Perspectives

Exploring the Political Landscape of Somali-Americans: A Shift Toward Conservatism? The intersection of politics, religion, and identity is a profound one in the realm of Somali-Americans. As we dive into the heart of this topic, consider: How do immigrants navigate the complexities of political allegiance in a foreign land that's brimming with evolving ideologies? This inquiry takes us to the bustling communities of Minnesota, where Somali-Americans are experiencing a notable political shift under the tenure of…

Binti Ali Wardhere’s story begins with a quiet loss: irreparable, yet all too common amid Mogadishu’s wartime tumult. The tragedies she faced on an otherwise unremarkable October day in 1993 echo through her every thought, a reminder of the events tied to the notorious moniker "Black Hawk Down." Surprisingly, this phrase—popularized by a Hollywood blockbuster—synonymizes with the infamous 1993 U.S. military catastrophe in Somalia. On October 3rd, eighteen American soldiers perished, accompanied by the anguished…

London, UK (AX) — Channel 4's daring new series, Go Back to Where You Came From, embarks on an audacious journey that vividly parallels the treacherous routes taken by refugees fleeing conflict zones. At the heart of this experiential expedition is Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a city long marred by turbulence yet buoyed by indomitable resilience. While watching this series, one might ponder: what do an eclectic group of six British citizens gain by traversing these perilous roads once trodden by countless asylum…

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…

Decoding the Post-HIPC Journey: Insights and Strategies for Somalia Somalia’s saga reflects a tumultuous thirty years marked by both governance attempts and enduring chaos. Strikingly, it stands among the few nations that achieved independence in the third quarter of the 20th century, a period profoundly shaped by the Cold War’s ideological divides. This era followed the monumental outcomes of World War II, leading to a global shift towards market-driven economic policies, heavily influenced by capitalist and communist…