January 2, 2026 | "Somaliland: Key Player in a Key Location" with Bashir Goth

In this special Middle East Forum podcast, Lauri Regan speaks with Bashir Goth, Somaliland’s Representative to the United States, about Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland and the geopolitical shockwaves it has sent through the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Goth describes the recognition as the culmination of Somaliland’s 35-year struggle for sovereignty, democratic governance, and security in one of the world’s most volatile regions. He explains why Israel’s decision shattered longstanding diplomatic taboos, forced Somaliland’s status onto the international agenda for the first time, and exposed the limitations of conventional thinking at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. The conversation explores the strategic implications of Israel–Somaliland ties, including Red Sea security, Houthi missile threats, Iranian influence, and growing great-power competition involving Turkey and China. Goth contrasts Somaliland’s record of elections, peaceful transfers of power, and counterterrorism with conditions in Mogadishu, arguing that resistance to recognition reflects institutional inertia rather than realities on the ground. A wide-ranging Q&A examines prospects for U.S. recognition, security cooperation with Israel, the role of the UAE and Gulf states, relations with Puntland, and Somaliland’s path toward the Abraham Accords in an increasingly polarized region.