Briefing Room 20.06.26: What is Israel Up to in Somaliland? And More.
Reports of Israeli overtures to Hargeisa — recognition talks, a possible base near Berbera, even Gazan resettlement — point to a widening contest for the Red Sea's southern shore.
Simon Whistler • June 22, 2026
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Note: this transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or inconsistencies.
Welcome back to The Briefing Room, the weekly show that goes beyond the headlines to dig up all the obscure stories that really matter. I'm Simon, and this week, while all eyes were on the peace deal between America and Iran, another less noticed story was bubbling up that also involved Israel.
In this case, it was the growing Israeli presence in the unrecognized breakaway state of Somaliland and the lingering questions it raised.
Aside from that, there was also the major jihadist attack on the airport in Niger's capital, as well as a series of abductions carried out across Africa that all seemed to link back to South Sudan. As always, thank you so much for subscribing.
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