The current emergency unfolding in and around Somalia is a result of complex geopolitical factors, exacerbated by the current drought.  The Somali people are trapped between various forces who are depriving them of assistance either for their own political reasons, or in an effort to weaken their opponents.  There is virtually no access to health care in vast tracts of land across the country.  The reality of providing aid in Somalia today is grim.  This event will bring together operational and research perspectives to explore some of the difficulties in providing aid in such a politicised environment.