Delays plague Somali offensive against Islamists‎

MOGADISHU, Somalia -- Top Somali officials are threatening to begin a military offensive against Islamist insurgents but critics - some of them demoralized soldiers - say a lack of equipment, funds and training put any ultimate success into doubt.
The offensive has been planned for months and has been postponed repeatedly, but questions remain about whether it can bring long-term security in a country suffering from almost two decades of conflict.
It is still unclear when the offensive will begin or what it will entail. Somali forces are hampered by a lack of equipment, late paychecks, and some complain they do not even have enough food.
"There is nothing the government has done but survive," said Mogadishu resident Sheik Mohamud Abdulle. "We have been hearing of late the government's threat to the rebels, but we expect little from any military action as long as its soldiers are not regularly paid.",,more..