What is a failed state? A failed state is when a state has fallen behind in one aspect of it's government. However, it also means that the state could be falling behind in some basic aspect of it's government's responsability. Also, it could mean, where a state loses its government, or when there is no real control other than on a small, local level.
When a state, or country in this case, fails, it usually starts with one center point that acts like a nail being driven into already splitting wood, crushing and splintering the country into a failing state. However, sometimes, the country falls apart itself... steadily becoming weaker and weaker. It's not just the government that suffers, it trickles down into the lives of the people. It makes life harder, and hands the people a heap of stress and strain in those tough times. But, it's not just the failing country that is affected by this... the world is affected, because countries are inter-locked, even if they wish to say that isn't so. Countries depend on one another for survival. And if one country suffers, so do others. This article: Failing Nations: Why things fall apart, gives you an insight into what happens and why it happens, when a country fails.
Sometimes, however, just the location of the country can affect if it's own government begins to crumble, or if it stays strong. Not only this, but if their resources are playing in that game, that may affect them as well.
One country, Somalia, has ranked high on the list for countries that need a little help, or...a lot of help. But what do we, as a stronger nation do to help? That's something I really want to know.
This article: Shattered Somalia, gives us a look on Somalian life. It begins with the story of an 18 year old boy named Mohammed. His small salary gained from fishing used to support his family, and it had been this way since he was 14 when a mortar explosion injured his father. He uses a lighthouse as a hideout, a place he looks out across the ocean and thinks... thinks about where his food comes from. Though life is hard for Mohammed's generation, it has been this way since he was born. Somalia's last president, Mohamed Siad Barre, corrupted their government, and was later overthrown.
Somalian pirates sail the seas surrounding Somalia, planning attacks on ships that go from the East and Europe. Fights and wars have caused Somalia climb to the top of the list of failed states; the people of Somalia growing use to the lack of safety, hope, food, water, and other services. Many people, however, leave Somalia for a better life. Mohammed, the 18 year old, tells the reporter that he is ready to die in Somalia, not wishing to leave his home.
The way bits and pieces of Somalia have stuck together have been through their clans. However, sometimes, these clans fight or, on the flip-side, marry each other. But, Europeans have started the crumbling of this clan-based rule. Sad day.
Bombings and injuries are now part of the everyday life in Somalia. Say we were to go there, for maybe a week. If a bomb went off near by, we'd be terrified, but in Somalia, it only comes up a bit in conversation. Hardly noticed if it does not affect you or your family.
Somalia has a small country that has split off from it, called Somaliland. Hardly any government calls it it's own nation, and it's president wishes to know... Why, since their country does well on its own, does it not get respect and support from other nations.. but Somalia, a failing nation, receive all this aid and support? That is also a question I would like to know the answer to...
Terrorists in Somalia seem so normal. They can be seen selling different things from their stands in markets; they can be tall, short, thin, ugly, beautiful...they can be exactly like the normal people of Somalia, because.. in reality, they are the people of Somalia. However, many of this terroristic group called al Shabaab, has had ties to al Qaeda.
Many journalists and other people have been taken hostage, ransoms up to a million dollars each person being demanded for their return. It's often not safe for people to travel there, as they are in risk of being kidnapped.
When this article was published, the two journalists that were kidnapped had not been given back.
These articles really leave me thinking... How can we, a country so wrapped up in helping others, fix our own country..and still aid those that really do need help? It seems so unfair to leave these people in ruins. These stories really make me grateful for what I have, and how easy life really is for us.
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