US says weapons sent to Somalia

[Adsos Letter]

Source: BBC/Africa

The US has confirmed that it has sent weapons to Somalia's UN-backed transitional government.

The state department said the move followed an urgent call for help from the government, which has been fighting hardline Islamist militias.

The insurgents control swathes of Somalia and US officials have been alarmed at their gains, analysts say.

The US would also provide logistical support for training Somali troops, officials said.



Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8119976.stm

[Flaneur]

1. The US can't stop getting its war on.

Seems like we're involved in fighting in half the planet, from the Horn of Africa to the Indo-Pak border.

Why, again, do we give a shit who's fighting who in Somalia? Is this part of our Crusade?

[JI7]

2. they are working with the UN on this, and it matters because of the issue with Pirates

it's because of Somalia not having an effective functioning Govt that they aren't able to do much about the pirates.

[Psychic Consortium]

3. Correct. This is the right decision. It must happen. nt

[Ezana]

4. The Pirates emerged due to US sponsered invation of Somalia by Ethiopian forces.

Before 2006, a moderate ICU (Islamic Court Union) was in total control of the whole Somalia; and most Somalis were content with the prevalence of peace after about 15 years of anarchy. But, the US did not like a moderate Islamic government in Somaia. Ethiopian forces with full political and Military support (Airial bombing)of the US turned Somalia in to a battel ground. After the invasion, Somalia entered in to anarchy, enter the Pirates.

The direct involvement of foreign forces in the war resulted in the emergence of an ultra-exteremist Islamist group, Al Shabab ( The Youth). Now Al Shabab and other exteremist groups are in control of about 80% of Somalia. Tens of thousands have died and got wounded. Millions are still displaced. Now those Islamist forces are about to defeat the Transitional Government of Somalia and establish an Islamic state.

The sad thing is that US is now again planning the second invasion of Somalia to remove the Islamists.

Why should not the US let those Islamists rule as long as they bring peace for the much deserving people of Somalia and control their marine territories ?

Why should people of other countries suffer just because the US does not like the type of government they have ?

[Pavulon]

7. Somolia has been a stinking sore

long before the US tried to save lives and got mired in a civil war. But hey look how great it is now. Right up there with dprc and n korea for great places to live.

ICU was never in control or recognized by nations other than wacko islamist states to my recollection.

[Arctic Dave]

8. Somalia was a stinkhole before, during and after US involvement, why do it again?

Piracy? Our cities have more crime and murder then all the piracy combined.

[Pavulon]

9. Agree.

there is nothing there that needs to die that cant be accommodated with air power. If the need arises.

[Cha]

5. I hope this goes well

towards dealing with the pirates.

[tabasco]

6. Oh for Christ's sake!

The last thing that place needs in MORE GUNS!