Clinton Offers U.S. Support to Somalia

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised yesterday that the U.S. would expand support for the fledgling government of Somalia, in the process threatening sanctions against Eritrea for assisting an extremist group in trying to launch terrorist attacks from Somalia. The promise from Clinton included more military supplies and other basic aid, as well as an African peacekeeping force. No further details of the arrangement were noted. Regarding neighboring Eritrea, Clinton noted, "it is long past time for Eritrea to cease and desist its support for al-Shabab. We are making it very clear that their actions are unacceptable. We intend to take action if hey do not cease."

Clinton also spoke about the long term plans of al-Shabab, which she noted the U.S. would stop at essentially all costs. "There is also no doubt that al-Shabab wants to take control of Somalia and use it as a base from which to influence and even infiltrate surrounding countries and launch attacks against countries far and near." Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmad agreed with Clinton’s assessment, noting, "Their aim is to make Somalia a ground to destabilize the whole world. We cannot suffer any longer. The people of Somalia have a right to peace."

A spokesman for al-Shabab was quick to respond, noting that U.S. assistance would not thwart their efforts in the region and that a return of the U.S. to Somalia would result in a repeat of 1993, when an ill-fated and half-hearted incursion into Somalia led to numerous U.S. deaths and the basis for the popular book and film "Blackhawk Down."