 Islamic leaders who have seized Somalia's capital after weeks of fighting are beginning talks with the UN-backed government, while the defeated regional commanders are advancing back towards Mogadishu from their stronghold of Jowhar.
| Strong hand suddenly looking not so strong? |
The Islamic militia captured the capital and surrounding areas after defeating a US-backed alliance of regional commanders, tightening its grip on Somalia. The weak interim government, wracked by infighting, has not been able to enter the capital because of the violence, instead operating 250km away, in Baidoa. Abdirahman Nur Mohamed Dinari, the government spokesman, said two ministers from the interim government were meeting top leaders of the Islamic Courts Union on Thursday.
| Going to surrender already? |
The growing power of the Islamic militia, which has alleged links to al-Qaeda, has raised fears that Somalia - which has been in chaos for more than a decade - could fall under the sway of Osama bin Laden's group. US officials have confirmed co-operating with the secular regional commanders in an attempt to root out "terrorists".
| Better for the Islamic Courts to remain in the background. If they take over overtly, they could wake up one morning wondering where all the B52s came from. |
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