Kenya's Porous Borders

Kenya—a corrupt country recently snubbed by President Obama despite his roots there—has another problem to contend with: its porous borders with Somalia are ideal for Islamic extremists. The Shabab militia rules most of southern Somalia, and according to the New York Times has been on a rampage, "beheading detractors, stoning adulterers and threatening to kill any Americans or Europeans who get in their way." The Shabab launch attacks from Somalia deep into Kenya, and then retreat back into their lawless haven. Kenya's capitol, Nairobi, which is far from the border, does not escape the militia's wrath. Last month, Western counterterrorism experts sent out messages that expats should stay away from Nairobi malls for fear of suicide bombings.