Phee’s folly: Why is the US building bases for a Chinese ally?

The United States and Somalia on Feb. 15 signed a memorandum of understanding that would commit the U.S. to build five bases for Somalia’s Danab Brigade at a projected cost of $100 million. That followed previous U.S. provision of an even greater amount to train and assist the Danab Brigade. Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee praised the move as “a centerpiece of our ongoing security cooperation with Somalia” and said the construction of the new bases “reflects our recognition of the success of our joint efforts to build a capable, professional, and accountable force.”

Phee omitted three things.