Al-Monitor's 'Explainer' Omits Israel's Long Game in Africa
The story casually notes Israel's swift recognition of Somaliland, framing it as a natural development. What it fails to mention is Israel's consistent strategy of fostering ties with non-Arab and marginalized groups to counter Arab influence and secure berths for intelligence gathering and security operations. This isn't newfound affection; it's a playbook recycled from its historical engagements
with nations like Ethiopia during the Cold War. Israel's 'first mover' recognition of Somaliland is less about Somaliland's intrinsic worth and more about securing a port access point along critical shipping lanes for intelligence operations, echoing classic 'periphery doctrine' tactics. One might wonder if any 'explainer' that disconnects Israeli foreign policy moves from its intelligence and
security apparatus is truly an explanation, or just another carefully curated piece of narrative management. How 'strategic' is an asset if its true value can't even be mentioned?