Lingua Islamica: New York Times: Islamists Calm Somali Capital With Restraint

Jehad Nga for The New York Times

The New York Times ran an interesting article today about how Islamists in Mogadishu have been bringing about peace and stability to a city accustomed to violence and anarchy. Here is an excerpt from the article:

It is hard to imagine that this is Mogadishu, the same Mogadishu of “Black Hawk Down,” and clan against clan and 15 years of anarchy. But over the past three months, the Islamists in control here have defied international expectations — in many ways. Not only have they pacified one of the most dangerous cities in the world, they also seem to have moderated their message.

Instead of acting like the Taliban and ruthlessly imposing a harsh religious orthodoxy, as many feared, the Islamists seem to be trying to increase public support by softening their views, at least officially, delivering social services and pushing for democratic elections.