Soccer in Somalia

The new Islamist powers in Mogadishu have come out against soccer:

"Hardline Islamic courts in the Somali capital have banned people from watching the action in Germany on television believing it to be against Muslim teaching.

"In a brief but violent protest, two people were killed as gunmen, reportedly allied to the Joint Islamic Courts, forced three cinema halls to shut and warned football lovers against watching the matches which were being relayed through satellite.

"'The Islamic courts have ordered the closure of three cinema halls,' said Sukahola resident Abdulaziz Hanad.

"'They want to make sure that nobody in Mogadishu watches the World Cup.'"

If you're a new government hoping to maintain legitimacy while consolidating your power, I'm not sure coming out against World Cup viewing is a good first move.