Extremely brief overview - but overall managed

The attacks in Kampala during the final of World Cup 2010, the Westgate attack in Nairobi in 2013 and the attack on the University in Garissa this year, was more than clear that Shabaab is quite capable, high-profile to carry out attacks outside of Somalia and has a functioning network for external operations. This book analyzes and assesses the extent of the threat that Shabaab for the Horn of Africa and especially Kenya. Despite the extremely tight perimeter this is in total well done.

The book first provides a brief overview of the history of Somalia and the career advancement and Al Shabaab. The main leading cadres (a bit outdated) and ideological objectives and strategy pursued and tactics are also briefly outlined how the ethnic nature of the Somali population, including the most important clans.

Following the threats to Kenya are highlighted: terrorist attacks, arms smuggling, money laundering, crime (including piracy) etc. with all the negative effects on the security and prosperity of the country. The risks for Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Eritrea are also briefly illuminated. Especially Kenya has taken this extensive measures to address the problem politically, militarily, economically and humanitarian.

Likewise, solutions and appropriate measures should be identified which appear necessary and useful to a comprehensive regional solution to the problem. Also this include the whole range of hard power to soft power.

Overall, this book is a successful brief overview of a major challenge to international security. Due to the brevity the analysis but unfortunately often remains very attached to the surface and provides connections are simplified or shortened. Nevertheless, managed to familiarize themselves within a very short time, with the most important information. For many years expert on the matter but that probably is not suitable for the purpose of too little depth.