How to fix Somalia

[simcha_6]

Since the fall of Somalia into anarchy, the UN has made a number of attempts to create a Western style democracy. They have failed miserably, and made fools of themselves by supporting a transitional government that doesn't even control the capital, let alone the entire nation.

We should not try to place a Western government on Somalia. That's just silly. They don't have our traditions or core values, so our government basis is foreign to them. This doesn't mean democracy is impossible. It just means we shouldn't expect it to function like ours.

Let's recognize the de facto republic of Somaliland. Right now it is the only truly effective democratic institution in Somalia. It has existed for around 14 years with little international aid. It has built a democracy based on tribal roots- a bicameral congress, one elected by the people, one consisting of clan elders.

Somaliland utilized traditional peace talks which ended the civil war it was suffering. It's elections have been judged free and fair. While it has a few problems (FGM is rampant, stability is delicate, and several regions bordering Somaliland want to secede) they can be better addressed by recognizing them as a state and dealing with them inside the framework of the international community.

Right now, the government of Somaliland doesn't want to help stabilize Somalia, because they are afraid they will be forced back into the union they originally had. (Somaliland was independent for 4 days in 1960, but decided to unify with Italian Somalia.) If their continued independence is assured, they can probably be enlisted in using their tribal techniques to bring stability and democracy to the rest of Somalia.

For more information, Google Somaliland or look at the articles on this link:
<http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/sovereign/sover/eme... >

(Scroll down until you find the heading "Somalia" and read those articles. Also look up <http://www.sonyoumbrella.blogspot.com />).

[simcha_6]

1. Here's the website for the Somaliland government

<http://www.somalilandgov.com/>