NATO's "secret war" on Syria: Replicating the Libya model British special forces supporting rebels
The Guardian, 22 February 2012
Daily Express, 23 February 2012
The Independent, 22 December 2011
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http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/02/28/18708307.php
The Guardian: UK weighs up military strikes against Somalia rebels
[propaganda alert]
compiled by Cem Ertür
28 February 2012
1) The Guardian: UK weighs up military strikes against Somalia rebels (22 February 2012)
2) MI5 chief: It is only a matter of time before we see Al Shabaab-inspired terrorism on our streets (16 September 2010)
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/21/uk-considers-air-strikes-som...
UK weighs up strikes against Somalia rebels (*)
‘War games’ drawn up for air raids on pirates and insurgents
by Nick Hopkins and Richard Norton-Taylor, The Guardian, 22 February 2012
According to sources, the international coalition that has been spearheading the fight against the pirates drew up contingency plans in the summer of 2010, and again last year, for what was termed "over the beach" air strikes against Somali camps.
The UK has also considered plans for attacking targets in places where al-Shabaab and the pirates appear to co-exist, particularly in southern Somalia. [...]
It is believed the British, Dutch, French and Americans would be the most likely to support military action, if the need arose.
The US is already taking great interest in Somalia and has begun missile strikes from unmanned drones against members of al-Shabaab, which is said to have growing links with al-Qaida affiliates in other countries, and is attempting to "export" violence to other countries in Africa.
The group claimed responsibility for twin bombings in Uganda two years ago that killed 74 people as they were watching coverage of the World Cup in South Africa. In recent months statements said to have come from the group's leaders have proclaimed greater links with al-Qaida's goals of global jihad.
Up to 200 foreigners, including 40 Britons, are know to have travelled to Somalia in the past six years seeking al-Shabaab's training camps, in the same way that extremists went to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 1990s. Some have been caught and are facing trial in the region, but intelligence agencies say it is only a matter of time before one of them attempts to bring terror back to their homeland.
With words that seemed to echo the reasons for invading Afghanistan, Cameron recently said that Somalia was a "failed state that directly threatens British interests".
The head of the British military, General Sir David Richards, also appeared to hint at the potential for military action in a speech shortly before Christmas. "Treating the causes of instability and terrorism at source is better and cheaper than dealing with the consequences, as Somalia's piracy demonstrates," he said.
(*) title of the print edition
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from the archives:
We need to do whatever we can to stop people from this country becoming involved in terrorism and murder in Somalia, but beyond that I am concerned that it is only a matter of time before we see terrorism on our streets inspired by those who are today fighting alongside Al Shabaab.”
[Head of MI5 Jonathan Evans, speech at the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, London, 16 September 2010] [1]
[1] Address at the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals by the Director General of the Security Service, Jonathan Evans
MI5 website, 16 September 2010
https://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/the-threat-to-national-security.html
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related news:
We give £220m to ‘terror capital’ Somalia
David Cameron is set to ignite fresh anger at Britain’s soaring overseas handouts bill today by pledging millions to war-torn Somalia.
by Macer Hall, Daily Express, 23 February 2012
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/303858/We-give-220m-to-world-s-terro...
Britain's new year resolution: intervene in Somalia
Cameron claims failed East African state poses a direct threat to British interests.