Video Shows Arabs Fighting in Somalia By CHRIS TOMLINSON , 07.05.2006, 05:57 PM source A recruiting video issued by members of the fundamentalist Islamic movement in Somalia shows Arab radicals fighting alongside the local extremists in Mogadishu, and invites Muslims from around the world to join in their "holy jihad." The video, obtained by The Associated Press, provides the first hard evidence that non-Somalis have joined with Islamic extremists in Somalia. The Supreme Islamic Courts Council, which defeated U.S.-backed warlords in Mogadishu last month and is now the country's most powerful force, has repeatedly denied links to extremists such as al-Qaida. But the one-hour video appears to confirm U.S. fears - and al-Qaida's boasts. President Bush expressed concern last month that Somalia could become an al-Qaida haven like Afghanistan was in the late 1990s. And recordings attributed to Osama bin Laden portray Somalia as a battleground in his war on the United States. The videotape, produced to both recruit new fighters and raise funds, glorifies the Islamic victory over U.S.-backed, secular warlords in Somalia. U.S. officials cooperated with the warlords, hoping to capture three al-Qaida leaders allegedly protected by the Islamic council, especially three men accused in the deadly 1998 bombings at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Those singled out by the United States include the courts council leader, Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys, branded a terrorist by the Americans. Aweys, speaking on Somali radio over the weekend, said his movement had no contacts with bin Laden or al-Qaida. He also rejected accusations that foreign fighters were in Somalia. But the video, shot on a handheld recorder, shows Arab fighters preparing for a major battle on the northern outskirts of Mogadishu. Arabic anthems and poetry play on the audio track urging Muslims to join the global holy war to advance Islam and defeat its enemies. The video starts with a black flag featuring a Quranic verse and a saber fluttering in the wind. Such black banners have only recently appeared in Somalia but have been used by Islamic extremists in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon for years. After a few minutes of battle footage, the tape documents the Arab fighters' predawn preparations for battle, including prayers, a commander's speech to his troops and the preparation of weapons. The Arab fighters then climb onto two pickup trucks mounted with heavy machine guns, which the Somalis call "technicals." As the sun rises, the location of the Arab camp north of Mogadishu becomes clear and six more trucks loaded with Somali fighters come into view. A senior member of the Islamic group, Yusuf Indohaadde, is filmed walking among the men before the pickups roll out of an old warehouse compound. The rest of the footage follows one group of Somali militiamen as they battle troops loyal to warlords who controlled Mogadishu for 15 years and had ties to the United States. The tape ends with the capture of Essaleh, a small town with strategic air and sea ports three miles north of Mogadishu. Most of the tape's audio is filled with Arabic prose and songs urging Muslims to join the holy war against the West, or recordings of speeches given by Somali Islamic extremists. One of the voices speaking Somali is clearly not a native speaker. There are also subtitles in Arabic and Somali calling the battle part of "the sacred, holy jihad in Somalia" and "the holy war that began in Somalia." The tape is similar to other videos produced by Islamic extremists in Iraq and other countries where al-Qaida is active. Evan Kohlmann, an international terrorism consultant who closely follows statements and videos from militant Islamic groups, said the video has traits similar to those produced by Islamic militants elsewhere in the world. If it is confirmed that Arab militants fought alongside likeminded Somalis, it likely would affect how the international community treats the Islamic group. "I think it is tremendously significant and may be the determining piece of evidence that will decide U.S. policy on Somalia," he said. "Sounds a lot like al-Qaida when the Taliban were just getting started in Afghanistan." Since the defeat of the warlords, the United States has set up the International Somali Contact Group to coordinate policy toward Somalia with other interested nations. U.S. officials have said that counterrorism is the primary focus of policy toward Somalia.

Well, one thing for sure, it is a Europe Cup, that is all matters to me at the moment No South Ameican team has won in Europe since Brazil in 1958.. This has come out again. One should not underestimate the hate between Italy and France.

Red Sea, again you put your mouth in it, as for Kismayu, it is not a city one claims, the majority of these places will speak when th time comes. NN, I applaud your argument, that blame Siyad Barre, and agree to his other actions makes no sense. Somalia belongs to the Somali's but we must respect every clans right to live in their lands peacefully. Claiming SOOL,SANAAG and CAYN is wrong for Mr Red Sea as is claiming Gedo and Kismayu for Horn. Lets all get along shall we...

^^^ Nuune, my apologies old man, who was you with? Oh they are out right .. As for Zidane, my all time greatest player , he is doing ever so well. A bad performance but it matters not for France beat, Spain, Brazil and now Portugal. The Italians were not my choice to face, I much prefered the hosts. I remmeber Euro-1996, held in England. when I was a young lad, and I first came across le Blue, since then I have supported them, and as a Juventus fan I was aw struck by the legendery Zidane in his time in Italy. This brings back memories for me and millions of others who enjoyed the sheer skill of the bald wonder. The fact that the final will be his last ever game, is a great story do you not agree??...

Zidane puts France into the final 10.07PM, Wed Jul 5 2006 Zinedine Zidane gave France a vital 1-0 win over Portugal with a penalty that handed them a place in the World Cup final. Eight years after their Zidane-inspired home triumph, Les Bleus will feature in the title match of the showcase tournament for the second time when they face Italy on Sunday in Berlin. Zidane got the winner after 33 minutes by converting a penalty after Thierry Henry's ankle was caught by Ricardo Carvalho. Portugal, playing their second semi-final after reaching the last four in 1966 with Eusebio in their ranks, have to be content with challenging hosts Germany for third place on Saturday in Stuttgart. Both sides traded early chances in a lively opening in Munich and Portugal had a great opportunity after nine minutes, with Maniche firing just over the bar from the edge of the box. Ronaldo, booed by large sections of the crowd every time he touched the ball, was a permanent danger and came close to scoring after a fine move which saw his shot deflected shortly before the break. France, however, looked in control for large spells and deserved their halftime lead, which they nearly doubled early in the second half with attempts by Henry and Franck Ribery. Portugal kept coming at France but were repeatedly denied by a watertight French defence. France did survive a late scare when a Luis Figo header flew over the bar after Fabien Barthez scooped a Ronaldo free kick into the air. But the French managed to hold out for the win.

Its good move, and we will wait and see how it plays out.

Malleyshiyada maxkamadaha oo dad ku laayey Dhuusa Mareeb Dhuusa Mareeb - 05.July.2006 Malleyshiyada maxkamadaha Islaamiga ah ee magaalada Dhuusa Mareeb ayaa habeenkii xalay falal dil ah ka geystey gudaha magaaladaas gaar ahaan goob lagu daawanayey ciyaaraha koobka kubadda cagta adduunka ee ka socda waddanka Jarmalka. Laba qof ayaa geeriyoodey kadib markii malleyshiyada maxkamaduhu ay rasaas oodda kaga qaadeen goobtii lagu daawanayey ciyaartii dhex maraysey waddamada Talyaaniga iyo Jarmalka, waxana ay maxkamaduhu amreen in aan ciyaarahaas la daawan karin. Labada qof ee geeriyootey ayaa mid kamid ah uu yahay mulkiilihii shineemada lagu daawanayey ciyaaraha kubadda cagta adduunka halka qofka kale ee geeriyoodey uu yahay haweeney. Dadweyne ka caraysan falalka ay la soo baxeen maxkamaduhu ayaa isugu soo baxay dariiqyada magaalada Dhuusa Mareeb. Magaalada Dhuusa Mareeb ee gobolka Galgaduud waxaa haatan ku sugan guddoomiyaha golaha shuurada ee dhowaan qabsaday magaalada Muqdisho, Xasan Daahir Aweys. Ma aha markii ugu horreysey ee ay maxkamaduhu geystaan falal noocan oo kale ah iyada oo ay haatan ka hor ka dhaceen kiisas kuwan la mid ah magaalooyinka Muqdisho iyo Jawhar. SBC News Desk

Nairobi: 181 Boolis Soomaaliyeed oo dhamaystay tabobar 3 bilood u socday. Wednesday, July 05, 2006 Nairobi(AllPuntland)- Kooxdii ugu horaysay oo ka tirsan booliska Soomaaliya ayaa tabobar Saddex bilood socday ugu soo gabo gaboobayaa dalka Kenya. Tobobarkan ayaa waxaa uga harsan Todobo bari oo kaliya ciidanka booliska , waxaana tabobarkan bixinaya saraakiil ka tirsan dawladda Kenya. Saraakiisha tabobarku u soo xirmayo ayaa tiradoodu gaaraysaa 181 askari , oo loo xushay inay noqon karaan ciidanka booliska ee Soomaaliya. Ciidankan ayaa laga keenay bishii April magaalada Baydhabo , aydoo tabobarku uga socday xero lagu magacaabo Manyani Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Training Camp. Askartan oo si rasmi ah u qalin jabinaya todobaad kadib, waxaana lagu abaal marinayaa shahaadooyin inay dhammaysteen 3 bilood oo tabobar ah ayadoo si gaar ah loo barayay xirfadaha ilaalinta dadwaynaha. Saraakiil ka tirsan booliska Kenya ayaa sheegay in ujeedada laga leeyahay tabobarkan ay tahay in lasoo saaro ciidan boolis oo tayo leh oo ka qayb qaadan kara xasiloonida dalka. Qorshaha dawladda ayaa waxaa ku jira in la dhiso ciidan boolis oo tiradoodu gaarayso 12,000 oo askari , ayadoo deegaanka Carmo dhawaan tabobar loogu soo gabo gabeeyay 154 askari oo 19 haween tahay. Source: Xinhua CCC Farayaamo AllPuntland

Horn, is supporting injustice and then attacks people for highlighting this action. Broter open your eyes and go beyound the JVA, just because these millitants are in your coilition means you must support their oppresive action in the south. The people must come first.

^^^ You asked me about Idamaale and Allpuntland, I gave you a frank answer. What else can one do. I support an all inclusive governemnt with a parliment which includes every Somali. You in the other hand can not see past my uncle being President.

^^^ Denial is adesease. A/Y did not take part in the clan wars of Mgadishu. You know that but as I thoguht you suffer from the clan syndrome as many neo-nationalists do. My dear the question is simple, President Yusuf is no excuse and neither are the Ethiopians.

Islamist[clan courts] open fire on World Cup viewers in Somalia, killing two Jul 5, 2006, 16:41 GMT printer email RSS Talkback Mogadishu - Islamist militiamen raided a cinema in central Somalia where viewers were watching a World Cup football match in contravention of Sharia law, killing two people including the cinema owner, witnesses said Wednesday. 'The Islamic militia ordered the owner to turn off the television but he refused. Then they shot him in the leg and the chest,' a local resident who identified himself only as Mohammed told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa. A young woman was killed after the fans watching the Germany-Italy game played on Tuesday evening streamed onto the streets of Dhusa- Mareb to protest against the cinema owner's murder and express their anger at the ban. Islamic courts have introduced Sharia law, including a ban on watching World Cup football matches, since defeating secular warlords and taking control of most of the country's southern regions last month. The gunmen were apparently also angry that the fans had ignored Islamic dictates against men and women being together in public. The incident happened just a few metres from the residence of the leader of the Courts, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, a firebrand cleric wanted by the United States on terrorism charges. 'They know the law, they broke it and they were punished according to the law. We need to be disciplined because this town especially is in danger from attack by Ethiopia,' Aweys said. Dhusa-Mareb, a town bordering Ethiopia has a large Islamic militia presence. The Islamists accuse Ethiopia of sending troops across the border, a charge Addis Ababa has denied. The anarchic Horn of Africa nation has not had functional central government since the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

When I see a guddoomiye degmadaas called names like Muunye, Jeylaani, Shiikhuuna, not Dhuxuloow, Seeraar, Cirfo, and Goobaanle, then waa arki karnaa xaqa. They have no shame, these media outlets are trying to hide the simple truth. These invading criminals got to go. And there si no islamic court just an extension of the old Opera./

^^^ Wiilo, dear sister did I once say that Idamaale and Allpuntland are not biased, they are. It is the second time you are making up things with regards to what I belive, or have said. If you want to attck these news outlets by all means do. Puntland media supports the Federal state of Puntand and the TFG , while Shabbele support the courts and warlord Inda cade, is that not clear? Ayoub, can you hear the drums? Have you got back the two technicals or was yor VP, Defence minister smoking the same thing as you used to theaten Las Anood with your 30,000 soldiers.. Somali politics is fluid, however I support the TFG, Mohamed Dheere and Shabbele are yesterday..

Midba midbuu heysta inu kasi daraayo. these lands are the lands of "Rer arlaadi" or were until the the resettlement plans of a cetain president and recent invasions from galgaduud and Mudugh Somalis. How solve this injustice is the salution to the porblems of our nation. So instead of repeating who owns what, why don't you talk about how to solve it. Aint that the truth. Its better to do a census and see who owns these disputed areas. Horn as nationalis would not mind that right..

Abdillahi, The people of Mogadishu views will be respected, if they want the courts to run their areas thats fine. No one is against this. But the people of Mogadishu have not been given a choice, the warlords came by guns and now so have these clan courts. If they want popular support then let the people all the people decide. Jimcale, You are correct, that the title is from the words of the Somali minister. My opinion is that these people are no more Islamic than any other faction in Somalia. Their main aim is power.

^^^ Horn, I know that you are not comparing a mini juniour JVA MEMBER to the elected President of Somalia. As for the Ethiopia invasion now turned to crossing oh my, its all bulb, a smokescreen by the warlord Inada Cade and his new club. Oh I know you are the informed ones, so give us some info.

Xoogsade, lol. I loved the whole post. I feel you bro. Emotiven bable aside what new ideas did you contribute to the thread? I told you before, the only people isolating Mogadishu are the warlords you support. The TFG, is for all Somali's its a shame you choose a warlord court run by your clan. Wiilo, go figure who destroyed Somalia a) Warlords including courts. b) TFG c) Ethiopia.. As for my age and background, now that would be telling..

Horn, as an informed person can you rell us, why the Ethiopian invasions are so short lived. Why invade everyother week, and when it is conveniant for Shabbele, Horn Afrik and so on. Horn, I will not even mention who you support, you nationalist you. Wiilo. I find your comments quite amusing. Why take my words out of context dear? I belive that these clan based media outlets [bBC. Shabbele, Horn Afrik] will come to their sense much like how Dayniile.com did when Qaynyare left the scene. Inaha Allah when the lower Shabbele is liberated and Inda Cade is gone. Then we will hear no more of it.

The courts are no more than the occupiers of lower Shabbele. This nationalisam and religiousness is utter bull. A single clan union is now pretending to represent the whole country. The fact that warlords, druglords and individuals who still commit crimes are hiding behind the religion is shameful. The Ethiopian argument is also bogus, for the reason that the TFG troops do not need anyones protection. The clan courts can not attack Baidoa thus pretend it is because of the Ethiopians. The role of the BBC and other Radios are not that important. Somali's have many different media outlets and the net has played a major role in giving differnes of opinion. Today Shabbele has Ethiopian troops have left Gedo, a joke since they were never there.

Those dodgy Italians have done it.. They have a chance to win the world cup for the fourth time. Marcelo Lippi is a master, and the whole Italian nation needed this, due to the scandel that has engulfed Seria A.. Good game and two late great goals.

Minnesota, Somali schools find sisterhood The relatively peaceful Puntland region offers hope for a MCTC-Somalia arrangement. Mary Jane Smetanka, Star Tribune Last update: July 02, 2006 – 9:38 PM Printer friendly E-mail this story Abdurashid Ali Renee Jones Schneider, Star Tribune Somalia and Minneapolis seem worlds apart. War-torn Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world, a hot land of mostly arid plains where farmers raise goats, sheep and camels and trees yield such exotica as frankincense and myrrh. But to Abdurashid Ali, the 8,200 miles that separate Minnesota and his homeland are no barrier to building closer ties. The 2005 graduate of Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) is the driving force behind a budding partnership between that school and Puntland State University, a young college in one of Somalia's more peaceful regions. Ali and a contingent from Minneapolis, including an MCTC faculty member, left Saturday for a two week visit to the Puntland region. They took with them donated scholarship money that will fully pay the $300 annual cost of attending Puntland State for 30 students. That's a big deal in a country that in 2002 had a per capita income of $226 a year, according to the World Bank. The hope is that when the situation in Somalia grows more stable, the ties between MCTC and Puntland will grow into a fuller relationship that includes student and faculty exchanges. Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali population. Some Puntland State officials have already visited Minnesota. MCTC officials credit Ali, 45, with nurturing a connection between the two colleges. Ali is an employment counselor and a cofounder of Somali Family Services, a group that aims to improve access to health care, social services and education among Somali immigrants and to increase the ties between immigrants and Minnesotans. "This really grew out of extraordinary work by Abdurashid," MCTC President Phil Davis said. "He had been a leader here among Somali students and he was very active in trying to build a bridge between Minnesota and the Puntland region in particular." Ali, who emigrated in 1997, calls the sister relationship between the colleges a natural. "My goal is long term, not today or tomorrow," he said. "I'm looking to the next 20 to 30 years and what will the relationship be with Somalia and Minnesota. "Somalia has been at war for almost 15 years ... A lot of Minnesotans, maybe they don't know what's happened. If they see the situation in Somalia they will understand better." Ali's activism began at MCTC with a successful drive to collect 40,000-plus books for libraries in Somalia. MCTC, which last fall had 7,675 students, enrolls an estimated 300 to 350 Somalis each semester. Officials say that is more than any Minnesota college, and, they believe, the highest of any U.S. college. That makes the school a natural for a partnership with Puntland State, which opened in 1999 in Garowe, the capital city of the Puntland region. Puntland, in northeast Somalia, declared its autonomy in 1998. Though it does not want to separate from Somalia, Puntland operates independently and, unlike other parts of the country, has a functioning government. Puntland State opened as a business college for women and rapidly expanded. It enrolls about 300 students in business, government and journalism, and is one of six African universities that have united to start an online university. The college's website shows a campus of low-slung white buildings with red roofs in a desert landscape. Warnings complicate trip Lena Jones, an MCTC political science faculty member and a board member of Somali Family Services, is one of five people in the delegation led by Ali, whom she met when he took one of her courses. With Somalia on the State Department's list of nations with travel warnings, MCTC isn't sending an official representative. Jones is traveling as a private citizen. She is excited about the trip but admits to some nervousness, too. "One motivation to take this trip is to understand better what's happening in Somalia," she said. "I would love to see what the university is doing and explore possible future links between our students and their students, our faculty and their faculty, and perhaps explore ways of sharing skill and ideas." Ali grew up in the southern half of Somalia but his family's roots go back at least four generations in Puntland. He hopes the trip will build not only educational ties between Minnesota and his homeland but emotional ones as well. MCTC has raised about $13,000 so far for scholarships in Somalia, most of it with a grant from Moneygram International in St. Louis Park. MCTC wants to raise enough money to put all 30 students through school for four years. It's a worthy goal, said Jones. "If MCTC could have some sort of role in helping building an effective education system [in Somalia], that's huge," she said. "And if we could establish a relationship, how that can enrich the learning of students and faculty members as well. I think the possibilities are endless." Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380

lol. Every clan has his own courts and controls their won bits of the city, the clan courts are the new power in the city.

^^^ Great news these types of schemes can work nearly every where so long as the security situation is worked out. Somaliland is peaceful and secure, so are many other parts of the country.

This episode I touched on an earlier post. The Secesiblesonists made a real mess out of nothing. It highlighted their weak point in terms of both brains and muscle. Some comedian here, tries to get emotional I loved the part about Garad Jama, but really when a clan claims anothers territory and then uses the colonial past as the very reason for its existance. It creates problems. Stop trieng to break up the nation. Get out of SOOL, and there will be no trouble and no episodes of this nature. When we all go back and live in our regions, we will all get along...