So we sent troops to Somalia this week

[simcha_6]

Or more precisely Somaliland, a de facto republic in Somalia. It has a functioning government and all, but remains unrecognized. It's also relatively stable, compared to the rest of Somalia, and its capital Hargeisa is reputed to be the safest capital in Africa. Anyway, the marines asked around about terrorists, then went back to sea. Ironically, the four killings of ex-pats by terrorists have all been made by terrorists from Mogadishu (sic?) sent to destabilize the republic.

For more on Somaliland (its a fascinating place) look up <www.somalilandgov.com >, Google it, or read the articles about it in the Global Policy Forum <http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/sovereign/sover/eme... >. The news story website it <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4517971.stm >.

[simcha_6]

1. P.S.

The U.S. has made several gestures that came close to recognizing Somaliland, sending high level diplomats there and such. It could be smart strategically, but would upset the AU. Several other governments, like Canada and the UK have also been amiable to Somaliland's government without recognizing it, though many of their government's members travel there and then say that they should recognize it.

[Dangerman]

2. Reality check for the repugs...

13 US soldiers died there under Clinton's watch, compared qo 1,500 and counting in Iraq on Bush's watch.

[simcha_6]

3. For the sake of accuracy

It was more than 13. There was Somalia, and the Cole, and probably a few soldiers in the embassy bombings.