somalia Flashcards
Khat - what is it and why its impact on the battlefield
A stimulant drug made from the leaves and twigs, evergreen shrub. When taken you feel insanely euphoric and you don’t feel a lot of pain, so you can fight for longer.
Battle of Mogadishu / Blackhawk Down
The disastrous US military operation which resulted in the Battle of Mogadishu (now known as ‘Black Hawk Down’) was part of a wider attempt by the UN to restore peace and stability to the war torn Somalia.
Why did the U.S. go to Somalia? What was the mission?
They wanted to end the starvation of 300, 000 people
Mohamad Aidid: Who was he? / Warlord definition
He stole all of the food aid from the UN to distribute to his men/army.
His militia were on drugs known as “khat”, which made them euphoric and made them feel invincible.
Why did we suddenly leave Somalia?
CLinton who was after bush, did not want to have the problem of US soldiers being dragged across the ground. It was ashaming to have his men be deafeated so brutally.
Why does Somalia matter in US Foreign Policy? What was the lesson?
U.S. foreign policy objectives in Somalia are to promote political and economic stability,
Explain the lessons the United States learned in Somalia and the connection to Rwanda
Technical or high-tech weapons may be no match for armed civilians.
Don’t underestimate the power of the enemy
Changes foreign policy (No US Intervention in Rwanda)
What is the most popular religion in Somalia?
Islam
What was the Mogadishu Mile
The US soldiers running out of the city for their lives, because the militia was just too strong.
Al Shabab and the Battle for Modern Somalia
Have been working to destabilize somalia, and also carry out terrorist attacks.
