Al Qaeda and Aid to Somalia

          The entire scenario of Al Qaeda giving aid to Somali people suffering from the drought-induced famine is suspicious. The only positive side is that Al-Shabab is actually letting such aid come through; however, it seems unlikely that the aid would continue as the motives of Al Qaeda are questionable. A recognized terrorist group is not helping a starving population simply out of kindness of heart. If the Shabab are disallowing international aid from getting to the population why would they let another group supply it, regardless of association? There is also the question of who exactly Mr. Almuhajir is and what he represents. If he truly is a member of Al Qaeda then it wouldn’t be surprising if the group was working together with Al-Shabab for some purpose such as recruiting new Al Qaeda members or otherwise. If such is the case then there may be the possibility of more Al Qaeda “recruiters” being stationed in other areas of Somalia. It is cruel to think that the group would try to lure people through the guise of aid, but it is not outside the realm of possibility. Should any one country or possibly even the UN become involved in this is the case? Yes, but I’m not sure they can given that aid alone isn’t reaching the vast majority of the Somali population. I certainly don’t think militarization is an option, especially in the case of the US, which should not post more forces in another foreign conflict. Perhaps focusing on finding a way to get as much aid as possible to Somalia is the best action any country can take right now. Time will only tell what Al Qaeda’s presence signifies.