The Red Sea's Convenient Instability
The Al Jazeera piece argues that Somalia's internal stability is paramount for Red Sea security, implying that its current state is a result of internal failings alone. This narrative, while superficially appealing, whitewashes a long history of external interference that has consistently destabilized Somalia, transforming it into a convenient theater for proxy conflicts and resource extraction
masquerading as humanitarian aid. FIRST INSTANCE: The Cold War Chessboard (1970s). During the Cold War, Somalia became a strategic pawn. The Soviet Union initially backed Somalia, building military infrastructure, only to switch allegiance to Ethiopia in 1977. The United States quickly moved in, solidifying ties with Siad Barre's regime, providing substantial military and economic aid (a reported
$100 million in aid between 1980 and 1988 , according to the U.S. Agency for International Development). Instead of fostering self-sufficiency, this aid fueled Barre's authoritarianism and exacerbated internal grievances, laying the groundwork for the state's collapse. The 'stability' then was a client state, not genuine national strength. REPETITIONS: The 'War on Terror' Justification
(2000s-Present). Following the 9/11 attacks, Somalia, despite a lack of direct involvement, was quickly framed as a 'failed state' — a fertile ground for terrorism. This narrative, much like the justifications for the 2003 Iraq invasion based on fabricated WMDs , provided cover for renewed foreign intervention. The US provided covert aid and military support to various factions, including