“Also as the prime minister himself indicated it’s very costly to maintain troops in Somalia. Ethiopia is a poor nation with a massive population and can ill afford that kind of financial commitment,” Abdi added.

Somalia fighters ‘making comeback’

Opposition fighters in Somalia appear to have made a major comeback after being ousted by Somali government troops backed up by Ethiopian forces last year.The fighters and remnants of the Islamic Courts Union first took the key port city of Kismayo and now they say they are making headway across southern Somalia, slowly wresting back from the government control of towns such as Dhoble, near the Kenyan border.

Muslims to begin observing Ramadan

NISKAYUNA — The unofficial end of the summer this year marks the start of Ramadan. Around the globe, as Muslims fast from dawn to dusk throughout the holy month from Monday through Sept. 30, people of different national and ethnic backgrounds will carry on the distinctive traditions of their home countries here in America. More on Muslims to begin observing Ramadan