Feingold to Obama: fix Somalia from the inside

Posted By Elizabeth Dickinson Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 11:23 AM Share

Sen. Russell Feingold sent an interesting letter to Barack Obama about Somalia yesterday, cc-ing Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates, and Dennis Blair. The senator, a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, urged the U.S. president to engage Somalia, but carefully: work with the Somali government; improve support for the country's internal security apparatus. No quick fixes here:

[There is an] essential need to develop a comprehensive interagency strategy to stabilize Somalia and support effective governance. With the strategic review now underway, I reiterate my belief that expanded U.S. support for the new unity government must be a central component of that strategy. Furthermore, we must seize the opening that lies before us by publicly declaring our commitment to high-level, sustained engagement that could help Somalia overcome the many challenges to peace and stability."

Feingold proposes stronger U.S. engagement with the Somali government -- not only to stamp out piracy but to "establish security and functional, inclusive governance within the country." Obama, he suggests, should start by calling Somali President Sheikh Sharif. 

Most interesting of all, though, is Feingold's reference to the last time that piracy was notably halted in Somalia -- under the Islamic Courts Union in 2006. That regime, later ousted by Ethiopian troops (with U.S. support...) brought the only calm to the seas that the country has seen in recent years. 

The ultimate solution to the problem of piracy, then, is the establishment of a functional government that can enforce the rule of law. During the rule of the Council of Islamic Courts in 2006, there was a notable decline in piracy that can be attributed, in large part, to the rise of a central authority in southern Somalia.
Without replicating the repressive rule of the Courts, we must keep in mind that establishing a central governing structure in Somalia is critical to resolving, not just stopping, the problem of piracy."

Now that's an idea, unlike airstrikes, that I feel militantly supportive of. 

EXPLORE:AFRICA, AXIS OF UPHEAVAL, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, LAW, MILITARY, OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, PIRATES, POLITICS, SECURITY, SOMALIA, U.S. CONGRESS, U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
 

TREX

3:15 PM ET

April 14, 2009

Pirates

As Transportation Development Liaison for CPA/IRMO in Iraq for 22 months (18 of which overseeing reconstruction of Port Umm Qasr), pirates were a constant threat, though not to the extent of Samolia.
The U.S. cannot and should not be expected to win or resolve every problem cropping up in the world. We certainly would not be expected to send our Navy to the aid of a pirated N. Korean or Chinese vessel.
The U.S. will have to deal with specific instances directly affecting U.S. security, national interests, and citizens as was the case with the Maersk Alabama.

We cannot physically monitor the entire Gulf of Aden or the hundreds of vessels passing through.

We can, however, post eight U.S. Marines aboard each U.S. flagged vessel navigating those routes -- End of Threat to U.S. vessels.

The cost would be significantly less than that of the loss or rescue of one ship and should be taxed back to Lloyds or the shipping company.
Maersk's pocketbook is the least of the risks associated with pirates. Crews taken hostage are often tortured, murdered or never seen again.

Ships not flying our flag should continue to be on their own. Vessels flying our flag, such as those belonging to the Dutch company Maersk, will accordingly, be safeguarded.

 

EUGENESUCKS

3:20 PM ET

April 14, 2009

I completely agree. I think

I completely agree. I think it's shocking how the recent piracy has really drawn out the hawks. After seeing comments galore in policy and defence blogs ranging from arming the civilian crews to using air-strikes against the Somali mainland this is a refreshing voice.

 

JKDUCK1

3:45 PM ET

April 14, 2009

While it does sound nice, I

While it does sound nice, I doubt any U.S. backed government in Somalia will have legitimacy among the Somalis -- not after the Black Hawk Down episode, missile attacks, support of the Ethiopian invasion, etc., etc.

 

SHACKELFORD

12:49 AM ET

April 15, 2009

If only it was that simple:

That regime, later ousted by Ethiopian troops (with U.S. support...) brought the only calm to the seas that the country has seen in recent years.

Just as the Taliban brought calm to Afghanistan.

 

STEAVEANDREW

3:42 AM ET

April 21, 2009

About this, I am completely agree.

This is a big issue, people are talking about this as a piracy issue, So everyone, especially this administration, needs to be careful before pushing any button.

 

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