the months to come. Before, everything was clan and now we see the beginnings of a ideological, sectarian war form for the first time in Somalia which “scares me” says Rashid Abdi, an analysts of international crisis. Sufi version stressed tolerance, mysticism and a personal relationship with God. Al-shabab expresses strict separation of sexes and harsh punishments.
Historical Context Stuff- (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- For 2 years, the TFG and Ethiopians fought the Islamic Insurgents. In January, they got what they want: the Ethiopians pulled out, an unpopular president stepped down, and moderate Islamists took the helm of the internationally recognized transitional government of Somalia, raising hope for peace. But since then, verdict from these Islamists have been mixed. Some questioned why war continued even though they had gotten what the wanted. Extremists soon routed control in government and controls began to shrink. Islamists continued to rage through the war, and opposed the new government, they wanted more! As extremist rose, the moderate group of the Sufis did too. Ethopians and outside support also grew. People were being ruthlessly killed, relentless mortar fires took places and civilians began to trudge into the arid countryside where they faced the worst drought in decades.
Sufi have achieved something the transitional government has not, grass-root support. (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- They have grown exponentially and are backed by local clans. In areas where the al-shaaba were once in control (like dusa), Somalis remember that time as one of terror. The extremist had assassinated a dozen elders and beheaded two women for selling tea. However, the people did have respect for them for driving out the Ethiopians. But after they left, they wondered why the war continued. After the Shabab shot dead several Sufi students, the Sufi knew they needed to take action. In December 2009, the sufi army rose and defeated the Shabab in their controlled area of Dusa Marreb in Somalia. The Sufis are allied to the TFG which has promised to rule with some form of Islamic Law and continue to defend their area against the
Shabab.
The Jihadist Next Door Notes-The jihadist from next door goes by the name Omaar Hammami. Once the president of his class and now the leader of behind one of Islamist insurgencies trying to over throw the American backed Somali Government, Hammami has led of life of transformation and conflicting beliefs. He grew up in a home with Muslim scriptures that decorated the walls while also attending a southern Baptist church where he had been baptized. His dad, a muslim, was a immigrant from Syria. He was a more moderate and “assimilated” muslim. Omaar lived a very “American life.” As a child, he didn’t believe in war and remained as the “cool” kid. He had a constant internal struggle between being a muslim and Christian. In his sophomore year he took a trip to visit family in Damascus and he fell in love with the muslim ideas of “brotherhood” and the role he played as a male on his trip. Soon “he traded in his khakis an polo shirts for a long tunic and a prayer cap. He declined into Islam, praying at school and became distant from friends. He defended osmam bin laden, tried to convert classmates, and assailed a teacher for being jewish. With high test scores, he graduated early and attended the University of South Alabama where he went to a mosque on campus and became the president of the muslim Student Society. After 9/11, he could believe muslims could do such a thing and as people approached him with questions he felt like he did not know enough. Looking for answers he fell under the guidance of Tom Sylvester, a 35 year old white convert. Tom was a major voice of the salafi movement, which means “ancestors” and he supported a more traditional interpretation of the Koran by purging modern influences. His group broke over the issue of violence.Hamammi denounced those Islamic miltants, who he once defended, and looked down on the violence. He was very strict with religion and after refusing to pose for a family photo his father kicked him out of the house. In 2002 he dropped out of school after collapsing under the stress of being around women. Traveled, spreading his religion and picked up on some odd jobs. Soon he ended up in Canada with a Somali wife who eventually converted in being a muslim. For years, he decided to ignore current events to focus on religion but soon became consumed in it after realizing the history he missed.
He couldn’t help but get involved and began rethinking the salafi stance on non-militancy. (Jihadist Next Door) Omaar asks, “I was finding it difficult to reconcile between having Americans attacking my brothers, at home and abroad, while I was suppose to remain neutral, without getting involved?” He soon concluded that his teachers had been “hiding many parts of the religion from him.” He sought to embrace a higher purpose and dream of becoming an honorable jihadist. He was waiting for a “pure Jihad” which came in the form of Somalia. He married and move to Eygypt.and through the internet eventually made his way into Somalia to help the al-shabab. He saw the promise of an Islamic land and hoped for a pure state in Somalia.Since, he has starred in many youtube videos and is the face of the Islamic extremist movement hoping to recruit more jihadist.
He is of many other religious terrorist whose deep roots are seen as radical. The Internet has brought muslims closer. For Omaar, it was the event of Iraq that led him to look toward militancy. He explains that he exhibits the same “cree ahd methodology of the AlQaeda,” and that all of him and his followers “ are ready and willing to obey (osama’s) plans.
The major split of Muslims; Violence. (Jihadist Next Door). Salafis dressed in sandals and dresses, they also seek to be more traditional than assimilated parents. They also believed in non-violence and that political engagement frays away from core beliefs. Another sect of the salafi are the revolutionaries, or so called salafi jihadis(osama).
OGNLF presents a conflict of ethnic background between Somalia and Ethiopia. (Ogden: Seven Ethiopian Towns Taken)Ogden Nation Liberation Front has captured seven Ethiopia towns from government forces in southeast Somali. These forces were warmly welcomed by populations and they are aiding those harmed by retreating ethipopian armies. The are fighting for the independence of ethnic Somalis in ethopia’s Ogden area. Ethiopia has drawn a counter attack.
US intervention, a positive note of understanding and genuine motives behind helping- A chance to learn new things!- both sides (US Supports Burundi’s Efforts in Somalia)- US works with Burundi officers to enhance leadership capacity before leaving for peacekeeping rotation in Mogadishu. This is under the “African Union Mission in Somalia”, an operation to stabilize security in Somalia and directed under the African Union that compromises over 53 African states. They are going to use what they have learned from the US to implement further peace. Burundi is a recent victim of civil war and is now apart of the union with eastern niegbbors. US has also sees this as an opportunity to engage with other land forces and there “is a great thirst for knowledge.”
Capture Osama Bin Laden and tides will turn tides as his legacy continues in Somalia. (Top job now is to go after terror’s shining symbol) The extremist al-shabaab have threatened the World Food Program to cease operations in the south and they have done so out of fear. A lot can be blamed on them, but more so Osama Bin Laden who is the “shining star” of Islamic terrorism. Bin Laden has brewed trouble ever since the attack on the USS Cole, Khobar towers in Saudi Arabia, bombing of US embassy in Kenya and Tanzania. Al Queda has imitated and supported such attacks and it all came too real with the 9/11 attacks. Bush declared a war on terror, attacked Afghanistan and within 2 years diverted his interest into Iraq. Today, Bin Laden resides in Pakistan and continues to serve as inspirational symbol world wide. Bin Laden is extremist super hero, he attacked the world only super power, “permanently altered the nation’s domestic and foreign policies- and got away with it.” Support for him has exploded amongst Islamists. Al-shabaab is one of them, and is of the vilest. He still issues tapes each month and his legacy lives on. The most effective thing for the US to do is capture their shining star.
Islamic extremists Al- Shabaab views against the World Food Program, they are competing with local farmers and should stop bringing food from overseas. They have a point too. (Bloomberg). The rebels deny demanding security payments from WFP. The WFP has curbed aid because of the unreasonable conditions set by the rebels. The rebels demand 20,000 dollars for security every six months and refuse the food distribution to areas they control. Al-shabaabs spokesman claims they have not asked for any money. As much as a million are in need of food but they have stopped because of the rebels. The rebels believe that allah is the provider of food, not the WFP. They also ask that the WFP buys from local farmers to support production and not get food from over seas. The spokesman explains that they could then, “distribute to any place it needs.”
WFP leaves lines of communication open to rebels who have provoked their suspension in southern Somalia. (WFP sees no quick solution..) They have no plans to leave Somalia completely, but they do not see a quick solution to Somalia’s crisis. They emphasize the suspension of food to over one million people in the south is only temporary and they continue to feed the mouth of two million hungry people in the rest of the country, including in Mogadishu. The situation in the south is dire and is likely to worsen and they have removed aid to places they suspect will soon increase with demand. The main reason for leaving was the escalated attack from al-Shabab against the staff and unacceptable demands. They asked for large sums of money and for all women to be removed from the posts. The UN says it has been difficulty to maintain operations in the face of constant threats, extortion and looting. Staff members have been assaulted, kidnapped or murdered. Despite the risks, the UN makes it clear they will not abandon the people of Somalia. But are they really doing that much good for them? Other than these food groups, which seem to cause even more anger and chaos between the government and insurgencies, what else has the UN really done?
“Darfur may not be the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.”(As Crisis swells, experts see a void in aid)- Somalia is a forgotten emergency. It has 200,000 people who have been displaced and are crammed into swelling camps that are rapidly running out of food. Mogadishu is a bloodbath. Natheefa Ali’s 10 month old baby was so mal nourished it could not swallow and “her skin is falling off too.” Top united nations officials who specialize in Somalia said the “country had higher malnutrition rates, more current bloodshed and fewer aid workers than darfur”. Darfur is publicized as the largest crisis and has gotten clear priority in terms of aid money and peacekeeping. People are hungry, exposed sick and dying. There are few aid organizations willing to brave the dangerous environment to keep up with the needs of the Somalis who have been driven out by the constant combat between the transitional government (installed impartially by the us) and Islamic insurgencies. Eric Laroche, head of UN humanitarian operations in Somalia says, “Many of these kids are going to die- we don’t have the capacity to reach them.” He also added that if this were going on in darfur, there would be a big fuss, “but Somalia has been a forgetten emergency for years.” Their situation includes floods, droughts, locusts, suicide bombers, roadside bombs and near-daily assinnations. They have also experienced a recent round of plagues. 19% malnutrition in Somalia, 13% in Darfur, and 15% is the emergency rate. Aid in Sarfur comes in the form of an over billion dollar plan whereas in Somalia it barely reaches 200 million. Aid is hard to get because of the conditions; it is still considered a no-go zone just last week two aid disruptors were shot to death in the center of Mogadishu. Pirates also lurk off the coast of Somalia and attack more than 20 this year, including two that have contained UN food supplies. Militias rule the street with load weapons and are usually young teenage boys with flip flops and wraparound sun glasses- these soldiers have up-ed roadblock tax prices to $400 per truck. The African Union promised to send out 8,000 workers, but only 1,600 Ugandans have arrived while the union continues to build of Darfur’s 26,000 aid worker group. They have a drought-flood-drought cycle, that has left an impenetrable crust over fields and caused the worst cereal harvest in 13 years.
The UN has conceived that Somalia was in better shape before intervention. During this time was when the Islamic movement reigned only last year. It was more peaceful and the country was easier to work with under their rule. “The islamists didn’t cause us any problems,” Laroche explained. This period of six months was the most peaceful Somali’s has tasted in years, it was named the “Golden Era.” There “ills” have come in waves. In 1991, clan based militias overthrew the government and Somalia became an anarchy. The fighting resulted in disrupted markets, kept out aid shipments, and led to to rapid inflation of food prices. Hundreds of thousands starved. 1992 the USA tried to come to the rescue and sent thousands of soldiers to Somalia to assist with humanitarian operations but quickly pulled out after Somali militiamen shot down two Black Hawk helicopters in Mogadishu in 1993 (USA went to help, but just to return a year later- they gave up). After that, they basically turned its back on Somalia. In 2006, they began paying attention again when Islamic movement emerged from the chaos and seized control. The US and Ethiopia (once rival) quickly labeled the islamists as a threat and accused them of having connections with Al-Qaeda. These islamist, however, were popular at home initially but eventually over played there hand and declared a holy war against Ethiopia in 2006. American helped out, and bombed fleeing islamists! The USA saw this as an “anti-terrorist success” and a transitional government was installed by the end of December. The TFG struggles against Islamist fighters, rival clans, and profiteers who have made a fortune off the anarchy- by exporting expired baby formula or renting former government lands. The transitional government, like the 13 others that have come before it, will fail unless it reaches out to Islamic elements and becomes more illusive. “We want the Islamics back” says, Mohammed Ahmed, a 80 year old squatter- he was not especially religious, but “at least we had food.”
A lack of commitment weakens the international community and wastes resources. (Somalia’s Government needs more effective and coordinated support. UN Enovoy)The international community still has good cards but should play them right. It can no longer be ignored. Somali Representative, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah thinks that to prevent the situation for getting any worse, “we should join the dots.” Play the card of the current government whole-heartedly. “There is an absence in concrete commitment and a determined international policy towards Somalia and its present leadership.” Because of this continued lack of commitment, “continued hesitation and the absence of effective action have encouraged the extremists and, at the same time, weakened the government. He also explains even though there is a lot of international support of TFG, but it is not “translated into the necessary material assistance.” Support is talking the talk, but no walking the walk. Somalia is not longer a “failed state” but rather it is in a “fragile state” that “should be nurtured, supported to be able to carry out its responsibility at home and abroad, including in the region.” He suggests to the council “that the international community depart from past practices of uncoordinated efforts and individual diplomatic initiatives, support a common policy objective and fully support the government.” This would send a “strong message to extremists by strengthening the government in a practical manner.” Suggested to also work closely with regional organizations. Everything needs to be back be “concrete action”. All should be done in an harmonized manor. Failure to intervene in this harmonized and concrete manner is already threatening the effectiveness of our international community while also costing vast amounts of resources. “Failure to act now in a decisive manner can only dramatically increase these costs.
It is an Islamist vs. Islamist war. From a clan war to a religious war. (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- Once men of peace, Sufi Islamist have risen to fight against extremists. It was initially ripped apart by its clans in 1991. Fighters from different clans are now forming alliances and battling one another on religious lines. Sufi are regarded as the moderate figures in which western countries are relying on to repel the al-shabab who jihadists are flying in to support. Whether the country becomes an incubator for terrorists and a genuine regional threat or is finally steadied from its previous years of war, hinges on who wins these battles in the months to come. Before, everything was clan and now we see the beginnings of a ideological, sectarian war form for the first time in Somalia which “scares me” says Rashid Abdi, an analysts of international crisis. Sufi version stressed tolerance, mysticism and a personal relationship with God. Al-shabab expresses strict separation of sexes and harsh punishments.
Historical Context Stuff- (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- For 2 years, the TFG and Ethiopians fought the Islamic Insurgents. In January, they got what they want: the Ethiopians pulled out, an unpopular president stepped down, and moderate Islamists took the helm of the internationally recognized transitional government of Somalia, raising hope for peace. But since then, verdict from these Islamists have been mixed. Some questioned why war continued even though they had gotten what the wanted. Extremists soon routed control in government and controls began to shrink. Islamists continued to rage through the war, and opposed the new government, they wanted more! As extremist rose, the moderate group of the Sufis did too. Ethopians and outside support also grew. People were being ruthlessly killed, relentless mortar fires took places and civilians began to trudge into the arid countryside where they faced the worst drought in decades.
Sufi have achieved something the transitional government has not, grass-root support. (For Somalia, Chaos Breeds Religious War)- They have grown exponentially and are backed by local clans. In areas where the al-shaaba were once in control (like dusa), Somalis remember that time as one of terror. The extremist had assassinated a dozen elders and beheaded two women for selling tea. However, the people did have respect for them for driving out the Ethiopians. But after they left, they wondered why the war continued. After the Shabab shot dead several Sufi students, the Sufi knew they needed to take action. In December 2009, the sufi army rose and defeated the Shabab in their controlled area of Dusa Marreb in Somalia. The Sufis are allied to the TFG which has promised to rule with some form of Islamic Law and continue to defend their area against the
Shabab.
The Jihadist Next Door Notes-The jihadist from next door goes by the name Omaar Hammami. Once the president of his class and now the leader of behind one of Islamist insurgencies trying to over throw the American backed Somali Government, Hammami has led of life of transformation and conflicting beliefs. He grew up in a home with Muslim scriptures that decorated the walls while also attending a southern Baptist church where he had been baptized. His dad, a muslim, was a immigrant from Syria. He was a more moderate and “assimilated” muslim. Omaar lived a very “American life.” As a child, he didn’t believe in war and remained as the “cool” kid. He had a constant internal struggle between being a muslim and Christian. In his sophomore year he took a trip to visit family in Damascus and he fell in love with the muslim ideas of “brotherhood” and the role he played as a male on his trip. Soon “he traded in his khakis an polo shirts for a long tunic and a prayer cap. He declined into Islam, praying at school and became distant from friends. He defended osmam bin laden, tried to convert classmates, and assailed a teacher for being jewish. With high test scores, he graduated early and attended the University of South Alabama where he went to a mosque on campus and became the president of the muslim Student Society. After 9/11, he could believe muslims could do such a thing and as people approached him with questions he felt like he did not know enough. Looking for answers he fell under the guidance of Tom Sylvester, a 35 year old white convert. Tom was a major voice of the salafi movement, which means “ancestors” and he supported a more traditional interpretation of the Koran by purging modern influences. His group broke over the issue of violence.Hamammi denounced those Islamic miltants, who he once defended, and looked down on the violence. He was very strict with religion and after refusing to pose for a family photo his father kicked him out of the house. In 2002 he dropped out of school after collapsing under the stress of being around women. Traveled, spreading his religion and picked up on some odd jobs. Soon he ended up in Canada with a Somali wife who eventually converted in being a muslim. For years, he decided to ignore current events to focus on religion but soon became consumed in it after realizing the history he missed.
He couldn’t help but get involved and began rethinking the salafi stance on non-militancy. (Jihadist Next Door) Omaar asks, “I was finding it difficult to reconcile between having Americans attacking my brothers, at home and abroad, while I was suppose to remain neutral, without getting involved?” He soon concluded that his teachers had been “hiding many parts of the religion from him.” He sought to embrace a higher purpose and dream of becoming an honorable jihadist. He was waiting for a “pure Jihad” which came in the form of Somalia. He married and move to Eygypt.and through the internet eventually made his way into Somalia to help the al-shabab. He saw the promise of an Islamic land and hoped for a pure state in Somalia.Since, he has starred in many youtube videos and is the face of the Islamic extremist movement hoping to recruit more jihadist.
He is of many other religious terrorist whose deep roots are seen as radical. The Internet has brought muslims closer. For Omaar, it was the event of Iraq that led him to look toward militancy. He explains that he exhibits the same “cree ahd methodology of the AlQaeda,” and that all of him and his followers “ are ready and willing to obey (osama’s) plans.
The major split of Muslims; Violence. (Jihadist Next Door). Salafis dressed in sandals and dresses, they also seek to be more traditional than assimilated parents. They also believed in non-violence and that political engagement frays away from core beliefs. Another sect of the salafi are the revolutionaries, or so called salafi jihadis(osama).
OGNLF presents a conflict of ethnic background between Somalia and Ethiopia. (Ogden: Seven Ethiopian Towns Taken)Ogden Nation Liberation Front has captured seven Ethiopia towns from government forces in southeast Somali. These forces were warmly welcomed by populations and they are aiding those harmed by retreating ethipopian armies. The are fighting for the independence of ethnic Somalis in ethopia’s Ogden area. Ethiopia has drawn a counter attack.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
hmmmmm
In our first weeks of Global Seminar we have read a whole lot on globalization and between all the articles I have noticed they deal with quite depressing theories. I can imagine America as this big bully of a country, beating up on the feeble looking developed countries while other only slightly smaller (like china) help push ‘em back down. America and those other strong bullies, with all their money/power, seem to be the ones globalizing the world and the little guys cant help but go along. To use their resources, and save some money for nothing but economic reasons- we have globalize the world and now problems are arising. Weak countries can barely get on their feet, and as we learned from several of the articles- they are being used. For economic reasons we have gotten involved overseas, and although it may seem as though we are “helping”, many of the countries and actually worse off and their cultures are slowly dying out. As countries, citizens, and environments become lost in the world markets dominated by big industries something is lost. Today everything is made into some type of product, that looses its character. Therefore, companies can get away with their destructive behavior without feeling guilty because all they feel is the joy as their transactions are only a matter of making money and seeing money. I mean, most people/ business men are not TRYING to use and destroy these peoples lives but it seems as though they are. Local economies and business can’t start because of the presence of larger stronger countrie’s companies from overseas. This destruction is happening, is justified because of the money making but why is the other stuff barely recognized? This leads me to my own topic under this dark light of globalization… With the collaboration of the world’s greatest powers, why has peace within Somali border not been reached? It does not make sense that with the so-called help from the USSR, United States, neighboring countries and the United Nations, has only crippled the Somali nation if intentions had been genuine and everything was done to resolve the crisis. Struggle is widespread, crime and starvation is common, and Somalia is still being torn apart by chaos. Leaders and coalitions have constantly been changing throughout Somalia’s history, however, the people remain and their struggles have only multiplied. Maybe Somalia and the rest of the world might just be better off without globalization?
a little bit of background
Somalia’s cultural and historical heritage has been deeply rooted with time; however, in the last several decades the country’s wellbeing has been greatly stained. The introduction of corrupt officials and foreign imposters has led the country into a devastating civil war based off years of destruction and instability. The conflict can be traced back to the Oagden War, a Somali effort to gain the Ogaden area of Ethiopia. This effort was an attempt to unify several territories under the Somali flag as the small country expanded their borders into neighboring Ethiopia. Somali’s conflict with Ethiopia occurred during the Cold War Era and after the USSR switched from aiding Somalia to supporting Ethiopia, the United States, who previously backed Ethiopia, began supplying aid to Somalia. Despite having support from the two greatest world powers, the Ogaden conflict ended without resolve and forces retreated across their respected borders. During the war, however, the US had supplied large amounts of weapons to the anti- communist government of Siad Barre. After the war these weapons went into circulation amongst rising factions all while the communist- backed Ethiopian government began supporting rebels in Somalia. The country was turning into a ticking time bomb during a time where support for Barre was crashing. Factions rose to take advantage of the chaos and weapons fell into the hands of different clans and their forces. The central government lost control and the country could not function. By the 90s, Siad Barre’s government’s only source of control was over Mogadishu which was eventually overthrown by rebels whose factions were continuing to split and threatening each other. Neighboring countries tried to lend a helping hand but the country was slipping too fast. By 1993, the United Nations and the US sent humanitarian troops overseas. During this time, two thirds of Somalia’s land had also been granted as oil concession which promptly rose some eyebrows towards the motivation behind these relief missions. Relief efforts did not, however, sufficiently reversed the chaos and violence occurring in Somalia. In 2004, the Translational Federal Government was installed by the UN but it quickly came head to head with old rising regimes. The Islamic Courts Union (ICU), funded by the US CIA, began consolidating power in 2006 and was able to capture Mogadishu in the Second Battle of Mogadishu against the Transitional Federal Government. The Ethiopian government, who once supported Somali rebels, now has joined the central government’s effort against the ICU. There is no longer a national government in Somalia. There are parts of the north that are currently relatively peaceful, including the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland,” however, factional fighting continues.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Globalization, scary!!
The globalization that is taking over our world is not some innocent phenomenon of modern fads or a movement that’s success is based on acceptance and flawlessness. Globalization is, however, a straightjacket that countries are forced to put on as they are basically held at gunpoint by the electric herd. Thomas Friedman paints globalization in this light, as countries everywhere are switching their political global sovereignty over to greater powers. Because of the switch from cold war politics to this new age of globalization, there no longer are power politics that dictate the world around and instead it is the market forces above politics that lead the way. This is scary, especially as Ferguson points out that we resemble the time 1880-1914 and could be headed for a similar crash. Today the markets are in control, “there is no one in charge”. Every country is forced to squeeze into the straitjacket and our world is now connected by each other’s fate. This makes for a vulnerably fragile world stage, and with any conflict that arises, another “crash” could easily come.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mr. Mahbubani: Undermining the United States to Shift Power East
Kishore Mahbubani claims the United States is on the decline. He supports this assertion by explaining the United States has lacked sufficient leadership as a global power. The lack of leadership, Mahbubani highlights, is a result of the United States skewed self image of being “the source of all solutions”. This image has allowed the US to hold onto outdated positions and Mahbubani believes that the they have grown too stubborn to move over for “the Asian Century” . Despite his views on the United States’ irresponsible leadership over the last several decades, Mahbubani believes that strength within Western ideals have allowed other countries to rise. By implementing western principles of democracy through the premise of equality on the broad spectrum of the entire world, Mahbubani believes that social justice can finally be reached. The west has dominated too long and it is time for them to share their power with the rest of the world, Mahbubani sees this as the democratic solution to global issues. Mahbubani explains that the west must move over and accept “the fact that the asian states are becoming more competent at handling regional and global issues” and because they have failed to do so, “the west has gone from the world’s primary problem solver to being its single biggest liability”. Although his anti-western solution to global problems paints the United States in negative ways, Mahbubani has justified and illustrated claims against the US. He points out the United States failure in addressing has failed to address the Middle East conflict, nuclear proliferation limitations, stalled world trade and the global warming crisis. However, this evidence does not provide a strong enough base for the United States to hand over their power to the rest of the world. Mahbubani’s conclusion and key points are focused not on creating a more stable world, but rather he hopes to promote the rise of Asian nationalism. While undermining the US, Mahbubani creates an illusion that the only way to improve the united states’ relationship with the rest of the world is to hand over their power to the new era of Asian control who would provide a “more stable world order”. Though justified in his evaluation of the United State lack of success on the global level, Mahbubani key points are on bias terms and do not genuinely seek to improve the global condition but rather help shift power from the west into the hands of Asian states.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
http://www.onlf.org/viewpage.php?page_id=29- Ethnic Ogaden fighters oppose and attack Somali regions
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