What Somalia needs
The article by Daniela Kroslak and Andrew Stroehlein ("Oh my gosh, pirates!" Views, April 29) and the political cartoon by Patrick Chappatte (April 30) make powerful points. But they neglect one crucial factor in the plight of Somalia: The country is rich in arms, but poor in every other respect.
Somalia needs a total diversion from arms "aid" to helping the Somali people rescue themselves from their pitiful condition. Whoever is supplying arms must be stopped by the international community: the United Nations.
I spent all of 1976 in that country with the United Nations Development Program. The industrial and related "development" programs were futile and a waste of money. Ever since the following year, Somalia has been in turmoil, obtaining arms with the international community looking on uselessly.
Even those 30 or more years ago, it was clear to most UN people in the country that food was the greatest need. Drought was and still is the biggest obstacle to increasing food production. Somalia needs external financial aid to develop irrigation.
Rainfall is low or nonexistent most of the year, but the country's two rivers, Giuba and Shebelli, flood annually and their waters are allowed to run unused into the Indian Ocean. There is water in the ground. Money invested in installing water-capture and storage equipment would make year-round irrigation and food production a reality.
This investment must include the training of Somalis in how to operate, maintain and extend the installations. Once hunger is eliminated, the Somali people could achieve political stability, and even develop their economy enough to prosper and join international trading.
The unrecognized northern republic of Somaliland shows what the people can achieve.
Somalia has a long and beautiful, unspoiled coastline. Sensitive future development of tourism in the long term is one option, perhaps coupled with photographic wildlife safaris.
Hunger and poverty have to be conquered. It is possible, but armed conflict must be removed first.
Kenneth W. Watkins, Campeaux, France
Source: International Herald Tribune