This chapter considers the motivations and drivers of Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has built itself on ... more This chapter considers the motivations and drivers of Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has built itself on a clear agenda: ridding Somalia of foreign forces, portrayed as Christians, and implementing the Sharia. These goals implied the need for reform and discipline of Somali society using all means: dawa (preaching) as well as violence. While the goals fit well with Somali nationalistic and Salafi agendas, more fluidity or even flexibility is shown by Al-Shabaab in a situation of weakness. However, there is no doubt that Al-Shabaab eventually intends to monopolize the religious arena and curb the political and social influence of any contenders. Somali viewpoints are not always antagonistic towards Al-Shabaab, which throws light on some of the mistakes or weaknesses of its enemies.
La crise que traverse la Centrafrique s’enracine dans une histoire regionale mouvementee, jalonne... more La crise que traverse la Centrafrique s’enracine dans une histoire regionale mouvementee, jalonnee de conflits non resolus. Bien que tout paraisse les opposer, les mouvements armes Seleka et anti-Balaka partagent une meme critique du fonctionnement inegalitaire de l’appareil d’Etat. Les uns comme les autres voient dans l’operation onusienne l’instrument d’une restauration de ces elites plus qu’une chance donnee a une redistribution des cartes.
This chapter discusses what Al-Shabaab delivers in the areas it controls. It focuses on three mai... more This chapter discusses what Al-Shabaab delivers in the areas it controls. It focuses on three main sectors: preaching and education, organizing civil society, and justice. Al-Shabaab uses religion to enhance its legitimacy and as a means of social control. The group promotes religious education in Quranic schools, and exalts dogmatism and righteousness, which undermines tolerance and open-mindedness. On taking control of a community, Al-Shabaab will declare that Sharia, rather than xeer, will be applied. It therefore tends to disempower elders, while sometimes promoting and manipulating the role of other groups such as women, teenagers, and traders. The group enforces harsh rules of behaviour, but they are predictable. It also establishes courts that are generally considered to be non-corrupt and whose judgements are enforced.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Mar 1, 2011
adventures in the Horn of Africa', pp. 40-41. 11 This is also true elsewhere in the Horn. The spr... more adventures in the Horn of Africa', pp. 40-41. 11 This is also true elsewhere in the Horn. The spread of Salafi Islam increased dramatically after 1990. Yet, one should be careful about not drawing political conclusions too quickly. 12 In particular, al-Haramein and International Islamic Relief Organisation among others..
This chapter considers the motivations and drivers of Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has built itself on ... more This chapter considers the motivations and drivers of Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has built itself on a clear agenda: ridding Somalia of foreign forces, portrayed as Christians, and implementing the Sharia. These goals implied the need for reform and discipline of Somali society using all means: dawa (preaching) as well as violence. While the goals fit well with Somali nationalistic and Salafi agendas, more fluidity or even flexibility is shown by Al-Shabaab in a situation of weakness. However, there is no doubt that Al-Shabaab eventually intends to monopolize the religious arena and curb the political and social influence of any contenders. Somali viewpoints are not always antagonistic towards Al-Shabaab, which throws light on some of the mistakes or weaknesses of its enemies.
La crise que traverse la Centrafrique s’enracine dans une histoire regionale mouvementee, jalonne... more La crise que traverse la Centrafrique s’enracine dans une histoire regionale mouvementee, jalonnee de conflits non resolus. Bien que tout paraisse les opposer, les mouvements armes Seleka et anti-Balaka partagent une meme critique du fonctionnement inegalitaire de l’appareil d’Etat. Les uns comme les autres voient dans l’operation onusienne l’instrument d’une restauration de ces elites plus qu’une chance donnee a une redistribution des cartes.
This chapter discusses what Al-Shabaab delivers in the areas it controls. It focuses on three mai... more This chapter discusses what Al-Shabaab delivers in the areas it controls. It focuses on three main sectors: preaching and education, organizing civil society, and justice. Al-Shabaab uses religion to enhance its legitimacy and as a means of social control. The group promotes religious education in Quranic schools, and exalts dogmatism and righteousness, which undermines tolerance and open-mindedness. On taking control of a community, Al-Shabaab will declare that Sharia, rather than xeer, will be applied. It therefore tends to disempower elders, while sometimes promoting and manipulating the role of other groups such as women, teenagers, and traders. The group enforces harsh rules of behaviour, but they are predictable. It also establishes courts that are generally considered to be non-corrupt and whose judgements are enforced.
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Mar 1, 2011
adventures in the Horn of Africa', pp. 40-41. 11 This is also true elsewhere in the Horn. The spr... more adventures in the Horn of Africa', pp. 40-41. 11 This is also true elsewhere in the Horn. The spread of Salafi Islam increased dramatically after 1990. Yet, one should be careful about not drawing political conclusions too quickly. 12 In particular, al-Haramein and International Islamic Relief Organisation among others..
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