1. BLOODSHED ON THE INCREASE IN SOMALIA…Tension between Somali warlords and Islamist rebels has left dozens killed and many more wounded in the country’s capital Mogadishu. Thousands have reportedly fled the city, facing an uncertain future, in a country where two million people are suffering from famine. Some 60 people have been killed over the last 48 hours in heavy fighting for control of the African nation, which is a member of the Arab League. The opposing forces are effectively fighting for control of Somalia.
2. ISRAEL WARNS OF PRE-ELECTION TERROR…Israel’s security forces are moving into high alert ahead of Tuesday’s general election. The country’s Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz has warned that Palestinian extremists are attempting to influence the outcome of the poll by trying to carry out terror attacks against Israelis over the coming three days. In 1996 it is widely believed Binyamin Netanyahu became the prime minister rather than the pollsters’ favorite Shimon Peres because of a terror attack in the days before the vote.
3. TURKEY ALLOWS KURDISH RADIO…For the first time Kurds living in Turkey were able to listen to their own language in the electronic media last night. Two television channels and one radio station offered viewers and listeners their first taste of the Kurdish language. The programmers still face restrictions, with broadcasts limited to 45 minutes per day, with Turkish subtitling and no children’s shows. Ankara is at loggerheads with the Kurdish minority, which is seeking autonomy and independence. Kurdish radicals have carried out numerous terror attacks in recent months as part of their anti-Turkish campaign.