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October 10, 2006

Somali Islamists Declare 'Jihad' On Ethiopia

Topics: Understanding Islam

Mail & Guardian online reports that Somalia's powerful Islamists on Monday declared holy war against Horn of Africa rival Ethiopia, which they accused of invading Somalia to help the government briefly seize a town controlled by pro-Islamist fighters.

But shouldn't the move on the part of the Islamists be welcomed by the Ethiopians as simply a "spiritual and inward pursuit" of deep introspection exercised in the name of Allah ? After all, isn't that what Islamists mean by "holy war"?

"Starting from today, we have declared jihad against Ethiopia," Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed told a news conference, while wearing combat fatigues and clutching an AK-47 assault rifle.

Ahmed, usually viewed as a more moderate voice among the Islamists, appeared angry as he addressed reporters.

... The Islamists say sharia law is the solution to Somalia's anarchy, but critics say they harbour al Qaeda-linked militants

Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, obviously a deeply spirtual man, and yes, of course he's a "moderate" so there should be no concern about violence here, is apparently very concerned about the souls of the Ethiopians. Hence, the need for the AK-47 assault rifle.

Can you imagine a Catholic priest or a Jewish rabbi clutching an assault rifle and declaring war?

Posted by Richard at October 10, 2006 9:44 AM

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