Saturday, January 26, 2013

New York Times Editorial Cautiously Optimistic about Somalia

Hassan  Sheikh Mohamud/Wikipedia
The New York Times in a 25 January 2013 editorial titled "Hope, and Lessons, in Somalia," was cautiously optimistic about the future of Somalia but warned of looming problems.

The editorial contained the following passage: "The decision to recognize the Somali government was a reasonable move that will open the door to other American and international aid and may make Mr. Mohamud's political adversaries think twice about trying to throw him out.  But it would be a mistake to read too much into the progress that has been made.  The government is weak and doesn't control much territory beyond the capital.  Its army is virtually nonexistent.  Al Shabab still lurks as a dark force."