Israeli recognition of Somaliland stirs up the Gulf

"Israel's recognition of Somaliland the first since it declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and began functioning in practice almost as another state has demonstrated its strategic importance in just three days, evident in the countless condemnations (and some significant silences) the move has received leading up to its presentation to the U.N. Security Council on Monday."

"While U.S. President Donald Trump responded, Does anybody know what Somaliland is? when asked if the United States was also considering recognizing it, the wave of indignation has been growing in those areas where its potential implications, including military ones, are most keenly felt. With access to the Red Sea and about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen,"

"Somaliland is a 137,600-square-kilometer (53,127 square miles) separatist region with a pro-Western leaning that has been unsuccessfully seeking recognition for three decades. Recently, it launched a diplomatic offensive aimed at the United States (Senator Ted Cruz is among those advocating for its recognition). Last month, in fact, it declared that it would cease recognizing visas issued by Somalia and would require direct authorization for every aircraft entering its airspace, separating it from Mogadishu's nominal sovereignty."

Israel recognized Somaliland, marking the first formal recognition since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operated de facto for decades. The recognition triggered widespread condemnations and notable silences and was scheduled for presentation to the U.N. Security Council. U.S. President Donald Trump questioned public awareness of Somaliland. Regional indignation has risen where military and strategic implications are strongest. Somaliland's Red Sea access and proximity to Houthi-controlled Yemen make it geopolitically significant. Israeli officials have considered Somaliland among territories for relocating Gazans under a plan affecting the Gaza Strip. Somaliland pursued U.S. engagement, changed visa and airspace rules, and celebrated the recognition in Hargeisa.

Read at english.elpais.com