Somalia: Islamists Retreat, So What?

Many blogs seem to be celebrating the news that the Islamist Courts Union (ICU) is in full retreat in Somalia. That's understandable, even justifiable. Unfortunately the retreat is more a beginning than it is an end. The world, currently through the United Nations, doesn't seem any closer to solving the core problem of potential radical regimes.

The ICU only expanded its reach over Somalia because it was allowed to fill a vacuum created from inadequate support for the interim government. The ICU started in Mogadishu and the far south and that's about where it will end up. It wasn't expected that they'd be able to stand up to a conventional army across a broad geography, that's the same thing we've seen in Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon.

So now what? Do they surrender, start joining in the government, all the while keeping a militia and potential terror network intact? We know what's coming - daily bombings, the continued killing of innocents. And likely all because Ethiopia and the West will stop short of actually wiping them out.

Some reports are already calling for negotiation, settlement, or a so-called peace. When the day comes that we realize there is no negotiating with these people, that's the day I'll genuinely feel like celebrating. Until then, we are simply in for protracted guerrilla wars throughout more and more regions or nations of the world.

Comments

[Purple Avenger]

I don't think the Ethiopians are as sensitive to the tender feelings of international diplomats as we are.

[Dan Riehl]

I don't think the Ethiopians are as sensitive

I agree. But they claim to not be going into Mogadishu and want to be out in a few weeks. Meanwhile, the Islamists will export the war to Ethiopia. I only hope Ethiopia responds in force in Somalia. That remains to be seen. In a month, watch, the freaking UN will be denouncing Ethiopian aggression.

[Darth Malice]

Ethiopia do what must be done,do not hesitate,show no mercy!...I hope President Bush his taking notes.

[Phoenix]

Darth,

ha ha. Brilliant comment. Succinct and exactly what we're all thinking.

"I don't think the Ethiopians are as sensitive."

They have been Africa's skinny. Maybe that legacy still runs through their veins and will keep them on the fight.

[Darth Malice]

Phoenix that is what Darth Sideous told Anakin Skywalker after he became Darth Vader.He wanted im to go to the temple(mosque)and wipe it out. Then take out the sepratists(Dems).Sadly Bush needs to be schooled in warfare.We need a strong leader who gets it.

[Phoenix]

Darth,

I have faith in Bush. He hasn't been allowed to show his mettle because he hasn't been able to make one unfettered move. He sees one or two actionable fronts and then has to deal with a pile of nagging home fronts that render his leadership capabilities into a quagmire of aggression vs. appeasment..... over and over.

I don't know how he stays sane.

[Darth Malice]

I hear you Pheonix.....He has got to start embracing the people that brung him.He is a good and decent man.He has to know and understand the liberals and media hate him so he might as well do the right thing.We lost in November because GW and the Republicans wanted us to run to the polls after ignoring conservatives.