Transcript Why Somalia? Why US? Why NOW?

U.S. Policy in Somalia, 1993-Today
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Under control of fascist Italy during WWII
Fell into civil war after Italians and British left
in 1960
In 1991, leader was murdered in a coup, started
civil war
Famine began, U.S. under President GHW
Bush sent troops in 1992 to stop famine
Tried to work with warlords, including
Aidid—then tried to get rid of Aidid in 1993
(“Black Hawk Down”)
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After WWII, Europe takes a BACK SEAT TO
FOREIGN AFFAIRS. The United States
emerged as the new LEADER.
Debate rages today about OUR NATION’S
ROLE in the world.
Should we be “world’s police?” Should we
spread democracy? Should we isolate
ourselves?
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CHANGED
EVERYTHING. Instead
of trying to fight wars
from afar (Bosnia in
1993) or staying out of
foreign conflicts all
together (like in
Rwanda in 1994), the
U.S. changed their
policy to STOP terror
and attacks BEFORE
THEY HIT US.
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Al-Qaeda
Increase in terrorism
Civil
war/humanitarianism
Somali pirate attacks
on private ships in
Gulf of Aden
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Take a role and gather information on your
group’s concerns for Somalia
Present your group’s opinion on future policy
towards this troubled nation
Groups include
Somalia’s Transitional Government
 Somalia’s Islamist Groups
 Warlords in Somalia
 Eritrea and Ethiopia (Somalia’s neighbors)
 The United States of America
 Al Qaeda in Somalia
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