Policy differences between Bush and Obama administrations toward Somalia

The VOA Somali service asked me to comment yesterday on the policy differences towards Somalia between the Bush and Obama administrations. I responded that the Bush administration focused primarily on countering terrorism and providing humanitarian assistance through UN and non-governmental organizations. While the Obama administration continues to deal with these challenges, it has rearranged priorities and made a greater effort to strengthen the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of President Ahmed, who assumed power about the same time that President Obama took office. The focus is now on political support for the TFG while continuing humanitarian assistance and not ignoring counter terrorism.