Discuss the reasons for the failure of UN intervention in Somalia up to 1995.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of reasons for the failure of the UN intervention in Somalia up to 1995. Candidates may consider the significance of internal Somali problems such as the lack of an effective central government and the presence of several hostile armed factions supporting different leaders. The extensive supply of arms from the Cold War period increased the levels of violence. Factors relating to the UN may include a lack of adequate resources and personnel in Somalia to influence the political and military situations, and the lack of support for various aid and relief efforts. The inability or unwillingness of UN troops to disarm warring groups prevented political solutions and allowed civil war to continue. The importance of the withdrawal of American support after casualties occurred amongst UN troops may also be considered.