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 MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Thousands of Somalis took to the streets of their capital Tuesday, some demonstrating for Islamic militiamen who claimed control of Mogadishu a day earlier and others calling for the radical militia to get out.
Mogadishu has been convulsed for months as the Islamic Courts Union, which has alleged links to al-Qaida, strengthened its grip on this lawless country. Their advance Monday came despite U.S. support for a secular alliance of warlords that was opposing them.
The militia's growing power has raised fears that Somalia could fall under the sway of al-Qaida. But Tuesday's protests show it may be difficult to keep control of the capital, and that the Courts Union likely still has to negotiate with the clan leaders who have run the city for more than a decade.
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