Free Republic

Washington has sent weapons to Somalia's government to thwart Islamist insurgents, who cut hands and feet off thieves on Thursday and paraded the severed limbs in the streets of Mogadishu. Somalia's al Shabaab insurgents are seen as a proxy for al Qaeda and Western nations fear they could destabilise the region and provide safe havens for hardline Islamists from abroad. When a moderate Islamist was elected president in January, there was hope he could end nearly two decades of bloodshed in Somalia by reconciling with hardliners who want to impose a strict version of Islamic law across the country.

Paul McCartney offers Heather Mills £20m By Joshua Rozenberg, Legal Editor Last Updated: 1:08am BST 20/07/2007 Sir Paul McCartney has reportedly offered a divorce settlement worth £20 million to his estranged wife Heather Mills. Heather Mills is reportedly holding out for £50 million At one stage there was speculation that the divorce settlement could leave the former Beatle with a bill for £20 million, but it is reported that Lady McCartney is holding out for £50 million. If the couple do not reach agreement, their financial dispute could be fought out in the High Court next year. The case is...