And, for better or for worse, it just might. For U.S. policymakers worried about Islamic fundamentalism, an African Taliban is not an ideal solution to Somalia's troubles. But even they must admit how serious these troubles are. Since the failed U.N. intervention in the early '90s, the country's northern regions, known as Somaliland and Puntland, have achieved a surprising measure of stability. But southern Somalia is still plagued by v-chip levels of violence and anarchy.
Kidnapping is a serious problem.
Americans who visit Mogadishu tend to stay for only a few days and usually surround themselves with a jeepload of Kalashnikovtoting bodyguards. Merca is far safer, but even there I was flanked by several nononsense youths who possessed Columbine levels of personal firepower. And for good reason. With a flick of his thumb, the guard sitting next to me undid the safety catch on his AK-47. We waited tensely.