Meanwhile, in the fledgling caliphate of Somalia: Somalis riot after politician shot dead outside mosque. (Hat tip: Hulugu.)

A member of Somalia’s virtually powerless government was assassinated today as he walked out of a mosque, enraging hundreds of Somalis who rioted in the streets screaming, “We want a government that can restore law and order!”

It was the second shooting of a politician this week and the latest blow to an administration that has watched helplessly as Islamic militants with alleged links to al Qaida took control of the capital and much of southern Somalia.

People began streaming into the streets just hours after a gunman opened fire on Abdallah Isaaq Deerow, the minister for constitutional and federal affairs. A 35-year-old man was arrested but authorities had no further details, said Police Chief Aadin Biid.

But remember, the Council on American-Islamic Relations says the takeover of Somalia by Dark Ages religious fanatics linked to America’s enemies is “a positive change.”