Somalia continues to be a major source
of unrest on the turbulent African continent; but some new aid has
entered into the attempt to help enforce peace. On Sunday, November
20, 2011, Ethiopian troops entered into Somalian soil, with the
intent of creating a new front in the international military
offensive against the Shabab militant group who are already battling
a host of other forces. 
The major shock from this action comes
from the reactions of the Somali citizens. Ethiopians, who have been
a historic enemy of the Somali people, are being welcomed into the
lands with open arms. People despise the rule of the Shabab to the
extent that these ancient foes are preferable to this militant group;
giving detailed insight into the mental, and political will of the
public in Somalia. This group has blocked western aid, in a time of
great famine, and combined with the extreme Islamic Law that is
enforced has the public in an outcry.
Many officials in the west are unsure
about the wisdom of this interdiction by the Ethiopians. They argue
that the enmity between the Ethiopians and the Somalis as a whole
have the probability to create many international incidents. However,
a number of American officials are supporting Ethiopia's actions.
These supporters are mainly found in the military and intelligence
areas of the American government. Officials in favor of this
interdiction argue that the Ethiopians have the military muscle
necessary to oust the Shabab, while dissenters are afraid that it
will give the Shabab propagandized support in Somalia.
This issue creates a major
consideration for the policy makers in Washington. With Ethiopia
having relatively strong ties to the United States, there must be a
limit to the involvement that America is seen to have in the region.
While the United States cannot be seen to have direct, or even
indirect, influence in the region, the use of Ethiopian troops allows
for stability in the region. This is important for a number of
reasons. Firstly, it allows the governments involved to open up new
understandings and dealings that have the distinct possibility of
subtly being influenced by America once the fighting is over. America
can work through Ethiopia to provide aid and provide the
internationalist political attitude favored by the Obama
administration. Also, this allows the American government to show how
even though they care about the hegemonic power of America, they are
also willing to remain neutral in third party affairs, specifically
when the connection to American interests is tenuous at best. This
shows restraint that America can play upon in the international
community.
Sources
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