Additional information on the political landscape of Barre's scientific socialist government is appreciated. Did his policies directly contribute to the economic downfall of the nation?
Also, were there any other cases of two communist nations going to war with each other?
Short: Ethiopia had 26 million people vs. Somalia's 3.5 million. That is the main reason, this population gives taxes, produces good etc.
Other than that: Ethiopia is larger, more resources, Barre invaded because of nationalism and Ethiopia was seen as a brand new marxistic state.
article(swe): http://www.svd.se/kultur/understrecket/stormakternas-kapplopning-pa-afrikas-horn_189791.svd
Why couldn't the USSR pick both?