Article Review
The main points of the article are simple, then. Al-Shabaab has grown Somalia with unprecedented speed and force, demanding Western nations, as well as their allies take notice and attempt to stomp out this force, just as was down with al-Qaida. Laws and policies that allowed for the eradication of one terrorist cell now appear to have fostered the growth of another, funneling soldiers and support toward it while resources were diverted elsewhere . Terrorist cells such as these are a growing trend amongst what is commonly known as the Jihadist community, but few gain the notoriety Al-Shabaab has attained in such a short time and there are differing ideas on why such organizations are noticed. For example, a study performed during Islam’s civil war revealed Al-Shabaab is primarily comprised of individuals who were soldiers in Afghanistan during the 80s and 90s. Many of the remaining members also have a history of being involved in political activism and struggle.
Al-Shabaab’s exclusivity, based on their message and their actions could be a token that allows them to gain members like these, loyal and willing to fight. It unites people all over the world, who share the same connected ideologies, and it is the same mentality and practice used by al-Qaida as their group rose to the height of power . The tactic also allows the group to occupy a foreign area, such as Somali, while controlling the local customs. In essence, terror cells like al-Qaida and Al-Shabaab are waging a new type of civil war, with new rules and techniques. It looks, perhaps, more violent than it is. This does not detract from the deplorable violence that is, in fact, committed every day. But there is a large amount of psychological violence, as well as manipulation, which appears to be perpetrated upon the people who enter into the group, and are surrounding the group. This goes unnoticed, masked by the shadow of overwhelming physical violence terrorists threaten and actually carry out.
In sum, Using both physical violence and psychological manipulation, however, allows terror cells to control areas like Somalia out in the open. They no longer need to occupy caves, or make secret deals with a country’s government in order to train their recruits on foreign soil. Manipulation is becoming a key weapon for what may soon be known as the modern terrorist. It also, once again goes to show that when we wipe out an evil, no matter how bad it may appear, we never know what kind of superior evil may grow to take its place. Like a Hydra, we have cut off one head only to reveal two uglier and more cunning ones that appear to be doing a better job.
Works Cited
Marchal, Roland. "A tentative assessment of the Somali Harakat Al-Shabaab." Journal of Eastern African Studies (2009): 381-404. Print.
