Somali Split. Is it Time for the US to Abandon the Idea of a Unified Somalia and Recognize the Breakaway Regions of Somaliland and Puntland

摘要

Somalia is currently poised to enter its third decade as a failed state, Despite financial and military support from the international community, the current national government is besieged in Mogadishu by Islamic militias allied with al Qaeda. While southern Somalia has been in the world spotlight northern Somalia has quietly been enjoying decades of comparably prosperous and peaceful existence. The northern half of Somalia is comprised of two autonomous and peaceful regions, Somaliland and Puntland. These regions have enjoyed two decades of democracy and progress and they have done so without the benefits of international recognition. Should the current government in Mogadishu fall Puntland and Somali land will likely come under intense military pressure from al Shabaab militias. Because Somaliland and Puntland have the potential to develop into stable democratic bulwarks against growing Islamic extremism in the Horn of Africa, the US should be prepared to abandon the idea of a unified Somalia and back the efforts of these regions in their quest for independence and autonomy by providing diplomatic, economic and military support.