Somaliland

Why Somaliland works and the international system pretends it does not - opinion

Recognizing Somaliland would establish three principles the international order is not yet prepared to tolerate: performance matters, secession can stabilize, and colonial borders are not sacred.

An illustrative image of a Somaliland flag being held.
A LARGE ‘Free Palestine’ sign is seen at a soccer game in Istanbul, Turkey, in late 2025. It is hypocritical that countries supporting calls for Palestinian statehood often oppose recognition for Somaliland and Kurdistan, the writer says.

Statehood hypocrisy: Why it's no for Somaliland, Kurdistan, but yes for Palestine - opinion

An illustrative image of a Somaliland flag being held.

Israel's Somaliland recognition isn't a gamble, it's a necessity and others must join - opinion

THE KIND OF of strategic alliance that Israel is nurturing in Somaliland already emerged last year, when Somaliland signed a deal with Ethiopia, leasing to its landlocked neighbor a 20-km. coastal strip for a naval base.

Middle Israel: Sleeping with Somaliland is good, waltzing with it is bad - opinion


My Word: Recognition vs rejection of Somaliland - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland exposes global hypocrisy, rejecting a stable ally at a strategic chokepoint while rewarding terror and dysfunction elsewhere.

An illustrative image of a Somaliland flag being held.

Grapevine, January 2, 2025: Is the Buzaglo Law still valid?

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

REUVEN RIVLIN with leaders of the Supreme Court during his round of farewells at the end of his presidency in 2021.

Somaliland denies trading recognition with Israel for accepting Gazans

Last week, Israel became the first country to recognize the independence of Somaliland, angering international powers who bemoaned the move at the United Nations Security Council.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

How the UAE built its sphere of influence across the region, including role in Yemen - explainer

From Yemen and Sudan to Israel and Somaliland, the UAE has built a wide network of allies, investments, and security ties aimed at countering political Islam and shaping regional power dynamics.

Supporters of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) wave flags of the United Arab Emirates and of the STC, during a rally in Aden, Yemen, December 30, 2025.

Medical ties linked Israel and Somaliland years before formal recognition

For more than two decades, the Israeli NGO Save a Child’s Heart has provided cardiac care to children from Somaliland, bringing patients to Israel for surgery at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.

AWO AND Sumaya from Somaliland with Israeli volunteer Ella in the middle.

Erdogan calls Israel's recognition of Somaliland 'illegal,' unveils plans for Somalia

Erdogan said Turkey plans offshore energy drilling off Somalia's coast in 2026 and will add two new drilling vessels.

 TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Turkey’s irredentist policies, from its actions in Cyprus to its growing involvement in Syria, highlight a policy of territorial expansion and ethnic dominance, the writer maintains.

Israel’s Somaliland recognition shows the real purpose of the Abraham Accords - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflects the Abraham Accords’ focus on survival, stability, and strategic cooperation, not sentiment.

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Israel steps in to defend Somaliland recognition move at UN amid concerns over Gaza motives

"It is not a hostile step toward Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity,” said Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

China rejects Somaliland recognition, accuses Israel of 'selfish interests'

"No country should encourage or support other countries' internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests," Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian attends a press conference in Beijing, China April 10, 2025

Israel recognized Somaliland – African nations like Ethiopia, Kenya should be next - opinion

Israel recognized Somaliland after decades of patience and Africa can no longer afford to look away.

Ismail Shirwac is seen holding a Somaliland flag and a Israeli flag.

Strategic misfire? Israel’s Somaliland move fuels new tensions - opinion

Israel is the first to recognize Somaliland, but the move may deepen clan divisions, fuel extremism, and damage Israel’s regional standing.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.