Does anyone know any more on the situation of Somalia?
Any posible photographs of the city?
Has the tone of the city in terms of the warlords fighting each other settle down since Adid was killed?

Not so long ago (2 years ago to be exact), Newsweek featured an article of the 10 Worst Countries in the world. Somalia is one of them. Nothing seems to have changed so far.

I dunno if the UN has spread itself too thin to bother doping something here.

My 2 cents on Operation Restore Hope: Politics should not hamstring military operations. Apparently, the powers that be seem to be squeamish when casualties mount and they get cold feet.

Why, you thinking of going. I'm certainly game if you are. It would be a wild time.

(Or, we could do Sudan. The action is hot there now.)

What Adid do you mean? The Adid of '93 died of a heart attack, then Adid Jr. took over. Oh, Jr. is a former U.S. Marine...

Steve

Maybe you guys could be mercenaries. I hear they are hiring. Lodging and food included. Free education after they have you for the alotted amount of time, and my favorite all the excitement you can handle.

~Chip :-)

:-)

cant be any better as still refugee's coming in and claiming asylum in the UK west London has a massive population of them. The problem just seems to be conveniently forgotten about by the UN which is what will soon happen in Darfur.

What Somalia is, like much of Africa unfortunately, is a frickin' disaster.

But, I would be willing to go if someone were into doing it. I have plans for the Fall, but maybe Spring?

We'd need a good fixer though, some reason to be there, and guys with guns for cruising around town.

Steve

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Wed Aug 11 21:56:31 2004.
Somalia

June 7, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to remind Americans of continued concerns about the security situation in Somalia and to clarify registration procedures. This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 2, 2004.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self proclaimed “independent Republic of Somaliland”. Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little warning, and kidnapping, murder, and other threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions. There is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.

There have been attacks against foreigners in the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland" in northern Somalia. The Sanaag and Sool Regions in eastern Somaliland, bordering on Puntland (northeastern Somalia), are subject to insecurity due to potential inter-clan fighting. There were several fatal attacks against international relief workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia and Somaliland in late 2003 and early 2004. In addition, serious fighting has occurred in the Mogadishu area, the Puntland region in northern Somalia, and the districts of Gedo and Bay (especially the vicinity of Baidoa) in the south. Territorial control in the Mogadishu area is divided among numerous groups; lines of control are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within this area extremely hazardous.

U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when sailing near the coast of Somalia. Merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft alike risk seizure and their crews being held for ransom, especially in the waters near the Horn of Africa and the Kenyan border.

The U.S. Government cannot provide services to U.S. citizens in Somalia. U.S. citizens who plan to travel to Somalia despite this Travel Warning are urged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security from the U.S. Embassies in neighboring countries. Travelers to the self-declared “Republic of Somaliland” should register with the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti, and travelers to Puntland or southern Somalia should register with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

When has it ever not?.........

I would love to tell you a wee story.....but. then I would be breaking an old promise.

I think simply put.....avoid the area.

Tread.

Here's a link that will point you toward some photos you may be looking for;

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Country_Specific/Somalia.html

Steve

PS - Mohamed Aideed was killed during some clan fighting in '96. His son, Hussein, was a Marine reservist and is now some variety of warlord himself.

Well, if it's a good story, why not?

Since I live in a country that is at war and has had war declared on its citizens, It's not so crazy to travel to other war zones.

In fact, I think more than ever people need to get out and start thinking about other places.

Sudan is a disaster and there has been almost no coverage of the events there. Ten years from now, how will we look at events there.

I wish someone can tell me what we have learned from history. Not too much it would seem.

Steve

Hey guys,
All I wanted to know was about any photos and what the statis of Somalia was that is all. I really don't care to be there!!

Too bad dude! We're going and thats FINAL! See you at the airport!

Actually, there is a brand new book out that consists of soldiers reccollections of the "Black Hawk Down' incidents.

Has a photo section too...

Steve

PS - Gee, have a little fun and people jump all over you...

Hey, do you know what the name of that book?

Here's the info from Amazon;

The Battle of Mogadishu
by MATTHEW EVERSMANN (Editor), DAN SCHILLING (Editor)
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Presidio Press; (August 3, 2004)

It's just out, so it would be in the new book section of your local Borders, etc.

And, don't be late for that plane!

Steve