Somalia: Islamists Yank Gold Teeth Of 'Sinners'

The notorious Somali Islamist group al Shabaab is yanking gold and silver teeth from the mouths of people in southern Somalia for transgressing from Islamic law, Reuters reports.

Residents in Marka say al Shabaab has been rounding up anyone seen with a silver or gold tooth and taking them to a masked man who then rips them out using basic tools. "I never thought al Shabaab would see my denture as a sin. They took me to their station and removed my silver tooth," resident Bashir said.

"In the station, I met several men and women whose dentures were being pulled out by a masked man they called a doctor. The doctor used a pincer or his gloved hand depending on the strength of the tooth," Bashir said.

Here is some background information on al Shabaab from the Council on Foreign Relations:

Al-Shabaab (aka the Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin, al-Shabab, Shabaab, the Youth, Mujahidin al-Shabaab Movement, Mujahideen Youth Movement, Mujahidin Youth Movement), is an Islamic organization that controls much of southern Somalia, excluding the capital, Mogadishu. It has waged an insurgency against Somalia's transitional government and its Ethiopian supporters since 2006. Originally the militant wing of the Islamic Courts Union, the group that controlled Somalia prior to the country's invasion by Ethiopian forces, Shabaab leaders have claimed affiliation with al-Qaeda since 2007. Though most analysts believe Shabaab's organizational links to al-Qaeda are weak, in February 2008 the United States added the group to its list of foreign terrorist organizations. Shabaab's strength has growth since then, but many experts say the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia in January 2009 could diminish the group's basis for popular support.

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Comments

[Talossa]

I'd say this is why Buddha only had one tooth left but the chronology would be way off.

[Bluedanube]

Wait till the Republicans hear about this. They'll see it as another money making opportunity. Cash for your gold teeth. Surprised Norquist or Gingrich have'nt thought of it before now.

[riff4u]

How many people has the Blackwater Crusade (Christian Jihad) killed in Iraq?

[globalwarmingisafraud]

I guess the trendiness of GRILLZ hasn't made it back to sub Saharan Africa yet

[uberman]

Someday man will develop a chemical that when dusted over an area will make people unable and unwilling to act out in violence. Good or Bad, the day is comming...

[biged242]

Might I suggest that Mr. F. Flav refrain from visiting the fine country mentioned in the story in the near future?

http://www.sojones.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/flavor-flav-grillz.jpg

[tailgateshirts]

because its a sin, or because they want the gold for themselves­...

[antifluff]

It is okay to be predjudiceAgainst, tortureRapeKill ChristiansThey are the new group toHate. All those that claim to care, cheer the crymes against people of this faith. If you are against them, you must support theirEnemySatan. It is written who wins the finalbattle. You have a choice.

[brokerthanu]

Ahhh, the religion of peace.

[Talossa]

You beat me to it!

[blutigeroo]

Ahhh, the country of arrogance.

[sleeperd]

Can tax-sucking liberal democrats and their pliers be far behind???

[InstantDogma]

My giant invisible friend
My giant invisible friend
He doesn't like teeth of gold
He's all loving, so I'm told
My giant invisible friend

[rudolph]

Where are the lions when you really need them?

[MrBwood]

The muslims just rip the tooth right out and the Christians just threaten you with eternal damnation unless you throw 10 % of everything you make into the till. Not much difference

[SuperSizeMe111]

Do you like crack?

[farseer]

Christians do no such thing. Even if your statement were true, there would be a vast difference between **talk** about how God might punish someone, and physically inflicting punishment. The practice of tithing (giving 10% of one's income), for your information, originated with the Jews. It's a good practice. No one, however, is threatened with damnation if they don't tithe.

[MrBwood]

You are kidding right? Ok, my point is all religion is based on fear. That's how they keep suckers as customers. The brain washing that takes place is disgusting, the earlier they get a hold of you the better, instilling guilt is a form of torture as far as I am concerned.
Just look at where most of the worlds problems stem from. Religion poisons everything

[Talossa]

Welll..... Mormons might not agree with that statement. You can only get into the temple if you tithe, and you can only "be saved" (i.e. become a God and rule your own planet) if you go through the temple rituals.

[marko77]

Religious Fundamentalist crazies doing their thing. They are sick.

[imdidactic]

It's always about the money, isn't it.