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Somaliland received a belated Christmas present last week when Israel took the bold step of formally recognizing Somaliland, becoming the first country in the world to do so. While many in this small nation took to the streets in celebration, not surprisingly, many of its neighbors were not so happy, among them Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, and since then has been desperately seeking validation from first world countries.

But Western democracies have not been willing to recognize this African nation, despite numerous efforts from Somaliland which could use their acceptance to increase trade and their standing in the international community.

However, just a few months ago, a wave of liberal democracies decided that a self-proclaimed Palestinian State was more deserving of their endorsement. Led by France, these nations included Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Norway, Ireland, and other liberal nations with no skin in the game. They joined about 150 other UN member states (roughly 80% of UN members) formally recognizing the so-called State of Palestine in September of this year. They saw it as a “symbolic step toward peace and justice.”

Keep in mind that this happened just when Israel and the United States were engaging in high stakes, delicate negotiations to create a just and lasting peace in the region and when Hamas was continuing to refuse to give up its 20 remaining live Israeli hostages and 28 corpses. That detail didn’t seem to be worth their consideration. Despite these proclamations, President Trump and........

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