US holds emergency meeting to contain Somali debacle

After sustaining sharp criticism for their support of Somali warlords who have been terrorizing the population for over a decade, the US tried to save face by calling an emergency meeting in NY to declare their willingness to work with Islamist victors, provided - ironically - that "they are not tied to terrorism."

'We recognize that there are no easy answers and seek to ensure that our engagement can adapt to the constantly changing dynamics inside Somalia,' the International Somalia Contact Group said in a statement.

The group includes the United States, Britain, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Tanzania and the European Union, while the United Nations and African Union are involved as observers.

Isn't that special. The subject is the future of an African nation and the African Union merely 'observes' while the US and Europeans pontificate.

'To address the challenges, the international community must support the consolidation of representative and effective governance in Somalia, capable of addressing the needs of the Somali people as well as common international objectives,' the statement said.

The United States sought an international meeting last week after the coalition of Islamic groups took control of Mogadishu. The goal is to explore ways to stabilize Somalia and build governing institutions.

Somalia has suffered continuing conflict since dictator Mohammed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991. In the years since, international efforts - including military intervention led by the United States - have failed to restore order.

Although there are concerns about the success of the Islamists in Somalia, Washington has not ruled out dealing with those groups as long as they are not tied to terrorism.

'Our principle is that we want to work with individuals and groups who have an interest in fighting terrorism, fighting the presence of foreign terrorists on Somali soil,' State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters in Washington before the meeting.

This administration never ceases to amaze me. They only capitulate when they are forced to and when they do, it's in the most duplicitous manner possible.