Somalia's continuous civil wars are directly correlated with conflicting Islamic ideologies. Al-Shabab, a 'puritanical' Islamic terrorist group, and clans of more moderate Sufi clerics are fighting for control of Somali areas. These Sufi's were once peace loving men that respected the members of Al-Shabab for driving out the Ethiopians. However, as Al-Shabab came to turn against these Sufi's, they decided to strike back. "Many Somalis say that the Sufi version of Islam, which stresses tolerance, mysticism and a personal relationship with God, is more congruent with their traditions than the Wahhabi Islam espoused by the Shabab, which calls for strict separation of the sexes and harsh punishments like amputations and stonings." (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/world/africa/24somalia.html?pagewanted=all) The Shabab have started to attack Sufi shrines and villages and have killed several Sufi elders. The Sufi's have reacted violently and have created their own group called Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama, which means followers of the Prophet Muhammad. These two rival groups are recruiting from all clans throughout Ethiopia and their two causes are the main proponents of war in Somalia today. 

99.9 percent of all Somalis are Muslims, so the issue of unifying the Somalis through one religion has already been done. However, it is the conflicting ideologies within different Islamic groups that are the causes for violence. The moderate, once peaceful Sufi's are fighting against the puritanical Al-Shabab group. The violence by the Sufi's has been a reaction to the oppression and public displays of violence by Al-Shabab. However, in the case of Somalia, two wrongs do not make a right. The results have been devastating and there is seemingly no end in sight. I do not believe that religion can necessarily become a unifying force in Somalia because the main motives behind all the violence is in fact religion. Even though Westerners believe that a victorious Sufi uprising in Somalia could bring stability and authority to the region, "It's a long shot that a moderate government can take control. If it does, however, it will need more than moral support. It will need development assistance. The last thing the Somalis need is more bloodshed and the last thing the world needs is a prolonged religious war in the Horn of Africa." (http://www.larryhollon.com/blog/2009/05/26/faith-and-religious-war-in-somalia/)

-DANDAMAN