Posted on 06/11/2006 2:23:13 AM PDT by MadIvan
DAYS after winning control of Mogadishu, an Islamist militia was yesterday advancing towards the last stronghold of secular warlords, Jowhar.
The coalition of warlords are widely believed to be backed by Washington and their defeat is seen as a setback for US policy.
The United States has called for an international meeting this week in New York to discuss strategy on Somalia, bringing together officials from the UN, Europe and Africa.
Residents said the militia, who won control of the Somali capital last week after driving out the warlords, drew closer overnight to the warlord stronghold of Jowhar, 55 miles to the north.
"Our forces have moved towards the warlord forces," said Siyad Mohamed, one of the leaders of the Islamic militia.
Jowhar warlords, reinforced by defeated allies, pushed southwards from the town to the village of Qalimoy.
"The [warlord] coalition took their remaining weapons and militia from the town to strengthen their defence in Qalimoy after word came that the Islamic courts were advancing towards Jowhar," said Abdi Warsame, a farmer.
Islamist leader Mohamed said: "If their movements continue we will have no option but to attack them, because they are preparing to attack us."
As the rivals squared up, at least five people were killed in an apparently unrelated clash at a checkpoint in Baidoa between local militiamen and guards loyal to President Abdullahi Yusuf, a spokesman for the interim government said. Yusuf was not present during the clash in the town, which is home to Somalia's interim government, too weak to enter the capital.
Washington has long viewed Somalia as a potential shelter for Islamic militants but it said this week it might be open to dealing with the Islamic militia, signalling a possible new approach. Asked why the meeting of the Somalia Contact Group was taking place now, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said: "We think it's the right time. The goal of this group is to promote coordination to support the Somalia transitional federal institutions, and so we are going to be working with other interested states and international organisations on this matter."
The Islamist victory, after three months of fighting that killed 350 people, dislodged the warlords for the first time since they ousted military ruler Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
Washington, which has shied away from direct involvement in Somalia since the humiliating exit of US and UN troops in 1994, has refused to discuss reports that it is funnelling $100,000 a month to the warlords, but says it will support anyone fighting terrorism. The think-tank Power and Interest News Report said Washington faced a dilemma on whom to support.
"It appears Washington is unsure of how to proceed in this conflict, stuck between whether to provide further support to the largely discredited warlords or to open up a dialogue with the Islamic militias," it said. "If it chooses the former, violent clashes will resume."
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
Our Navy needs a new sight to practice bombing runs. Let them build their mud-huts and adobe buildings. Let aq build up Somalia... we can easily knock anything they build down, and do it from a ceiling with impunity.
We can also kill terrorists in doing so. I see nothing but a win/win here for us. Let them gather for the slaughter!
LLS
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