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The leader of the Union of Islamic Courts says there is no Al-Qaida in Somalia – and that his organization has no relationship with the terrorist group. In an interview broadcast on Al-Jazeera television, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed says the Islamic Courts Union “was chosen by the Somali people to serve clear objectives” that were achieved.

Timothy Othieno is a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue in Midrand, South Africa. He spoke to VOA English to Africa Service reporter Joe De Capua about Sheik Ahmed’s comments and the current status of the Ethiopian-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

“The perception of the Islamic Courts Union in Somalia has been it’s a radical organization. It’s got Al-Qaida members embedded within its system. Precisely because of that, the US-backed Ethiopian troops actually invaded Somalia in order to topple the Islamic Courts Union.

“But I can understand Sheik Ahmed’s position. Remember, even though he’s the chairman of the council, he’s considered one of the moderates…. It was an opportune time for Sheik Ahmed to come out and state categorically that they don’t have Al-Qaida elements within the union… the TFG and the Ethiopian government come in and say the Union of Islamic Courts are supported by foreign elements, the majority of whom are members of Al-Qaida. And this of course sent shivers down the spine of the international community. This hasn’t been substantiated. Even that (US) attack in the southern part of Somalia did not result in any capture of…Al-Qaida members buried within the retreating Islamic Courts Union,” he says.

Asked whether anyone will believe Sheik Ahmed, Othieno says, “Well, it’s quite difficult at the moment. They’re fighting a losing battle…. Whether they’ll be believed or not, that’s a difficult one.” But he says the TFG is not proving the case of an Al-Qaida presence either. “On the side of the international community…they haven’t clearly arrested any Al Qaida members, who would said to be part of this Islamic Courts Union. It’s all about statements now.”

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO HERE-->> http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2 ... -voa36.cfm

Too little, too late. Ahmed should've been up on his soapbox screaming this at the top of his lungs loud enough for everyone to hear, MONTHS ago.

The problem with the Islamic courts is, they're Islamic. No Islamic state is going to be allowed to establish itself in the horn. It is not in our interests. Plain and simple.

I disagree. I wholeheartedly believe an Islamic state WILL establish itself in the Horn. Nothing the U.S can do about it, short of nukes. And we ALL know that won't happen.

Mike the failure of the Islamist movement is due to thier intellectual deficiency and has very little to do with the US.

"I disagree. I wholeheartedly believe an Islamic state WILL establish itself in the Horn. Nothing the U.S can do about it, short of nukes. And we ALL know that won't happen."

About six months ago you and your ilk were saying that about the ICU. That they were going to establish an Islamic state in the horn, and there was nothing we could do about it. It's always the same with you guys. You don't understand that while we can not impose a government of our choosing, we can sure as hell ruin your societies and it's easy. No Islamic government will be allowed to establish itself in Somalia, and there obviously is something we can do about it.

MAC the UIC had flimsy support from the people.
the somali peoples primary support is for the clan.

now when you make it a policy to target and prevent the formation of an Islamic government, you give it repectebility,
and increase its support.

you may end up in the end creating an Islamic government for us.

Perseverence. America will lose it's heart for the battle. Probably as soon as the new Adminstration is elected

"Perseverence. America will lose it's heart for the battle. Probably as soon as the new Adminstration is elected"

Are you kidding? It cost us next to nothing. No troops, little money, little effort. We can take your whole focking world apart, without even breaking a sweat.

Cawar and all the TFG supporters , si fiican u akhriya waxa halkan lagu soo qoray
{ pay close attention}
MadMac--> About six months ago you and your ilk were saying that about the ICU. That they were going to establish an Islamic state in the horn, and there was nothing we could do about it. It's always the same with you guys. You don't understand that while we can not impose a government of our choosing, we can sure as hell ruin your societies and it's easy. No Islamic government will be allowed to establish itself in Somalia, and there obviously is something we can do about it.{1}

{1}- Refering to Ethiopia here.

The Armed Forces can. But the next admin isn't going to be sending you anywhere beyond Fort Bragg.

Madmac-->Are you kidding? It cost us next to nothing. No troops, little money, little effort.{1} We can take your whole focking world apart, without even breaking a sweat.

{1} A couple of bribed warlords and Cabdullahi Yusuf

[quote="gurey25"]Mike the failure of the Islamist movement is due to thier intellectual deficiency and has very little to do with the US.[/quote]

This sounds very much like Mac's argument about political Islam. Is it?

Actually they are not sending me anywhere. I am retiring one June. One more Kafir you don't have to worry about - unless I decide to go the contractor route.

[quote="Grant"][quote="gurey25"]Mike the failure of the Islamist movement is due to thier intellectual deficiency and has very little to do with the US.[/quote]

This sounds very much like Mac's argument about political Islam. Is it?[/quote]

Grant dont be surprised , i was refering to the islamists bieng anti-intellectual, and instead of formulating a realistic strategy
and having solid goals, they leave it all to inshallah.

this contrasts heavily with muslim movements historically, which were more natural, and attuned to the people.
The blame for this intellectual deficiency lies with the House of Saud and the wahabi movement.

Which is aiding the enemies of islam by weakening the minds of the muslims.