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US Foreign Policy and the Horn of Africa: A History of Conflict and Cooperation

Gary Reed

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US Foreign Policy and the Horn of Africa (US Foreign Policy and Conflict in the Islamic World)

by Peter Woodward

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1440 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	193 pages

The Horn of Africa is a region of strategic importance to the United States. The region's proximity to the Middle East and the Indian Ocean makes it a key crossroads for trade and military activity. In recent years, the Horn of Africa has been plagued by conflict and instability, and the United States has been deeply involved in efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of US foreign policy toward the Horn of Africa, from the early days of the Cold War to the present day. The article begins by examining the historical roots of US involvement in the region. It then discusses US policy toward the Horn of Africa during the Cold War, the post-Cold War era, and the 21st century.

Historical Roots of US Involvement in the Horn of Africa

The United States has had a presence in the Horn of Africa for centuries. In the 19th century, American missionaries and traders established a presence in the region. In the early 20th century, the United States established a naval base in Djibouti.

During the Cold War, the Horn of Africa became a battleground between the United States and the Soviet Union. The United States provided military and economic aid to Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya in order to prevent them from falling into the Soviet sphere of influence.

US Policy Toward the Horn of Africa During the Cold War

During the Cold War, US policy toward the Horn of Africa was primarily focused on containing the Soviet Union. The United States provided military and economic aid to Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya in order to prevent them from falling into the Soviet sphere of influence.

The United States also intervened militarily in the region on several occasions. In 1964, the United States sent troops to the Congo to help quell a rebellion. In 1977, the United States sent troops to Somalia to support the government of Siad Barre.

US Policy Toward the Horn of Africa After the Cold War

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States continued to play a major role in the Horn of Africa. The United States provided humanitarian aid to the region and supported efforts to promote peace and stability.

However, the United States also intervened militarily in the region on several occasions. In 1992, the United States sent troops to Somalia to participate in a UN peacekeeping mission. In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, which led to a surge in violence in the Horn of Africa.

US Policy Toward the Horn of Africa in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, the United States has continued to play a major role in the Horn of Africa. The United States has provided humanitarian aid to the region and supported efforts to promote peace and stability.

However, the United States has also intervened militarily in the region on several occasions. In 2007, the United States launched a drone strike campaign against al-Shabaab, a terrorist group based in Somalia. In 2011, the United States intervened militarily in Libya, which led to a surge in violence in the Horn of Africa.

The United States has a long and complex history of involvement in the Horn of Africa. The region's strategic importance has made it a focus of US foreign policy for centuries.

In the 21st century, the United States is likely to continue to play a major role in the Horn of Africa. The region's ongoing conflicts and instability will continue to pose challenges for US policymakers.

Additional Resources

* [US Department of State: Bureau of African Affairs](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-political-affairs/bureau-of-african-affairs/) * [Council on Foreign Relations: Horn of Africa](https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/horn-africa) * [International Crisis Group: Horn of Africa](https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa)

US Foreign Policy and the Horn of Africa (US Foreign Policy and Conflict in the Islamic World)

by Peter Woodward

4.4 out of 5