President Rayale’s visit: an opportunity for the US

[Jacaylbaro]

In May 18 2001 , NBC’s Dr Bob Arnot wrote an article entitled: “An oasis of stability in East Africa: Does Colin Powell have the courage to save Somaliland?” The oasis of stability that Dr Arnot was referring to is Somaliland. In that article, Dr Arnot also makes clear that although saving Somaliland from falling into the anarchy and lawless of Somalia is morally the right thing to do, it is also in the US interests to do so. Unfortunately, Colin Powell did not answer Dr Arnot’s call.

 

Six years later ( 21 November 2007), the Voice of America reported, “The chief U.S. diplomat for Africa, Jendayi Frazer, says it is time for Somali moderates to come forward and work to end chronic violence.”

 

Despite the six years that separates them (and six years is a very very long time in politics) what Colin Powell’s non-response to Bob Arnot and Frazer’s plea have in common, is that both of them have ignored Somaliland, which is the single biggest mistake in US policy toward the Horn of Africa. For if the United States listened to Bob Arnot or the many Western academics, ambassadors, journalists and other intellectuals who have been steadily calling on the Unites States to recognize Somaliland (or at least for the US to raise its engagement with Somaliland to the level of its allies Ethiopia and Britain), Frazer would not have been today searching for Somali moderates, instead, she would have Somaliland as a moderate, democratic ally of Somali ethnicity and with a wealth of experience in solving Somali problems.

 

Still, it is not too late, and the United States has an opportunity to correct these unfortunate mistakes during President Rayale’s visit to Washington this month. Although Somaliland’s long-term goal is to acquire diplomatic recognition from the United States, at minimum, Somalilanders expect from the President’s visit to Washington:

 

The raising of the US level of engagement with Somaliland from its current low level to a higher level that is commensurate with Somaliland’s status as a bulwark of stability, democracy and moderation in a dangerous part of the world.

Substantial bilateral assistance to Somaliland, especially in the fields of education, health, transportation and infrastructure.

US policymakers should realize (and there are indications that they are beginning to do so) that their failure to meet these modest expectations would undermine not only Somaliland, but all of those Somalis who have shown goodwill toward the United States, and would lend credence to those who argue the US may talk all it wants about a desire to engage Somali moderates, but in reality it has no intention of dealing seriously with Somali moderates. President Dahir Rayale Kahin’s visit is a unique opportunity to show Somali skeptics that the US does want to seriously engage with Somali moderates. Let’s see if the US passes the test.

 

 

 

Source: Somaliland Times

[Che -Guevara]

LooooooooooL@Somali moderates.

 

Why does the US gain from recognizing Somaliland. What do you have to offer JB

[Jacaylbaro]

why don't you ask them ,,,,,,,, they proposed the recognition sow maaha ?

[Che -Guevara]

No, they didn't. They consider working with Somaliland. That hardly translates to formal recognition.

[Jacaylbaro]

You haven't read the debate then ,,,,,, that explains

[Ibtisam]

The worrying question is, what crazy use does Somaliland offer to the US now. It is sad that most pro S/L are just too happy at the prospect of recognition that they don't worry about the risk of being used, abused and sent back to the dark ages in the interest of the US. Somaliland has maintained the little peace and stability it has simply due to lack of contending powerful military leaders and the LACK of interference from international actors who want to use them for their own gains.

[Jacaylbaro]

It is time to take the bigger step ,,,, that years have bee successful doesn't mean we should remain in the dark.

[A.J.]

Originally posted by Ghanima:

The worrying question is, what crazy use does Somaliland offer to the US now. It is sad that most pro S/L are just too happy at the prospect of recognition that they don't worry about the risk of being used, abused and sent back to the dark ages in the interest of the US.

Oh, and being brough back into absolute turmoil and distruction by re-joining somalia is better is it. Somaliland would have so much more to loose by going into another union with a chaotic and destroyed somalia then it would by striking an alliance with the US.

 

I mean dont get me wrong i hate the friggin yanks and their 'Holier then thou attitude',

 

but help from any stable state would certainly be welcome for the poor and struggling people of Somaliland. and international recognition is an important avenue through which such support can be gained.

 

Peace

[Ibtisam]

Oh, and being brough back into absolute turmoil and distruction by re-joining somalia is better is it. Somaliland would have so much more to loose by going into another union with a chaotic and destroyed somalia then it would by striking an alliance with the US.

I never said that either, nor have I ever advocated for it (apart from when ICU time)

 

My concern is that somaliland by accepting "help" will receive more than it bargain for. It is help that has reduced Somalia to rubbles. Somaliland could do with a little less hoor oord, afterall quunyaar sooceed qoodaxii maa muuto. It is one of those situations where what are you willing to give sacrifice for “help” is most appropriate. If your answer is anything then we are on different wave length.

 

America is certainly not “helping” Somaliland in their shifting attitude, you’d have to be blind to think their new “positive” attitude is as the result of seeing Somaliland stabilize and maintain peace, as if S/L suddenly become credible enough to deserve U.S. funding and support. Please give me a break.

[Jacaylbaro]

It is obvious that America is running its own interests in the region but we should know that Somaliland has its interest too. It is just a matter of interest and that is the way this world is surviving right now.

[AfricaOwn]

Originally posted by J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o:

It is obvious that America is running its own interests in the region but we should know that Somaliland has its interest too. It is just a matter of interest and that is the way this world is surviving right now.

Exactly...Everybody is out for their own interest.

[Ibtisam]

Everyone is out for their own interest and everyone has the means to defend their interest...every nation has the means, Somaliland does not have the means nor the capability to make sure it's interest are preserved first and foremost. Somaliland is not exactly in a position to negotiate with the US on a balanced terms are they now? The relationship is more like, “I will throw you a lifeline and you become my bi*tch”

[Juje]

Originally posted by AfricaOwn:

Exactly...Everybody is out for their own interest.

Yep, but one interest will eclipse the other - and on a real note I don't think recognition is on the table.

[NGONGE]

Waxa la yedhi:

 

When president Bush heard that Riyaale is coming he hastily arranged to go on a tour of the Arabian Gulf. Sources close to the American president report that Bush is sick and tired of Riyaale's constant phone calls and demand for recognition! Experienced observers have even speculated as to the reasons for Bushe's sudden Arab tour. They claim that Bush, in his heart of hearts, realises how strong the Somaliland case is and therefore, he's avoiding a meeting with president Riyaale lest he be shamed into instantly recognising Somaliland.

 

A spokesperson for the Somaliland president confirmed the next destination for Mr Riyaale. "He's heading to Abu Dhabi next".

 

 

Source: Somaliland Recorder.

[Ducaysane]

Somaliland has nothing to offer in return if they want recognition from the west. Berbara port is no longer important. Cold war era is long and gone. because low-level pentagon officer based in Jabuoti has mentioned the name of Somaliland, does not mean American policy towards east Africa has changed. If Somaliland is recognized, every other tiny region in African will seek separation from their county.

 

You guys need to know that Riyaale was invited by Non-governmental organization based in Washington DC. He does not have invitation from the US government. He is not the only Somali politician that was invited, Saalim Caliyow Ibrow (deputy prime minister of the TFG) was invited too. plus there are no that much Somaliland community live in the States. Actually people who are protesting his stay in the country will outnumber his supporters.