Article

2006-12-23 Africa Horn

U.S. policy in the Horn of Africa may aid al-Qaida, experts warn

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Posted by .com 2006-12-23 01:48|| || Front Page|| [11137 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 The outbreak of fighting has focused new attention on U.S. policy in the region, which Western diplomats and regional experts say has been riddled with inconsistencies and missteps.

Webster's definition of the US State Department must contain a similar phrase.

Posted by Besoeker 2006-12-23 02:19|| 2006-12-23 02:19|| Front Page Top

#2 Article: And U.S. intelligence officials said that al-Qaida operatives are running some training camps in Somalia. "But there is no reporting to indicate that al-Qaida is calling the shots in Somalia, or that the Islamic Courts and al-Qaida are working together on operations outside of Somalia," said a senior U.S. intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the intelligence is classified.

The Islamists and al-Qaida elements have a common interest in creating an Islamist state that would provide haven to Islamic extremists, "but it's hard to make more of it than that," the official said.

Western diplomats and experts said that many Courts leaders, like most Somalis, are moderates and fiercely nationalist. For that reason and because of the complex tangle of clan allegiances within the courts, it's premature to conclude that the Islamists will impose a repressive Taliban-style Islamic regime aligned with bin Laden, they said.

That's what they said about the Taliban as well. Until 9/11. No more 9/11's. This means no more Talibans. And thus, perhaps, the provision of as much aid money as it takes to exterminate the proto-Taliban Islamic Courts.

Posted by Zhang Fei 2006-12-23 02:20|| http://timurileng.blogspot.com]">[http://timurileng.blogspot.com] 2006-12-23 02:20|| Front Page Top

#3 "... are moderates ... it's premature to conclude that the Islamists will impose a repressive Taliban-style Islamic regime aligned with bin Laden, they said."

Let'see... they want moderately behead people for not praying 5 times a day; they forbid TV and movies and if caught, the viewers can be moderately executed on the spot... and who needs music, that unseemly frivolity.... moderately off with musicians' heads!

Yea, a typical moderate mooselimb rule.

I have to conclude that whatever expert(s) came up with the warning are few marbles short of full set.

Sometimes I just want to scream.

Posted by twobyfour 2006-12-23 03:23|| 2006-12-23 03:23|| Front Page Top

#4 no linky?

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2006-12-23 06:38|| 2006-12-23 06:38|| Front Page Top

#5 They have a problem with supporting the secular warlords of the internationally recognized government (such as it is) against the Islamist warlords trying to overthrow it? I think the only alternative there is to support the Islamist 'insurgents' - they'd prefer that? Where do they find experts like this - Mecca?

Posted by Glenmore">Glenmore 2006-12-23 08:32|| 2006-12-23 08:32|| Front Page Top

#6 You does what the guys funding your retirement tell you to do.

Posted by Pappy 2006-12-23 11:20|| 2006-12-23 11:20|| Front Page Top

#7 Link fixed. Sorry.

Posted by .com 2006-12-23 11:25|| 2006-12-23 11:25|| Front Page Top

#8 Slight correction Pappy.
You do what the guys with the gun in your backs tell you to do.

Posted by Redneck Jim 2006-12-23 11:37|| 2006-12-23 11:37|| Front Page Top

#9 I was referring to the 'experts' and the State Department.

Posted by Pappy 2006-12-23 18:07|| 2006-12-23 18:07|| Front Page Top

#10 Ethiopia has said it will not tolerate an Islamist regime in neighboring Somalia.

Looks like Ethiopia actually wants to survive.

"It seems to be that there is such a knee-jerk (American) reaction to the idea of anything that is Islamic," said Abdi Samatar, a professor at the University of Minnesota. "We are losing the hearts and minds of anyone who matters."

At some point in the near future, our leaders need to understand that a "hearts & minds" approach only works with rational people. For those who are unscarred by the ravages of intelligence or logic it is not hearts and minds but "short & curlies" that has any meaning.

It's not even a matter of gaining our enemy's respect. Measure for measure violence is an issue of parity. Anything less guarantees victory for our foes. The West still has some serious WW-II lessons to relearn about reciprocity and reprisal.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2006-12-23 19:39|| 2006-12-23 19:39|| Front Page Top

#11 I've always advocated less "measure for measure" violence and advocated "crush them". It's obviously a matter of application, but I'd like to see more Conan, less Colin

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2006-12-23 20:15|| 2006-12-23 20:15|| Front Page Top

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