War clouds close in on Somalia

Interesting reports have started to come out of Somalia over the past few days. The internationally recognised yet quite unstable) government and the extremist Islamic elements within the country have been locked in a power struggle for quite some time and rumour has it that things might get muchw orse very soon for the East African nation, plagued since 1991 by uncertainty and internal fighting. The Associated Press was able to get its hands on an internal UN report, which sheds a dark light on the brewing crisis.

"An "all-out war" between Somalia's government and Islamists who control much of the country is brewing due to the presence of thousands of foreign troops, according to the UN.

A confidential report obtained by the Associated Press cites diplomatic sources and says that Ethiopia, Uganda and Yemen are supporting the government, while Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Gulf states are supporting the Islamic movement....

The report estimates that 6,000-8,000 Ethiopians and 2,000 fully equipped Eritrean troops are inside Somalia supporting the government and the movement respectively."

Full Guardian Article

Meanwhile, Ethiopia is a neighbouring nation that is intrisically involved in this conflict. As the BBC reports it, Ethiopia is a nation ready for war with Somalia;

"The history of Somalia and Ethiopia is marred by distrust, animosity and war. Suspicion of neighbouring expansionism and political extremism is deeply rooted in both states.

Reports that Ethiopian troops have crossed Somalia's border and setup camp in Baidoa, home to the weak Somali transitional government, will not surprise seasoned observers of the often stormy relationship between the Horn of Africa rivals.

Ethiopia has often seen Somalia as a territory from where attacks against it could be launched..."

Full BBC article