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| Africa Horn |
| Falling Down and Falling Apart |
| 2005-12-22 |
| December 22, 2005: The efforts of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to create a unified government for Somalia have been more or less fruitless. Not only are the various warlords who control much of the country unwilling to give up any power, but the northern break-away regions of Somaliland and Puntland, which have enjoyed relative stability for several years now, see no reason to become tied to a corpse. One result of this is that Italy, the former colonial authority, appears to be inclined to cease supporting the TFG and seek another resolution to the chaos that engulfs much of Somalia. As Italy’s voice carries considerable influence on EU policies toward Somalia, this could signal the end of the TFG. In this regard, representatives of the Italian government are apparently discussing future policies toward Somalia with other EU governments and the US. Meanwhile, perhaps in emulation of Somaliland and Puntland, local tribal and district leaders in the southwestern region along the Juba River, have established a regional authority, which has actually taken some action to curb the pirates operating along the coast. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #3 Redneck Jim: I'd add Hong Kong ... until they got thrown to the wolf. |
| Posted by: Xbalanke 2005-12-22 17:49 |
| #2 Now that you mention it, only a few "Colonies" are doing well, Austrailia, United States, and India come immediately to mind. But I can't think of any others. Anyone else got a candidate? |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2005-12-22 13:51 |
| #1 Hasnt Africa prospered since it has shaken off its colonial oppressors. A wonderful example to the world. |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2005-12-22 12:21 |