So, if they were and/or are sheltering Al Qaeda it is because they share a common enemy, the U.S., which over they years and even more currently has created the impression that it is an enemy of Islam. A view commonly held by extremists. Not because the UIC are an Al Qaeda affiliate, or because they are fighting the same war with the same tactics.
Although the UIC is not specifically targeting civilians, they are being killed in the crossfire. Like Dec. 23's audacious UIC attack on a Transitional Federal Government military base, when Ethiopian and TFG forces retaliated with heavy artillery and tanks. At least three people died and fifteen were injured as the 20 minute battle spilled into surrounding neighbourhoods. Such battles and civilian deaths have again become a daily occurrence in Somalia. Under the UIC they were a rarity.
If some within the UIC were administering a misinterpretation of Sharia law from a faulty interpretation of Islam, at least Somali citizens weren't being killed and injured by the droves each day. In fact, they were relatively safe if they lived within the letter of the UIC's Sharia law.
Now death is much harder to avoid. In clashes Dec. 23 a woman died and six children were injured when artillery shells landed on their tin shacks, one of the children's life hung in the balance. Witnesses told CNN his head was severed. Another nine people were injured and one killed when a rocket struck a house.
It was strange, when the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), who made short work of overthrowing the warlords that ruled Somalia with anarchy for years, were ousted with so little resistance by the Ethiopian and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces. The two week conflict was more of a chase than a war as the Ethiopian forces followed the trail of the UIC in an almost constant retreat. Now, as the UIC launch daily attacks, growing in severity and audacity, it becomes clear that they were conserving, men and ammunition for a bloody guerrilla war.
They are employing much the same tactics as they did when they swept into control of most of Southern and central Somalia, lightning raids. The differences are that against the superior Ethiopian military they are striking then retreating. What the UIC lack in heavy armor they make up for in higher mobility and their ability and willingness to use it to their advantage.
Article comments
1 - Rooble
Starting from the moment that Ethiopia invaded Somalia the country will never enjoy a full peace and could be affected other areas in the horn. The ICU were too extremists but not all of them. Sh. Sharif, Prof. Addow and others were modarate leaders and could create a possitive environment that can be the benefit for all. Adam Airo, Sh. Hasan Aweys and others (Al-Shabab group) were too extremists and would never accept but their mentalities. The late group had most of the armed islamists and could post a threat even to the moderate leaders.
For the moment, the TFG is installed in the capital by the Ethiopian forces backed by the US support. The TFG doesn't want to open any dialogue with the defeated ICU, Ethiopia also has the same idea. This can make the situation even worse. The ICU members don't have anywhere to go, this means they have to fight by any meanings then they will either dye fighting or they continue their struggle. That is not good for the region at all. It is not time for the TFG to open a negotiation with the ICU leaders so that the current thread can be reduced. The Europian Union is trying to impose this idea but the TFG is still stick on their decision.
Now the ICU is using another trick which is the clan issue. This is bringing the old warlords to the scene.
For the moment, Somalia will still remain chaos and any efforts will not change the situation.
2 - alia farah ali
Islam is not a person. It is a faith. The UICs should understand that. We're all Muslims and Somalis. I have not edorsed anybody to be make my faith a political party. Let them choose a name for their party.
On the other hand, who represent the Mortor launcher in Mogadishu, that the TFG or other parties could talk to? Where are they? ....on the run?
3 - professays
I reckon the recent developments in Somalia is the beginning of creation the Great Ethiopia which will emrace the territiries of modern Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and probably some other countries.