Somalia is a comprehensively failed state, representing a threat to itself, its neighbours and the wider world. In recent years, it has become notorious for the piracy off its coast and the rise of Islamic extremism, opening it up as a new 'southern front' in the war on terror. At least that is how it is inevitably portrayed by politicians and in the media. ----- In Getting Somalia Wrong? Mary Harper presents the first comprehensive account of the chaos into which the country has descended and the United States' renewed involvement there. In doing so, Harper argues that viewing Somalia through the prism of al-Qaeda risks further destabilizing the country and the entire Horn of Africa, while also showing that though the country may be a failed state, it is far from being a failed society. In reality, alternative forms of business, justice, education and local politics have survived and even flourished. ----- Provocative in its analysis, Harper shows that until the international community starts to 'get it right' the consequences will be devastating, not just for Somalia, but for the world.
Getting Somalia Wrong?
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This has done what books on Somalia rarely do it outlines the hidden Somalia that has survived the decades of turmoil. Accessible and enlightening, this is an important book not just for the international reader but also those shaping global policy on Somalia. --Rageh Omaar
'The most accessible and accurate account available of the contemporary Somali world pirates and all.' --Iaon Lewis, author of Understanding Somalia and Somaliland
'The most accessible and accurate account available of the contemporary Somali world pirates and all.' --Iaon Lewis, author of Understanding Somalia and Somaliland
About the Author
Mary Harper is a BBC journalist specializing in Africa. She has reported from Somalia since the outbreak of civil war in 1991 and from other war zones across Africa, including Sudan, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has written for several publications including The Economist and The Washington Post.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By JSC
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was waiting for me when I returned home from Somalia this morning. I flicked through the pages and was immediately drawn in. Abandoning work for the rest of the day, I instead consumed it in one go, so forgive a lack of eloquence in my haste to commend this book to you. The book is readable, accessible and colourful - beautifully written, and in the best BBC journalistic style gives an honest, balanced and positive overview of life and hope in Somalia. It has helped me to set my own experience in context and think a little more deeply about how I might approach my next visit more effectively. It is not an academic book but essential reading for anyone interested in giving a fair hearing to a severely mis-represented nation. I think it would be advisable as pre-reading for anyone planning on working in the region and certainly offers better value than alarming googled articles, patronising blogs and my expensive and poorly informed Lonely Planet which simply advises: don't go there, it's awful.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By RAS
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an outstanding overview of Somalia. With relevant history, insights and analysis, Harper unpicks some of the more subtle threads contributing to what is a highly complex situation. For an introduction to some of the most topical issues, this is a fantastic place to start; very well written and highly readable, with some good pointers in the right direction for other related reads.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Kate Barber
Format:Paperback
Mary Harper shows readers the real Somalia that has survived years of turmoil and war. She is an empathetic, informed and perceptive author. The book shows how good journalism really makes a difference to how we perceive situations and countries, particularly apt with Somalia and the press it has been receiving over the last year. Harper shows how the portrayal of a country can differ from the people within it and that impartial journalism can lead a new kind of understanding.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book
Critical account of current situation in Somalia. A must read for those who want to understand the multifaceted issues in Somalia. Excellent book!
Published 14 days ago by Mohamed Omar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable
Explained a great deal for someone who is interested in African politics but has yet to visit Somalia. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kevin Oliver
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