Cameron goes to Europe

First Trip Abroad Takes British Leader to Europe

In a recent New York times Article David Cameron, the Uk's newest elected Prime Minister has taken his first trip abroad. He travelled to Paris France where he met with Nicolas Szarscozy and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This is an example of British politics, with loyalty to both the United States and with the European Union. His trip seemed to be mostly focused on Greece and aligning fears of the disruption of policy with Britain in its first coalition government in 3o years. This seems to effect the politics and legitimacy of Britain and is an example of future politics and foreign policy in the nation.

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Al-Shabaab Banned in UK

According to a recent Economist article, "Alan Johnson bans Somali 'terrorist' group Al-Shabaab," the Home Secretary of the UK has officially designated Al-Shabaab a terrorist group and has banned it in the UK. Al-Shabaab is a radical Islamic organization based in Somalia, where it has considerable influence. The UK ban is in response to a statement by the group that linked it with Al-Qaeda.

"Banning" Al-Shabaab makes it illegal for the group to openly operate in the UK. It also makes it illegal for UK citizens to become members.

Alan Johnson recently banned another Muslim group, Islam4UK, which was trying to march through Wootton Bassett Wiltshire.

The article is important because it highlights social cleavages in the UK. Politics in the UK are strongly anti-immigration, and there are racial overtones to the rhetoric used by British politicians. Al-Shabaab is clearly a terrorist organization, and warrants the ban. However, there seems to be a general distrust of minorities, particularly Muslims, in the UK.

The article also demonstrates a piece of UK foreign policy. Al-Shabaab is extremely influential in Southern Somalia. By banning the group in the UK, Mr. Johnson is sending a message to Somalia as a whole.

Photo Courtesy of the Economist

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