In Episode 122 [23] of the CounterVortex podcast [24], Bill Weinberg examines the ongoing conflict in Somalia in light of both climate change and Great Power politics. Despite a pseudo-withdrawal [25] of US forces, the Pentagon continues drone strikes [26] against the Shaabab insurgents—as the Horn of Africa faces it worst drought in a generation [27], with millions on the brink of extreme hunger and possible starvation. A paradox of the situation is that "government-controlled" Somalia (the southern third of the country) is not controlled by any government, but wracked by insurgency [28]. In contrast, the unrecognized de facto independent state of Somaliland in the north is a bastion of comparative stability and even social progress [29]. Reports of Russian designs [30] on Somaliland as a potential site for a naval base threaten to draw it into the imperial contest for control of the strategic Horn. Progressives in the West can demand international recognition for an independent and non-aligned [31] Somaliland. We can also loan solidarity to the Sufi resistance [32] now fighting both the Shaabab and the "recognized" Mogadishu quasi-government. Most importantly, we can support the secular and pro-democratic voices of civil society [33] that are standing up for human rights and basic freedoms at great risk to themselves, and in spite of everything. Listen on SoundCloud [23] or via Patreon [34].
Production by Chris Rywalt [37]
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