What does a leader do to build approving appeal in America? Why, have a war!

BY STEVEN KASZAB

President Joe Biden is redeploying hundreds of troops to Somalia, reversing former President Donald Trump’s decision to pull troops from the country in January 2021. The effort is meant to counter al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked Islamist militant group responsible for an attack on the US base in Kenya.

The two nations have had a complex relationship in recent decades as Somalia struggles to recover from a civil war. US and UN humanitarian efforts to stabilize the country ended after 19 troops were killed in a notorious failed 1993 operation, which inspired the novel and film “Black Hawk Down.” However, the US returned to Somalia in the early 2000s to fight al-Qaeda cells, including al-Shabab. The US had about 700 troops in the country before they were relocated in 2021.

This news comes as Somalia’s parliament elected Hassan Sheik Mohamud as President. He previously served as the country’s president from 2012 to 2017. Mohamud is an agent and friend of the many warlords that rule this poverty stricken nation.

This policy move by President Biden may show the world that America’s move away from anti-terror direct action involving their military is at an end. The President has been pressured by various lobbyists in Washington who are involved in direct or indirect military spending. The American war machine has suffered a decline due to the pandemic, with layoffs and decommissioning of various businesses.

Should the American troops stay in The Horn of Africa? Is them being there creating an economic boom for the manufacturers and suppliers of military equipment and personnel that the American Military will develop? War is a money-maker for America, and the type of war America has been involved in is transparent to us all. Since 9/11 Homeland Security has controlled the purse strings in America. Searching out “terrorists” in: Africa, Central and Latin America will bring added profits to the known military complex that is America.

Furthermore, America’s Police Departments are the recipients of what funds remain in America’s anti-pandemic health and safety programs. Remaining funds have been passed onto America’s police departments. How are these funds being spent? By hiring more police, and purchasing more weapons. The movement for police reform has seemingly been forgotten, and the militarization of our police continues.

President Biden’s approval has fallen to basement levels, and something had to be done to seek public approval. What does a leader do to build approving appeal in America? Why, have a war. War usually unites the nation, generates employment and nationalistic appeal. Will President Biden take the road less travelled (investing in America’s people) or strive towards international intrigue?