Voices

Some notable quotes about the impending move into Somalia: ‘The warlords will not resist, they understand only power.’

--Mohamed Sheikh, Somali refugee

‘If they don’t stay six or seven months, it’s not going to achieve anything. It could actually make it worse.’

--Rhodri Wynn-Pope, team leader for CARE International

‘We are prepared for hostilities should they occur . . . and if necessary to take preemptive action. This is a potentially dangerous mission.’

--Defense Secretary, Dick Cheney

If the U.S. role in Somalia ‘is totally humanitarian and has nothing to do with politics, then it is OK. If there is a political agenda, I’m not for it.’

--Amina Adan, a Somali and a history instructor, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa

‘We welcome this unanimous resolution . . . demonstrating the strong will of the international community.’

--Barbara McDougall, Canadian foreign minister

‘The location (of Somalia) is remote from Japan. Our capabilities are limited. . . . We have legal restraints.’

--Japan Foreign Ministry spokesman Masamichi Hanabusa on Japan’s decision so far to send only money, not troops

‘They’re going to make sure the security problems in the country are solved and feed us as well, and send our children to school.’

--Mohamed Nur-Omar, unemployed Somali factory worker

‘This is great news, this is what we have wanted for months.’

--Abdi Osman

Mohammed, Somali Peace and Resettlement Committee