Israel Recognizes Somaliland, Igniting Old Geopolitical Fires
Al-Monitor dutifully reports Somalia's anger after Israel formally recognized Somaliland's 'independent and sovereign statehood'. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has sought international recognition for decades. The mainstream narrative suggests this is simply about a nation acknowledging another, but this conveniently sidesteps the cynical realpolitik. Israel, with
its own history of utilizing regional tensions for strategic advantage, appears to be adopting the classic divide-and-conquer strategy, reminiscent of its approach to the Kurds or various factions in Lebanon. Recognizing a breakaway region isn't about self-determination; it's about gaining leverage, potentially securing port access, or pressuring nations in the Arab League that have aligned with
Somalia. One might wonder about the timing: why now, after three decades of international indifference?