More Troubling signs in Somalia

By Douglas Farah

The decision of the Islamist militias controlling Mogadishu to name a designated terrorist and known al Qaeda collaborator as its leader is another strong indication that, while the group may try to talk a moderate line, it has no intention of moderating it's radical, Taliban-style agenda.

Hassan Dahir Aweys was designated a terrorist supporter under Executive Order 13224, and has a long history of associating with Osama bin Laden and other Salafist groups. The International Crisis Group has the best field research available on him and his past activities.

The appointment could mean the marginalization of those within the Salafist movement and a reassertion of the most hardline elements. It is notable that the move was made while more international attention than usual is focused on the ebbing conflict in Somalia, where so far the Salafists have won in a rout. It could be interpreted as showing the newly-triumphant Salafists are willing to take whatever in-you-face moves necessary to consolidate their grip.
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