By Scott A. Morgan

On the 27th of November the Foreign and Information Ministers of Kenya held an impromptu Press Conference in Nairobi. The reason for such an event to be held was simple. It was to deny a charge made by the Union of Islamic Courts in Neighboring Somalia. What was the charge? That Kenya was allowing US and Ethiopian Forces to use Kenya as a base to prepare for an assault on Somalia.

For the last few weeks there have been ominous signals from various sources in the region warning of an escalation of the fighting in Somalia. For nine months now the UIC has been trying to unite the warring factions of Somalia under and Islamist Government. However the UIC has in the past stated that it has no plans to install a Taliban style regime there. Recent actions like closing theaters during the World Cup show that the previous statements may not be able to be taken at face value.

At this time there is a Transitional Government in place in Somalia. Based in Baidoa not in the capital of Mogadishu the TNG although supported by the United Nations has little power away from Baidoa. Its Main Backer just happens to be Ethiopia. The Government of Zenawi is a ally of the United States and is seen by several entities as doing the bidding of Washington. Since the UN pulled out of Somalia in 1993 Ethiopia has intervened three times to prop up the TNG.

Although it claims to have no interests be they Political or Territorial in Somalia, An unstable Somalia creates several problems for Kenya. First they have a common border. There have been cross-border raids by militias in the past and there is a refugee issue there. The theft of cattle is in itself another source of problems in the region. The UIC has also stated that parts of Kenya need to be under Islamist Control.

Now the United States has a vital interest in the region. Stopping the spread of terror that is if you believe the Administration. That is why over 3,000 US Troops are stationed in Djibouti. Although they have been involved in projects repairing infrastructure (schools, clinics, roads… etc.) American Forces have been keeping a low profile despite a recon mission that was in Mogadishu in March.

So now its clear that our Allies in Addis Ababa Nairobi and Kampala now have boots on the ground. They are attempting to keep the peace in a lawless land. American Forces are in close proximity for assistance if needed. So can the US actually win this one?

The author is a commentator on www.americanchronicle.com and writes about US Policy and Human Rights in Africa. He can be contacted at the following address: scott_morgan_23220@yahoo.com