It is a fine article, accurate, interesting and well-written. It reminded me of 2 years in Somalia (62-64) as a Peace Corps volunteer teacher and of my return to the northern part (now Somaliland) in 2000. I was impressed in 2000 by the hard work the north had done and the bustling and vibrant economy. Quite a difference from the early 60's. After seceding from the Somali state in 1991 because of the civil war, the north has been exceedingly peaceful. Especially when it is compared to the ongoing internecine military struggles in the south.

The Somalis are now suffering severe drought and have very little food and clean water. They need help from the rest of the world. Even more, they need international recognition as a sovereign state separate from Somalia. Perhaps that should have been the emphasis of the article.

Good for you Martin Kaplan. Though the article specifically seperates the two, most Americans equate Somaliland with Black Hawk Down in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia.

I don't see aid anytime soon, though we operate just north out of Camp Lemonier in the Djibouti, our focus is on something else.

Another missed opportunity for a great civil action program.

There is not enough reporting on America's relations with Somaliland since Siad Barre's overthrough. An LA Times article in 1991 revealed American oil and energy firms were awarded rights to Somalia via Siad Barre before he was overthrown and that these same firms declare force majeure after Barre was overthrown, effectively retaining their rights once the entire Somalia is stabilized.

Somaliland may have a functioning government, but the real issue will be how will America play off the energy rights for north & south combined.