Authorities blame the clashes on violent elements among the protesters that they say have fired grenades and guns at soldiers who were forced to return fire.
VOA: standard.2010.05.15
Western involvement in this "struggle for the soul of Islam" is a matter of self-preservation for the West and is critical given the violent tactics and strength of radical elements in Muslim societies worldwide.
These remarks came after elements linked with the Sandinista government tried to undermine protesters and block their demonstrations in a rather violent way.