One More War: Why the Hell Not?

Cross posted at the Antiwar.com blog. Come and check it out!

A new expose from the Nation by Jeremy Scahill detailing the CIA’s same, old dirty tricks is certainly troubling. Candidate Obama assured the American public that extrajudicial actions by the CIA and Defense Department were a thing of the past. Transparency, much like hope and change, were buzz words that were constantly used to show everybody that the era of Bush was over. A new ethical era was to take hold in the White House, and would be anchored by Nancy Pelosi’s vow to oversee a Congress of integrity.

Just as Obama campaigned to make the most sweeping changes when it came to the realm of foreign policy (Guantanamo Bay, ending the war in Iraq, ending torture, etc.), it was in foreign policy that he became the most like Bush. In fact, many would argue that Obama has not only continued many of Bush’s odious practices, but has institutionalized all of these practices because of his refusal to change course.

While the secret prison that was discussed in length surely was troubling, it almost seems like the least of worries when compared to some of the statements made by officials concerning future plans for Somalia. And yes, that comparison still holds for a prison “infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes” that result in prisoners getting rashes, prompting them to “scratch themselves incessantly.”

Somalian Blowback

The NY Times reported today that Somalia has been experiencing more violent turmoil as its Shabab militant group has continued the exponential harassment of local populations “to turn Somalia into a seventh-century-style Islamic state.”

What was extremely troubling, however, was “the American military providing intelligence and logistical support” for the Somali government. Although Shabab is working closely with Al Qaeda, America has yet to learn anything from blowback. Al Qaeda’s operations in Somalia are aimed to target the Somali government and have nothing to do with the security of the United States. Furthermore, Shabab and Al Qaeda’s strive to gain a foothold in Somalia are slowly failing, not because of American interventionism, but because of what the NY Times reported to be the populace “now whispering valuable secrets about the Shaba’s movements into the ears of government soldiers.” Additionally, “defectors are leaving the Shabab in droves,” while the “young men joined the local militia” to fend off Shabab fighters. 

Evidently, Somalia is able to fend for itself.

Obama vows to bring "every element" of U.S. power against terrorists. Great.

Speaking in response to the recent terror attacks, the president said:

"We will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable."

"We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us, whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland," Obama added.

This is no doubt meant to be encouraging to us, to assure us all that the "administration is doing enough to contain security threats."  But let's consider what this actually means in practice.

Most immediately, it means that Obama has ordered the airport security process to be reviewed.  If it's found to be wanting, as I have a sneaking suspicion it will be, we'll probably get to enjoy arriving at the airport three hours early instead of two.

Somalia's Problem: Too Much Government?