Somalia: Origins of Conflict and Unintended Consequences

摘要

Four distinct elements led to the conflict between UN/US forces and the Somalis. These key elements were (1) the Somali culture and character, (2) the impact of the legacy left by the dictator Siad Barre on the psyche and ambitions of the Somali clans, (3) the tainted relationship between the UN leadership and the Somali people, and (4) the failure of the US and UN leaders to effectively deal with the most powerful and influential Somali warlord, General Mohammed Farah Aideed. The failure of both the US and the UN political and military leadership to fully understand and address these factors, thereby failing to know themselves and their enemy, resulted in unintended negative consequences.