Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Somalia

Does even one in a hundred Americans; indeed, one in a thousand, know we’ve been bombing the bejesus out of Somalia, 7,800 miles from the Homeland, for 15 years?

That’s because we bomb Somalia in virtual secrecy from the American people. Our government barely acknowledges the strikes. The media maintains a virtual blackout on the bombings. When pressed by the peace community, the official response is we’re killing bad guys in al-Shabab, an anti-Somalia government outfit the US helped create with its meddling in Somalia politics as part of its endless GWOT (Global War On Terror).

The US injects military forces to Somalia to meddle in its affairs, then launches endless bombings to protect them and the government we demand must rule Somalia. We’ve conducted hundreds of such bombings using drones, AC-130 gunships, attack helicopters, naval bombardments and cruise missile strikes.

While local organizations claim scores of civilians have been killed, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) responds, "Nope…only bad guys."

While we’re dropping bombs on Somalia and other African countries we’re determined to dominate, China is dropping tens of billions in investment infrastructure to dominate the continent is less destructive ways. Any wonder why economically speaking, China is devouring our lunch?

Bombing Somalia is good policy for weapons makers, military careerists, war loving congresspersons and their media cheerleaders. But why do something that is so bad for Somalia, long term US interests and the folks we needlessly kill?

Walt Zlotow became involved in antiwar activities upon entering University of Chicago in 1963. He is current president of the West Suburban Peace Coalition based in the Chicago western suburbs. He blogs daily on antiwar and other issues at www.heartlandprogressive.blogspot.com.