I cover US airstrikes on the ground from Somalia, and wrote a number of investigations on the topic. The implications that this potential withdrawal has given the fragile situation in the country is significant and about more than airstrikes or counter-terrorism.
https://twitter.com/KatzOnEarth/status/1335256416894988289
Comments that the airstrikes will continue and/or the generally vague statements about the boost this could give to al Shabaab seems to be the mainstream US focus and are practically besides if you want to talk about how this will impact people on the ground.
The impact this seemingly relatively abrupt even small withdrawal could have is on Somali politics and the #Danab, the Somali Special Forces who work with the US.
And while perhaps this seems too wonky its actually a pretty straightforward narrative to get across: a major international player's quick posture shift will have an immediate impact on national politics and - the world over - national politics is what matters most to civilians.
The story at the moment is that rapid policy shifts made by powerful international actors impact delicate situations.
Discussing counter-terrorism and civilian casualties in #airstrikes is not sophisticated and using the precious space mainstream media gives to the US in Somalia to focus on that is a waste.
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