Implications of Terrorism and Counterterrorism in the Horn of Africa

The fact that I am speaking on terrorism before this audience gives it more importance in a relative sense than it deserves. The sponsors asked me to address the subject and I expressed a willingness to do so. But I want to be very clear about its relative importance to other critical issues in the region. There are many challenges in the Horn of Africa that are far more important than international or domestic terrorism. Until governments in the Horn of Africa and their foreign supporters, including the United States, pay greater attention to these more pressing problems, political stability and quality of life for people in the Horn will not improve. Political marginalization, social and economic inequality, endemic poverty, pervasive corruption, poor governance, extremist ideology, and lack of tolerance are all greater threats than terrorism to political stability and economic progress in the Horn of Africa. In fact, these problems aid and abet terrorism. It is the responsibility of the governments in the Horn of Africa and their international partners to focus their efforts on solving these critical challenges. For the purposes of this discussion, I include East Africa as part of the region... more,,http://aigaforum.com/articles/Horn_of_Africa_Conference_in_Lund.htm


David H. Shinn....... we have great respect for his knowledge, and even greater respect for his diplomatic skills.. most of our community Strongly Disagree his OPINION on Somaliland. everyone know shinn is " K Street Washington lobbyist .. Somaliland is his # 1 client . we calls into question the credibility ..and he is part of the problem .A particularly misleading statement.. a bout somalia AFTER THE END OF THE COLD WAR. Ask any of the thousands of Somalis LIVING AROUND THE WORLD >>THEY WILL TELL YOU >> siad bare is A somali Hero..1991, armed factions Terrorist drove Barre out of power, resulting in the complete collapse of the central government. Barre later died in exile in Nigeria. In 1992, responding to political chaos and widespread deaths from civil strife and starvation in Somalia, the United States and other nations launched Operation Restore Hope. Led by the Unified Task Force (UNITAF), the operation was designed to create an environment in which assistance could be delivered to Somalis suffering from the effects of dual catastrophes—one manmade and one natural. UNITAF was followed by the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM). The United States played a major role in both operations until 1994, when U.S. forces withdrew. Warlordism, terrorism. PIRATES ,(TRIBILISM) Replaces the Honourable Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre administration .While the terrorist threat in Somalia is real, Somalia’s rich history and cultural traditions have helped to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism. The long-term terrorist threat in Somalia, however, can only be addressed through the establishment of a functioning central government