What’s Different About Mogadishu?

The New York Times ran a very interesting article in today’s paper about the Islamist government of Mogadishu, Somalia and their moderate tactics for pacifying and stabilizing the region. According to the article, instead of turning Somalia into a latter-day Afghanistan as some feared, the Islamist government there has moderated its message.

Businesses can stay open all day, even during the call to prayer. Women do not have to cover themselves and children can play soccer in the streets.

So what is different about the Islamists that have taken over Mogadishu? They haven’t become like the Taliban. They have a permissive, moderate approach to Islamic life that is refreshing amid so many stories of horrific fundamentalism. It’s all very uplifting, but I wish the Times article got into the heart of the matter a little bit more. What makes these folks different from the Taliban? There must be an explanation.

Anyone have any recommendations for books or articles that explain what’s happening in Mogadishu?