ETHIOPIA - Going it mainly alone in Somalia in order to tackle radical Islam

ETHIOPIA - Going it mainly alone in Somalia in order to tackle radical Islam

In December 2006 the Ethiopian government dislodged the Islamists from power in order to bring some hope and also to prevent the spread of radical Islam. Shortly after Ethiopia crushed the Islamists in Mogadishu they appealed for global help and support. However, the international community appeared to turn a blind eye, with notable acceptions being Uganda and some other nations who gave basic support. Therefore, why did major powers ignore Ethiopia?

The answer is not that simple because major problems already exist throughout the world and of course the mass media focuses on Iraq the most. However, if radical Islamists managed to rule in Somalia then this nation could destabilise the entire region. Also, Islamic terrorists could use this nation in order to cause mayhem in other nations. This reality was obvious for the government of Ethiopia, however, they feel betrayed because of being let down by the international community.

Since dislodging the Islamists from power in late 2006 the Ethiopian government suffered the usual war syndrome, just like America in Iraq, because the insurgents have hit back via breathing space. Given this reality, the Ethiopian government is alarmed by her neighbour Eritrea because this nation is causing chaos in the Islamic heartlands of eastern Ethiopia. Eritrea is also helping the Islamists in Somalia via economic support and of course wealthy Saudi nationals and organizations are also involved in this crisis.

Therefore, the noble policy enacted by Ethiopia is now in danger because of the growing insurgency and lack of outside support. If Ethiopia fails, then more chaos may spread to Sudan and other nations. Also, Ethiopia will face enormous internal problems and this situation is extremely grave now.

So why did the international community fail Ethiopia? Maybe for America, it is the terrible memories of their failed Somalian policy in the past? And for the EUmaybe they believe that this war is too distant for them? In Africa it is more complex because many nations fear the chaos of Somalia and many internal problems also exist. However, at the very least the international community should be giving major economic and military support to Ethiopia.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

http://journals.aol.com/leejaywalker/uk/