Why The United States Should Recognize Somaliland
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By Ali Deria, Nashville, TN, USA
It is not surprising that Muslim fundamentalists in Somalia were easily able to fill the vacuum created by a lack of government in Somalia. By recognizing and supporting Somaliland, it would be impossible for the Extremists to continue to spread.
Though Somaliland people have confirmed their rejection of Talibanism and created a peaceful democratic country for the past fifteen years, not a single country has recognized Somaliland. No wonder that the Fundamentalist Movements in Somalia and elsewhere are laughing and ridiculing the US and its coalition for their lack of winning the war on terrorism.
Without international recognition and assistance, it will be impossible for Somaliland government to defend against the spread of this aggressive Taliban Movement. The lack of international recognition is creating more poverty and frustration which could encourage extremists and other skeptics to follow suit and try to create a terrorist state in Somaliland.
Instead of recognizing Somaliland, the US have joined forces with the United Nations hoping to resuscitate a lifeless government in Baidao, Somalia that have no skill or power to rule even beyond a city. So the question is if there is any country willing to become the first to recognize Somaliland?
I know for a fact that no Arab nation wants Somaliland to be recognized. They want Somaliland to remain "united" with Somalia which can serve as a counterbalance to Ethiopia.
And even though Ethiopia have just appointed a career diplomat to serve in Hargeysa, it does not seem willing to take the risk of retaliation from some powerful Arab states if to become the first nation to recognize Somaliland.
The African Union is also in a difficult situation to decide the issue of Somaliland. Because most the AU leaders are themselves never elected, it seems odd to them to sympathize with the Somaliland people and their quest for freedom when there is no freedom and democracy in their countries.
Therefore, the US being the world's most powerful nation should take the lead and recognize Somaliland as an independent nation for the following reasons:
- Somaliland Republic was recognized by 34 countries before it merged with Somalia, so it is only restoring its independence.
- By recognizing Somaliland, it will become difficult to claim that the US wants to destroy Muslim countries.
- The fanatic idea of creating 'greater Somalia' with force by fighting against neighboring countries will no longer exist.
- Recognition of Somaliland will serve as a role model and encourage the people in Somalia to follow suit.
- Recognizing Somaliland will be a great victory for democracy and defeat of extremism in the Horn of Africa.
Surely, after the US recognizes Somaliland as an independent nation, then peace and democracy will have a chance to flourish in East Africa .
Ali Deria, Nashville, TN, USA
Aderia7@gmail.com
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