Northern Somalia was one of the most lawless areas in the Horn of Africa. We were carjacked at gunpoint within half hour of landing in the town of Hergeisa.The United Nations was trying (unsuccessfully) to demobilize local clan militias. When I arrived at their camp, I was a novelty too and they huddled around me for a closer look. Then a few hours after our meeting, on our way back into town, we were carjacked again at gunpoint.