Essay On Al Shabaab

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Somalia's: Al Shabaab Terrorist Organization Montrice Riles DSC4012 Dr. Elizabeth Buchholz "We know that dictators are quick to choose aggression, while free nations strive to resolve differences in peace. We know that oppressive goverments support terror, while free governments fight the terrorists in their midst. We know that free peoples embrace progress and life, instead of becoming the recruits for murderous ideologies." George W. Bush, (Speech to UN General Assembly, September 21, 2004) Al Shabaab, an armed group is waging a brutal war aimed at toppling Somalia's government and imposing Islamic law. Since its inception in 2006 the terrorist group has been indicative of a violent powerful movement. Somalia's operation is mainly centered in the southern and central regions. The group is fighting an insurgency against the Somali Federal Government, African Union Mission and their allies. Therefore, this paper is designed to take a look into the terrorist organization al Shabaab. In Arabic, al Shabaab translates to "the youth." Reportedly, the members are characteristic as being young men in their early twenties. In addition, they are lacking adequate education and may have a criminal background. Recruitment in poor rural areas creates ample opportunties for them to enlist more support. It has been documented that al shabaab terrorist group are equipped with several thousand members along with a few hundred foreigners. (Zalman, Amy) Al Shabaab objective has been to spread Islamic rule in Somalia and to exterminate foreign influence. For the most part, they have conquered methods that are similar to Islamic militants in Afghanistan and Iraq which includes suicide bombings, small-arms attacks, road-side bombings an... ... middle of paper ... ...s, and to rid themeselves of Eithiopian troops. This accumulated wealth contributes to group members for their training, recruting, and weapontry. (kambere, 2012) Of importance, the group has been successful in taking advantage of the weaknesses presented by the Somalia's failed government. Somalia has been subdued by a mutltifauceted conflict which has resulted in a break down in legal authority and social systems. Two decades of war and terror have made Somalia one of the world's worst places to live. Last year thousands of people perished in a famine and millions more continue to need food assistance. The ensuing political, social hostilities and conflict wiped out any sign of government and paved the way for destruction. Nobody imagines Somalia's fortunes might easily be turned around. As result, Western governments have opted to stay out of Somalias affairs.

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