ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the UN and US-led missions in Somalia. As a starting point, the societal context of Somalia, its history, anthropology, politics, land use and economy, and dispute resolution processes are discussed. Somalia experienced nine years of substantial peace and parliamentary democracy, during which time civil society groupings such as the Somali Women's Movement developed. In fact, twenty-one political parties competed in the 1964 elections and sixty-three in the 1969 poll. Somalia is usually depicted as a culturally homogenous society with one common language, religion and heritage. Somali oral verse is central to Somali life, so much so that poetry plays a significant part in political discourse and conciliation. It is arguably one of Somalia's major means of communication. Lewis's views are those of an experienced and highly influential anthropologist and foster a construction of Somali dispute resolution based on a preference for violence. Religious office holders often performed the role of judge or mediator in dispute resolution.
