Analysis--War can be avoided in Somalia despite rhetoric (Reuters)

[Eugene]

ANALYSIS-War can be avoided in Somalia despite rhetoric
08 Nov 2006 12:46:11 GMT
Source: Reuters

By C. Bryson Hull

NAIROBI, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Somalia seems to be rushing towards war but
mutual fear and complex international interests could yet forestall a
conflict that would engulf the Horn of Africa in a sea of ancient and modern
rivalries. A surging Islamist movement now dominating most of south Somalia
and their rivals in the interim government, backed by neighbouring Ethiopia,
have test-fired weapons in the past week at a tense front just kilometres
(miles) apart.

-snip-

But diplomats and analysts say a discreet peace initiative this week by the
interim parliament speaker, whose relations with the Islamists are good,
provides hope war can be averted.

-snip-

Nonetheless, an ancient brew of religion, trade and the interests of regional
powers is playing out underneath the conflict, reflected in the way in which
the two sides are roughly split on Muslim-Christian lines.

"None of the actors wants a war including Ethiopia ... but all the actors also
have interests that interfere with that reluctance," said Michael Weinstein,
a professor of political science at Indiana's Purdue University.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L08820445.htm

[bemildred]

1. Well, we would not want the horn of Africa to become a fundy paradise.

Would we?