UNOSOM I & II : a critical analysis

Abstract

Many of us remember, quite vividly, the gruesome images of dead Marines a few years back, killed by alleged Al-Qaeda followers, in the streets of Mogadishu. A decade has passed, yet, Mogadishu is still a source of embarrassment within diplomatic circles. Journalists speak about it, as if it signified a threshold. So what is the Mogadishu connection? 'UNOSOM 1 & 11: A Critical Analysis' is an in-depth analysis of what has been considered by many as a milestone in peacekeeping and in particular, the contemporary history of the United Nations. It gives a detailed account of the major events which have shaped the path of this peacekeeping operation, contextualized within a foreign policy ambit with a special focus on the United Nations Organisation as well as the United States, a major power who emerged after UNOSOM I and UNOSOM II, severely scarred. This analysis tackles the contemporary history of the United Nations in the field of peacekeeping and peaceful conflict resolution, which in spite of its numerous operations boasted of troop deployments who were largely newcomers and inexperienced, such as the highly-controversial German deployment. Furthermore, this detailed analysis goes over the anatomy of UNOSOM I & II, ranging from its command-and-control structures to the multinational compositions of troops, for examples. All this is examined within a then peculiar political scenario; as that of the so-called 'new world order'. However, this critique goes a step further. It examines closely why Somalia still lies in a heap of ruins and why, centralization of power is a scar, still fresh from the colonial legacy and the ruins of the Barre-reign. The extraordinary thing about Somalia is that, it is largely unique for a variety of reasons. First, it is one of the most ethnically homogenous societies present in Africa and the Middle East. However, this homogeneity does not extend to an on par level of resources for example. The south has been for centuries richer in resources, for example. Second, the colonial legacy reminiscent of the expansionist policies which the West embarked upon in earlier centuries, still lingers on, despite the gap of over 3 decades. Last but not least, one very important element is that of the intricate game of clan politics, which lies at the very core of Somalia. Although the Somalis do blame themselves for the violence, it is an undeniable fact that part of the blame lies with the West for a variety of reasons, which are aptly dealt with, in detail. On a concluding note, it is highly advisable to read out the faithful transcript of an interview, conducted a few weeks ago with. 4 Somali refugees, currently residing at the Good Shepherd's Home in Balzan, whose comments were crucial to the solutions forwarded at the end of this dissertation.