We're currently in Nairobi, contemplating our next move having ridden up from Cape Town. We had planned to continue North but are concerned about the political and military situations developing.

It is common knowledge from the media that Bin Laden MAY be in Somalia. However, we have a friend in the military, stationed in N.E. Africa. Aware of our planned route, and concerned for our safety, he has advised us that the US are as close to certain as they need to be, that Bin Laden IS in Somalia.

Having 'not finished the job' in Desert Storm, which arguably lead to Sadam Hussein having a role in the Twin Towers attack, I don't feel it's unreasonable to suggest that the Americans are unlikely to rest until Osama Bin Laden has been suitably 'dealt with'.

With their previous 'excursion' into Somalia ending in military embarrasment is it likely that a sledgehammer will be used to crack this nut? And if so will Sudan, known to dislike the Americans intensely, sit back idly while their Somalian brothers feel the full force of 'the worlds most awesome military machine? And what of Ethiopia, wedged between the two of them? Then of course there's the Egyptian radicals who, although silenced over the last few years, will undoubtedly be itching to dust off the AK47's and have a pop at anyone resembling a Westerner.

Obviously there is always the possibility that the military intelligence I've been privy too is wrong, but what are the chances?

I'm not trying to start a political debate here, I'm genuinely collating as much info as possible before I decide whether or not to take my partner and our bright red GS (doesn't stick out much)into a potential warzone.

Goose
www.gooseontheloose.com