February 16, 2009

Expert talks about political dynamics of Somalia

"Somalia is a very strategic place because it is on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden where some of the major shipping lanes are," says Michael Weinstein, a professor of political science who studies politics in Somalia. "This area also is called the third front for the war on terrorism, so it's important that we follow what is happening inside this country."

Somalia elected a new president, Sharif Ahmed, in January for this predominantly Muslim country that struggles with internal violence, poverty, piracy and radical Islamist insurgencies.

"The world will be watching to see if Somalia is going to emerge from being a 'failed state,'" Weinstein says. "The new president is supported by many Western powers, including the United States and the European Union, as well as many African states. Historically, these governments have backed former Somalia governments that have failed, so there is even more pressure for the new president to succeed."

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Michael Weinstein, (765) 494-4173, weinstem@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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