Analysis: Discovering Somalia

Somalia is a long, narrow country that wraps around the Horn of Africa. It has the longest coast of any African nation, bordering on both the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The inland areas are predominantly plateaus, with the exception of some rugged mountains in the far north. The northern region is more arid, whereas the southern portion of the country receives more rainfall. Many Somalis are nomadic or semi-nomadic herders, some are fishermen, and some farmers. Mogadishu is the capital and largest city. Somalia is composed of a single, homogeneous ethnic group. Although Somalis may differ in nuances of local lifestyle, they share one language, religion, and culture, and trace their heritage to a common ancestor.

The history of Somalia is a bloody one, filled with failed occupation, anarchy and civil war. Early Somalia established itself as a merchant state. Its key geographical location by the natural strait between the Horn of Africa and Yemen made it a focal point for trade.This essay will explore the history of internal struggles of the Somalilands and its many wars. It will investigate the colonial influences and conflicts between Somalia and its imperial occupiers and how these influences set the stage for future conflicts between the clans. Also, it will attempt to define the reasons why Somalia has become a failed state. The importance of United States foreign policies will be discussed as they have

- Somalis are aware of foreigner and the fear of possible renewed colonization because of past colonization with the British, French, and Italians

Somalia’s issues of tribal warfare is a perfect example the kind of threat an “Us vs Them” mentality has towards community. As people start to value their groups over the well being of everyone then they all end up suffering. Somalia’s have been fighting against their own people allowing their country to go to ruins and now it's hard to come back from this kind of disparity, so the problem goes on.

I am originally from Somalia a country located in the East Africa also called “Horn of Africa”, bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. I was born and raised in Kenya. However, both my parents were born and rise in Somalia, they went their school in Mogadishu, Somalia, and built their family there. Five of my siblings, we were born in Mogadishu Somalia, but unfortunately, they did not had the opportunity to experience them early childhood in Somalia. In a brief history the Republic of Somalia has had its ups and downs with unrest, starting with a war, which broke out in the early 90’s. With these conflicts came unbearable life situations and many people searched for opportunities all over the world, mainly the western continents.

Imperialization of Somalia by Italy The imperialization of Somalia by Italy had many long lasting effects. Due to imperialization, Somalia is much different now than it was before imperialization in aspects such as economics, social aspects, and political aspects. At the time that Italy colonized Somalia, imperialization was on the rise. Italy imperialized Somalia for two main reasons. One reason was that tension from war threat in Europe for Africa was growing.

Somalia is a country situated in the ÒhornÓ of East Africa. It is bordered by the Gulf of Aden in the north, the Indian Ocean on the east and southeast, Kenya in the southwest, Ethiopia in the west, and Djibouti in the northwest. Somalia is about four times the size of the State of Minnesota, or slightly smaller than Texas. The capital is Mogadishu.

Somalia is known for being one of the largest African ethnic groups in the world. To the ancient Egyptians, Somalia was known as the “Land of Punt”, because of it production of frankincense and myrrh. The symbol that best represents Somalia is the white star on the flag which was adopted on October 12, 1954. “Each point of the star represents a land that is home to Somali people: the portion within the national boundaries, once divided into two territories, Italian and British; the Ogaden region of Ethiopia; the Northern Frontier District of Kenya; and Djibouti. Somalis hope that one day all these territories can become a unified Somali nation.” (Shurgin)

Having been experiencing a huge number of major historical incidents affecting various aspects of their lives, the people belonging to different corners of a country gradually establish their unique culture distinguishing them and their nation among all other nations in the world. Most importantly, the culture of people of different countries has been affected dramatically by revolutions during the history, especially religious ones, through which the lifestyle of those people had been completely reformed. The Islamic revolution, the most recent revolution in my country, in particular, had a plenty of serious effects on our people's way of living.

To my surprise, I left Somalia appreciating the little aspects of my trip. I’m thankful to have gotten to know family from both my mother and father’s side -we were able to bond pretty quickly, and I only wish that I could’ve gotten to know them earlier. I still remember every conversation I’ve had on the terrace with my family, whether it was silly or serious. The environment was calming and quiet, much different than the busy and crowded city I’ve grown up in. Everywhere I turned, there were goats and camels calmly walking alongside people. During my drives from one town to another, I saw such beautiful scenery postcards would do it no justice. Although I was surrounded by poverty, it was hard to tell by the people’s mindsets. There was always a strong sense of community visible through little traditions and rituals. Everyone was hardworking, optimistic, and prideful. This collective spirit made me let go of my pessimistic attitude towards visiting and helped me adopt their

The Somalia republic celebrated their independence in July 1960 but for many Somalia people there was little to celebrate. Those who were living in border of Kenya still in rule of Britain flag. The Somali in Djibouti still under French empire and western part of Somalia under control of Ethiopia. Even though I am Ethiopian I feel guilty for the division of Somalia. Their dream to be united sadly drive them apart.

Somalia also known as Federal Republic of Somalia, it’s located on the northwestern part of Africa, it’s capital is mogadishu and is also is the most populated city.

“Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both.” The world must choose either humanity and civilization or chaos and destruction, which were the exact questions that came under review with the events of the Somalia Affair. The Somalia Affair in 1993 was a military scandal involving the brutal beating and death of a Somali teenager by two Canadian Forces members who were in Somalia for peace keeping and humanitarian efforts. This act brought shame upon the entire Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian people, leading to extensive inquiries into the events that transpired, followed by harsh penalties to the Canadian Armed Forces. The events which occurred were no doubt horrendous,

This Civil War lasted for a time of 1988 to 1992. The most dangerous years of this Civil War considered being “throughout 1991 through 1993 because of the high mortality and starvation rate throughout the country” (Leslie P. Boss, Michael J. Toole, and Ray Yip). This country was currently in a state of chaos and was greatly in need of foreign assistance. It was the duty of the United States to support the Somali people and start to set their country straight. Throughout this period of American support to help restructure the country plenty of operations have been set to enforce the peaceful changes. Some of these military operations are Operation Provide Relief, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Continue Hope, and Operation United Shield. Operation Provide Relief was created because of the continuing efforts of the American people trying to airlift food to the Somali people. This operation was destroyed because local gangs throughout the country of Somalia took control of the airlifted food and used the food as a currency throughout the torn country. These penalties led to the “starvation of thousands and the manipulation of the Somali people” (Stewart). Due to this cycle of constant overlapping chaos Operation Restore Hope began. Operation Restore Hopes main mission was to send troops on the ground in Somalia and ensure all people of Somalia were fed. Operation Continue Hope was created due to more aggressive

I later come to find out that my grandfather had more than 120 kids total. So as one can guess I had a ridiculously huge family that not only consisted in Somalia but also in different countries such as the UK, America, and Australia. I had the honor to meet my grandmother from my dad’s side. She was sweet but tough at the same time. She wanted us to be wise, smart, and mature. During my time in Somalia I witness things I would have never witnessed in America. For example, the first thing I saw was hundreds of sheep and goats being herded by one man. One would ask “how is one man handling so many livestock”, however I come to find out it is a norm in Somalia. The culture in Somalia is one thing that stood out to me the most during my visit to my homeland. The Somali culture is 90 percent based on the religion of Islam and the rest consist of African traditions and customs. In addition I got the chance to learn a lot about the religion and Islam and not the one that is portrayed in social media. Furthermore I learned that Islam is not a religion of violence and hate, rather it is a religion that teaches the people to love your neighbors as if they were your brothers and