This article discusses the worsening situation in Somalia. After a U.S.-backed Ethiopian intervention failed to establish a stable government, radical Islamists, particularly al-Shabab, are gaining control. The country is plagued by violence, a humanitarian crisis, and mass displacement. The international community is struggling to find a solution, and President-elect Obama's leadership is crucial to prevent further deterioration.

Somali piracy disrupts trade routes. In this article, we explore labeling (Somail pirates) terrorists to share prosecution or rebuilding Somalia to tackle the root cause. Both solutions face hurdles, and the focus now is on military action, but a long-term fix needs to address Somalia's issues.

In this article, we examine the upcoming year in the Middle East through the lens of Ahmet Davutoglu, a Turkish foreign policy strategist. Davutoglu predicts a series of elections will have a domino effect, impacting regional stability. Critical elections in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, and Iran are analyzed, along with Turkey's shift in foreign policy.

In this article, we discuss a new Pentagon policy prioritizing "irregular warfare" - battling insurgents and terrorists - alongside traditional combat. The shift is driven by recent conflicts and aims to prepare for future ones. The policy emphasizes training local forces, international cooperation, and special operations. Resources will be directed towards these areas.