US senator urges Somalia policy overhaul

[Sir-Qalbi-Adeyg]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama must urgently seize the opportunity to help Somalia's new leaders unite their strife-torn country under the rule of law, a senator said in a letter released Thursday.

 

"The need to develop and implement a new approach is urgent," Democratic Senator Russ Feingold told Obama in a letter dated February 13, urging the new US president to break with predecessor George W. Bush's approach.

 

Feingold urged Obama to forge a comprehensive new approach grouping US diplomatic efforts but also military and intelligence means "into one coherent strategy."

 

"The previous administration maintained a disjointed and short-sighted approach toward Somalia that was counterproductive and led to increased anti-Americanism in the region," the Wisconsin lawmaker charged.

 

 

Islamist militants loyal to newly-elected President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed take up position at a...

"As a result, the situation in Somalia has deteriorated, undermining our national security goals, including counterterrorism," the senator, who visited Somalia in December and met with President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

 

The moderate Islamist won office January 31 under a United Nations-brokered peace deal between the Somali transitional government and a moderate Islamist opposition that also calls for forming joint security units.

 

Somalia has had no effective central authority since the 1991 ouster of former president Mohamed Siad Barre touched off a bloody cycle of clashes between rival factions.

 

Feingold, an outspoken Bush critic, urged Obama "to consider making a public, unequivocal statement that you intend to make a clear break from past policies toward Somalia."

 

"I believe doing so could make a tremendous impression on ordinary Somalis and greatly advance US public diplomacy efforts in the Horn of Africa and across the Muslim world," he said.

 

 

SOURCE: AFP, Friday, February 20, 2009

[Captain Warya]

They have already changed their policy. THats why they are supporting Sh Sharif and moving away from the Ethiopians.

[Garyaqaan2]

Very good move on american policey toward somalia. Very good indeed

[inspector22]

The best way U.S. could aid Somalia is by helping the country to build it's infrastructure and drop the militaristic counter-terrorism approach, starting with the peacefull regions such as Puntland and then advancing to the less stable regions when they get their act together and able to manage accomodating foreigners.

[Peacenow]

Senator Feingold is a good man. This Jewish Senator has done more for Somalia than all the millions of dirty Arabs that Somalis are in love with.

[Gheelle.T]

Peacenow, can you tell us what this man you love has done for Somalia?

[Gabbal]

Originally posted by peacenow:

Senator Feingold is a good man. This Jewish Senator has done more for Somalia than all the millions of dirty Arabs that Somalis are in love with.

What has he done for Somalia? Whereas one can list all the development aid including water sanitation, ramadan support, school building, social services provided, scholarships funded, and clinics set up by those "dirty Arabs".

 

War ileen balaayo

[Fabregas]

Originally posted by peacenow:

Senator Feingold is a good man. This Jewish Senator has done more for Somalia than all the millions of dirty Arabs that Somalis are in love with.

Originally posted by peacenow:

You forget he is a Jew. But i guess to the rabid way Somalis worship Islam, it don't matter does it. A Jew doing more for Somalia than the arabs we worship.

Originally posted by peacenow:

Watch a friend of the Somali people talking about Somalia, lately on the senate floor. I'm wondering, where is the worldwide so called 'ummah' when you need it. Seems to me their concern is only worth it if you are white or brown. But if you are black.....

Not heard a word from any Arab or Muslim leader on what is happening in Somalia. Typical of them.

You can watch his statement here-

http://feingold.senate.gov/

 

innit though.