According to the AP, jihadists fighting ‘for’ the ICU of Somalia say they were encouraged by Ayman al-Zawahiri’s audio message calling for useful idiots to wage jihad in Somalia.   You see, it’s news like this that makes me extremely weary of the Foreign Policy magazine poll (covered HERE) that found Islamists were more educated than moderate Muslims.

Zawahiri and the ICU leadership both have called for a jihad against foreigners, yet Zawahiri calls for foreigners to join the jihad in Somalia and the ICU is more than pleased to accept jihadis from all lands including those whose citizenship is in the hated United States.  Wouldn’t this one request call into question if you, a prospective jihadi, were being led down the right path?

Not to the jihadists who are running from the Somalia and Ethiopia military, leaving a trail of dust from Mogadishu to the southern reaches of the nation where they are trapped.

“I am committed to die for the sake of my religion and the al-Qaida deputy’s speech only encourages me to go ahead with my holy war,” 18-year-old Sahal Abdi . . .

AP contacted several militants by telephone after townspeople identified them as former fighters known from the months when the Islamic movement controlled Mogadishu. None of those interviewed were leaders and said they are now moving house to house, staying with friends and relatives.

They acknowledged being fighters but refused to be photographed and, in some cases, to give their full names, fearing reprisals from government or Ethiopian troops, although they insisted they hope the movement they served as foot soldiers will rise again.

“The call from the al-Qaida deputy leader is based on Islam and we are adamant in our religion,” said Sheik Musa, who would not identify himself further. “There is no option but to heed his call.”

Wait a minute.  The Associated Press has phone numbers of jihadists fighting along-side Al Qaida and Hezbollah?  Why isn’t the CIA listening to those conversations and pinpointing locations for the Ethiopian military?  Both terrorist groups are the enemies of the non-Islamic world, and they are also, apparently, on the speed dial of many an AP reporter.

“This country should be ruled by Islamic law and I am a Muslim,” said jihadi Ali Yare.  Obviously, Mr. Yare, you’re not a soccer/football fan.

Mensa Barbie Welcomes You linked with Somalia: Aid, Peacekeepers, & Miracles...