Will Somalia's Elections Change the War on Al-Shabaab?

Stabilization is long and difficult. Global partners need to be patient.
James Barnett
In counterinsurgency, military victories tend to be easier than political ones, and Somalia seems to be a case in point these days. On the one hand, al-Shabaab has retreated from much of the country and suffered heavy losses among both its leadership and its rank and file.
On the other hand, this month’s legislative and presidential elections, originally touted as pivotal progress in the country’s long-term stabilization efforts, look set to fall well short of initial expectations. While the slow political progress is disheartening, it is not a death knell to the U.S.-supported counterinsurgency.
To continue reading, please click here.
Source: nationalinterest.org