What_Are_the_Ends,_Ways,_and_Means_of_the_Attached_Comprehensive_Regional_Strategy_on_Somalia

The ends, ways and means of the Comprehensive Regional Strategy on Somalia incorporate many aspects familiar in a counterinsurgency operation. The United States, along with international organizations and Somalia’s regional partners, have been relentless in reaching their collective ends for nearly twenty years. The United States’ continued efforts to protect their interests in the region are displayed in the vast amount of means that have been poured into Somalia. The formation of the ways incorporated into this assistance effort reverberates throughout the region and sets the standard for other counterinsurgency operations and United States’ diplomatic efforts throughout the world. This paper will identify the greater ends covered in the Report to Congress, the more relative ways that are best represented in the efforts in Somalia, and the means employed by all countries with a vested interest in Somalia and the surrounding region. The ends identified in this report compliment the foreign policy objectives set by President Obama and his administration. The elimination of the terrorist threat inherent in a country lacking a reliable system of government remains the most essential end in extinguishing transnational security threats. Along with this end is the establishment of a lasting peace and politically stable Somalia. The end to establish a lasting peace can only occur through the coordinated and collective efforts of the United States, USAID, the AU, International Organizations and other Non-Governmental Organizations. The basic foundation of a more civil society capable of self-governance and the assemblage of a productive, young workforce in a healthy, educated, and economically viable population can be achieved by the concerted ways developed by global leaders concerned with the promotion of the Transitional Federal Charter in Somalia. The US Department of State has presented many ways to achieve the President’s policy through encouraging political dialogue to form a national unity in Somalia. This dialogue promoting national unity must include, but is not limited to, economic and societal leaders, tribal elders, and those respected religious leaders who promote a moderate form of Islam. The use of the media is also one way presented in the US Public Affairs Strategy to communicate the humanitarian assistance messages to the global Muslim communities and foreign military and government officials. The use of the media is one way to foster reconciliation throughout the East Africa region and includes press conferences, reports in influential newspapers and magazines, global television coverage, and the Internet. It is through these ways that the capacity-building means identified in the SWEAT-MS/CREG and other services will be distinguishable to the vulnerable groups in Somalia. The financial means available in providing international assistance in Somalia seems to be perpetual. Since 1993, the United States alone has provided $557 million humanitarian assistance alone. Add to that total the $40.5 million in ‘new assistance’ for Somalia promised in 2007. International assistance in the form of International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations, supported financially by the global community, are also a visible means to continue to aid Somalia. These international donors can provide the support and guidance necessary in founding a country with the capacity for a broad based progress in Somalia.