American involvement in Somalia began with the noble intention of providing food and medicine to a civilian population whose fate was of no consequence to feuding despots battling each other throughout the impoverished African nation. 

After a masterfully-executed humanitarian effort, famine and the threat of widespread epidemics were, at least temporarily, eliminated.  With victory at hand, U.S. troop strength was replaced by a multi-national force of UN peacekeepers.  Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent a significant U.S. presence was still required for the UN’s to realize its goals of staving off future starvation while reestablishing civil order and building meaningful political institutions.

Meanwhile, the nation’s number one bully, Mohammed Farah Aidid, turned his vengeance, once reserved for rival war lords (most of whom U.S. troops had put out of business), on United Nations troops.  Despite being out-manned and outgunned, Aidid has evaded all efforts to capture him.  Concurrently, he has been responsible for killing of scores and wounding hundreds of peacekeepers and has fast becoming a local folk hero to a modest, but growing, anti-American faction in Somalia.

Last Monday Americans awoke to learn of yet another serious fire-fight in Mogadishu.  By evening, they were listening to body counts … 12 American dead, 78 wounded, 1 airman confirmed captured, at least five other servicemen unaccounted for … and “hundreds” of Somalis injured or killed.  

Initial reports were followed by graphic footage of the captured American pilot and sickening scenes of dead, presumably American, soldiers being dragged, half-naked, through the streets of Mogadishu, surrounded by crowds of cheering Somalis.  By Tuesday, dozens of Senators and Congressmen paraded to their respective podiums expressing grief and anger, many demanding an immediate withdrawal of all American forces from Somalia.

The President, recognizing the need to act, ordered additional forces immediately dispatched to Mogadishu and warned Aidid against harming any captives being held in Somalia.

As he now reflects on America’s longer term Somalia policy, President Clinton finds himself faced with three basic choices. 

America can stay the course, throwing additional human and other resources into the effort.  However, there is no guarantee of victory or of winning the hearts and minds of the Somali population.  Hopefully, the lessons of Vietnam have not been forgotten. 

Alternatively, the President can order U.S. troops take the next plane out.  This “cut and run” strategy will be appealing to many and undoubtedly result in the fewest number of American casualties.  But, it may again cast American resolve into serious doubt in situations where U.S. forces are sent in harm’s way.  This approach may also provide encouragement to other tyrants who may come to believe America is nothing more than a paper tiger.

A third option is to quickly increase American troop strength … after which a series of blitzkrieg-type actions could be initiated, hoping for one or more quick and easy triumphs.  The President could then declare victory and order an expeditious withdrawal of all U.S. forces.  Yet, still fresh in many minds, is the tragedy of the Marine barracks in Lebanon, where such a beefed up American presence merely provided a prime target for local fanatics.

Further, before any options are exercised, the Administration, the Congress and the American people must ask themselves:

  • Are American national security interests threatened?  In the case of Somalia, the answer is a resounding, No!
  • Does America have the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation?  We’ve opted out of trying to end the holocaust in Bosnia on this ground!
  • Are there overriding humanitarian reasons demanding America’s involvement in foreign entanglements?  In Somalia, today’s answer is again, No!
  • Are Americans prepared to pay the costs incumbent with involvement in Somali, Bosnia, and other distant nations?  Without widespread acceptance of clearly defined goals, not present for our Somali adventure, few Americans are ready to see their children sacrificed or taxes raised!
  • Are such policing commitments beyond the realistic capacity of American military forces?  Since Vietnam, American military might has only proved successful when unleashed on a massive scale … as in Grenada, Panama and the Persian Gulf!

It’s time to demand an end to our military involvement in Somalia … until answers to the above questions change and until its people are willing to stand up to the ruthless tyrants threatening those who are there to help them.