The AP reports a “surprising conciliatory note” sounded by the State Dept toward the militias fighting for the Islamic Court Union, who have just defeated U.S.-backed forces in Somalia:

The aim of the Islamic Courts Union, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters, “is to try to lay the foundations for some institutions in Somalia that might form the basis for a better and more peaceful, secure Somalia where the rule of law is important.” “I think that as a matter of principle that we would look forward to working with groups or individuals who have an interest in a better, more peaceful, more stable, secure Somalia … who are also interested in fighting terrorism,” he said.

ME: Oh brother.