I think Ace argument is valid in a way that nothing is going to happen to Somaliland unless someone will convince me that Somalia is going to use some outside muscles to overthrow the government in Somaliland. The magnitude of this predicament makes it imposible to predict that the union will be revived in our lifetime.So basically things will stay separate for a very long time. Somalia will mind its business and not have any control over Somaliland.

My eyes must have been playing tricks on me..I think President Hassan visited madame tussauds instead..

Raheema, that is sad and I agree with you we should not dance around the issue or undisturbed by reality, but for some reason I still have hope . Without distorting the problems at hand I still think Somalis need each other and an expression of solidarity can only come from the people in the street and not the politicians. A secure and economical viable Somalia/Somaliland can only be built with strong solidarity! If such a solidaity takes place in the heart of the Somalis a much greater prowess can be anticipated for all Soomalis. Somaliland has its own problems and I will be damn if I sit here and say they are better off staying the way they are today.The last twenty years Somaliland have achieved great success since Somalia was on a state of dormancy or inactivity, but they still don't have the ownership of their destiny in their hands.They are alot of disheartening facts that are not only unique to them, but to all Somalis. They still have communities that are not supporting the secession within their borders. They still have sub-clan politics and greedy politician the list goes on and on...

Rahema, yeah the damage is done already, but you should never loose hope.Who would have thought Somalia will come out of transition government? I have always hold the argument that Somaliland should be supported until there is peace and promising progress in South Somalia.The psyche of the people can be a powerful antidote to any strong mistrust.If the love can be renewed without blurring or concealing any truth I think there is hope for a union.Somalis need to face the unpleasant fact that there is deep mistrust between them and it only be corrected if everyone is treated equally and all grievances addressed properly!

This Mooge dude has some real Issues and his words make anything, but predictable Qabiliste. His invective and tirades are really insane.I hope his words doesn't echo the rest of the decent Puntland residents.Warya take a chill and support your country just like you would have supported if the Prime Minister was from Puntland (or MJ)

Blessed, Out of topic.Rageeh left Aljazeera and Joined some station in the Uk, right? Witness program was one of his best programs..Wonder if he will ever go to Somalia and do one good and fair investigative program on the whole Somali mess..Wishful thinking I guess

Ngonge, I really don't know where this will lead to and I'm sure President Silanyo will ardently be beseech by his citizens for some way forward from here....

Ngonge, from all indications your idea has a wide appeal. It certainly will make anyone drool over the attention Somalia is getting, but not yet my brother. From all evidence it appears unlikely that Somaliland will make a dramatic reversal of its course.Taken at a face value the attention Somalia will be given will definitely not raise a good prospect for Somaliland ambitions, but it will also not quicken the disdain for secesion. Questions abound:can Somaliland sustain itself even after many doors shut in its face? I'll argue yes and it will continue to lead a normal existance and I bet no effigy of President Hassan will be set on fire in Hargeisa.I think the pattern is clear so long as Somaliland insist on secesion no outside muscle will force them and I think Hillary Clinton was clear when she Said Somalia people will decide the fate of their country when asked about the dual-track system.So I sense deem prospect for Somalia and Somaliland joining together unless a timely concessions are made.Give it a few months before all this celebrations soured.

"Stoic...Somaliland's goals will remain intact, what does translate into exactly? Also, one has to imagine stronger Xamar, the friendly tribes' resolve not to abandon the union will be strengthened." If developments in Somalia will go as well as we all hope for, future prospects will remain clear.But knowing Somalis no one claN is ready to SACRIFICE and form a support for a strong legitimate government in Mogadishu.After the drum-rolls and the trumpets of this highly successful visit ends; everyone will be back to the drawing boards.Soon the exciting part will be over and reality will set in .Somaliland is NOT going to shied from pursuing its goals whether the US ignores their ambition or not. Unless something remarkable and unpredictable happens I don't see anything changing anytime soon.So I see no reason to be optimistic here about Somalia being one again any time soon.The Somali president and the Somali people are the ones who will bear the weighty responsibility of bringing the union together and not Some interest driven diplomacy!

Granted that poltical circumstances changes and willpower grinds down (Yeah I'm talking about you Somaliland) ; I still believe even with any deceitful policies from America or England Somaliland will still have the leverage to dictate the fate of the union.Any sleazy sleights of hands will not make Somaliland abandon the long road to secession easily like that.As Washington sought out options on how to deal with the new legitimate Somali government and Somalia hurries to exploit the new opportunities ;Somaliland should not ignore the inescapable fact of a recognized stronger Somalia.Basically Somaliland goals shall remain raw and unchanging...If only Silanyo Opens his eyes!

Great..Look him in the eye warya...Americans will only interpret your body language as an attentive person..

Odweyne, Admittedly Bashir does come across as a chameleon especially after the last few articles he posted, but I have to agree with his assessment of current Somaliland morass in this artcle.The current leadership failed to repair a political process gone awry! All they did was propping up clan rivalry.I really hate to dissolution you, but I agree with his assessment of the direction of Somaliland political institutions.Somaliland can still offer itself as a model to the rest of Somalis, but not when they are going back to century old clan politics and weak justice system. Someone needed to draw the attention to the good, bad and the ugly of Somaliland and the author here did a beautiful work.It would be patently false to get a sense of security when you own institutions are as weak as your next door neighbor

Beautifully written and valid observations here... The Local Council Elections that were held in Somaliland on 28th November 2012 left behind bitterness, bloodshed and deep divisions between the clans as well as moments of joy and celebration. Although the election started in a festive mood, its aftermath proved the fears of observers about the irreparable fissions that such unfettered democracy and flawed electoral system could bring to a tribal society like Somaliland. And on top of this comes the lack of independent judiciary that could handle disputes with fairness and the government’s rejection to abide by the rules it put in place. In the following paragraphs therefore I will try to highlight the election’s twists and turns and its good, bad and ugly stories. The Good: One of the good things about the election was its beautiful festivals and the joyful mood that prevailed during the campaign. It was beautiful to watch an isolated and internationally unrecognized state holding its 2nd municipal election, the first one was in 2002, and the 4th nationwide election since 2003. Parliamentary elections were held in 2005 and presidential elections in 2003 and 2010. And despite its glaring flaws, the local council election was another undeniable landmark in Somaliland’s quest for democratic transformation. It was a joy to watch the people exercising their democratic rights like any country in the world in party campaign forums. The youth and women have filled the campaign rallies to unmistakably show that they are the real force and game changers in the country. The youth have temporarily forgotten their unemployment status and used their positive energy in a constructive way despite the tribal undercurrents that denied them to achieve their full potential. The long queues of the voting day, a symbol of democracy, peace and refinement, were admirable. It is always reassuring and heartening to see African people going to the polls and not to trenches to fight their case, to cast a vote and not carry a gun to settle disputes, to peacefully play by the rules of the game no matter how flawed they are and not resort to my-law-in-my-hand tribal fashion. One whole month of festivities from 29th October to a long day of civilized voting on 28th November was enough to show the world that Somali people can be good, law-abiding citizens as any people in the world and that they are not always unruly, chaotic and warrior nomads as the world media loves to portray them. The fact that several women were among the elected councils was also another promising development that showed the society’s changing attitude, albeit timidly, towards the role of women. The Bad: In a tribal nomadic society where people are divided on clan loyalties, the opening of the door for multiparty system has shown its devastating effect. In mature democracies, political parties run and campaign on ideological and political platforms. They have strategies to follow and political objectives to achieve. They try to win the support of the voters on their political, economical and cultural merits. Yes, political divisions could be rife and deep but they are based on economic and political interest rather than narrow and primitive ancestral bonds and blood ties. But in Somaliland like elsewhere in Africa, the political parties have no agenda, no strategies and no real and tangible objectives. It was boring to listen to party speakers repeating old platitudes and burnt out ideas. Their vital selling points were their clan identities and it was unfortunate to see all that exercise, mobilization and festival moods swallowed up by the tribal vortex. It was not difficult to see who voted for whom when the results came out. They showed how Somaliland politics rests purely on tribal crutches. The Ugly The ugly episode of the election was the government’s high handedness in dealing with the people’s complaints after the results were announced. It is natural for the losing parties or candidates in any election to feel cheated and demand for justice. In advanced countries such complaints go to the election commission which plays a neutral role. If the complainants don’t find the election commission’s decisions convincing, they go to the courts. In Somaliland, there is a general feeling that neither the election commission nor the justice system is free from government control. People therefore revert to the only tested institution they know and that works for them – the clan. Some parties and candidates therefore showed their grievances and complaints through clan protests and rallies. However, instead of handling the issue with tolerance and understanding, the government resorted to the use of force. Untrained and uncontrolled police force acting like clan militia used live ammunition on peaceful protestors, killing about ten young people and wounding many others in Hargeisa, Borama, Lughya and Zeila. Even worse than the cold blooded shooting, was the government’s lack of sympathy for the families of the victims and their indifference to the loss of human life. It took Silanyo almost one week to make a statement on the killing of five young protestors in Hargeisa and when he finally did he made it weak and remorseless which only added insult to injury. It was equally ugly and despicable to see the powerful cabinet minister Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan boasting in an interview to one of the websites that the government has paid the blood money to the families of the victims. Just like that, with no emotion, no regret, no remorse, and no promise of investigation and punitive action against the rogue police force. But at least here a statement was made, but the president has failed abysmally by not uttering a word about those killed by his policemen in Borama, Lughaya and Zeila. In an episode reminiscent of dictatorial regimes, I watched the video of policemen shooting live ammunition indiscriminately at peaceful youth demonstrators in Borama. At one time, a policeman was strolling in the street with the gun in his hand after finishing his shooting business. He was threatening and swearing loudly, calling his victims as Waar laaya, Eeyda, eaydu dhashay which literally means “Kill them…the dogs sired by dogs.” By watching this, one couldn’t help but remember the ugly tribal militia brutalities that we saw elsewhere in Africa. In the historical city of Zeila, the police have disbanded a group of peaceful squatters in the town’s local council building by force; killing at least one person and wounding others. With all these crimes taking place, President Silanyo did not send a single message of condolence to the families of victims let alone apprehend the police individuals whose faces and criminal acts were watched by thousands on Youtube. But in an apparent act of defiance and a show of support and approval for his police force, Silanyo was quick to express sadness and send deep hearted condolences when several policemen were killed in a car accident. While on the contrary, the President did not think the life of a young girl who was run over by the police when they were departing Borama was worth his sympathy. The government’s unnecessary interference in the election of municipality mayors in major towns was to reignite bitter clan rivalries. The government tried to arm-twist council members in Erigavo, Buroa, Berbera and Zeila through monetary bribes and otherwise to get their favorite candidates elected as mayors. This was a provocative tactic aimed at inciting people to take arms and fight in an illusionary war. The government used Berbera and Zeila as testing grounds for its divide and rule policy. But it was fortunate to see the communities of these two areas act more wisely than the government and abort the government’s plans of pushing them into an internecine civil war. The communities in these two coastal towns who live in the most inhospitable areas in the region do not need to kill each other for the greed of opportunistic politicians but instead they need help to secure the basic subsistence of living such as water for human consumption and for their dwindling herds. As a foreign friend who frequently visits Somaliand wrote to me recently “the people seem resigned to be stuck with bad politicians, though they deserve better, and get on with their own lives as best as they can.” Unfortunately the Silnayo government did not stop only at being a bad government but has also become a brutal one true to the Somali saying” Indha la’aantii, dad cunimo ayey ku darsatay”. And the tragedy is that there is no formidable political opposition as Silanyo seems to have succeeded in breaking the will of all potential political opponents by opening government coffers and silencing them with cash. It is only the lonely but courageous voice of Faisal Ali Waraabe and UCID party that still stands between Silnayo and his ambition to create a dynasty in Somaliland. The way out: Disappointed with the poor performance of Silanyo, the much touted UK educated leader, former SNM veteran and one of the longest serving ministers of Siyad Barre; the people of Somaliland are desperate for a bail out from their current economic and political wilderness................................. http://hiiraan.com/op4/2013/jan/27727/divided_somaliland_and_the_way_out.aspx

I honestly thought the whole Unuka thing was a joke here in SOL and that young overzealous Puntlanders/Somalilanders were just upbraiding your folks for the sheer fan..Hmm so you were buying the whole "Unuka Xamaar leeh"....Well as long us your folks think this way you can kiss Somalia for a very long time

I doubt the President came to focus on the rehabilitation of Somali diaspora.He didn't come to drain the American swamps, clear the water channels of Minesotta, reclaimed wasteland of tall welfare buildings from his skinnies!A typical Wardheer contributor;What a theater to try to delegitimize a president recognized by the international community!

Hello students and teachers. My Name is Sheikh Shareef. I was the real ruler of Somalia, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of what was former Islamic court union, Field Marshall, and Former guerrilla commander . I am honored by the invitation to be BU class of 2015.Woof! woof! It's about time you guys invited a real terrorist-turned President to join this great Institution.In a further effort to improve myself I have decided to take this challenge! Be warned, however, that I am not here to blow you up or am I here as a secret agent of any terrorist organization.Am here as a student with a eyes on the prize of the Summa-Cum Laude. There will be no one blown up or any of that nonsense here. You can bet your graduation tassels that I'm not here to impress the American State department or any of the secret agencies surrounding these buildings. You may not like much of what I have to say in class, but if you are tolerant Society you will keep up my freedom of Speech. You will remember it though that you once sat next to President of the only failed state in the world; it is an honor if you may ask. Especially after about three years of lifting up that country out of transition state.. This, it goes without saying, that I'm the most successful president of Somalia. You have heard the old saying that those who can - do. Those who can't - becomes terorist. Well I have decided to prove myself that I'm on the good side of history writers;From my days of ICU to the academic corridors of the US. That sounds deliciously successful to me than the feel-good falsehood you read in the papers.Asalm Aleikum and please No tight dresses in class

Taleexi;907369 wrote: Prof. Galaydh is a human and I've my own reservations on some of his stands but his opponents like Stoic believe their views, rudeness and monolithic political positions are holistic and divine. What is good for the goose is good for the gander comes to mind. "SL" president, Siilaanyo, is not rude rather grounded?, come on Stoic, for once give us a break for decency sake. Warya, I have nothing against the good Profesor. I wast just pointing out his dig on the program presenter and how he squandered the chance of presenting his points in a smart and a convincing way! My pointing out of his presentation of that Townhall meeting was just showing how he also contradicted and undercut all the realistic stuff that was going on Mogadishu at least Profesor Samatar was honest and shoot it straight! I recognize his awesome ambition of fighting for his people and I admire his goals of wrenching his people out of their current slough of despair , but its just that I have deep mistrust for people who talk out of both sides of their mouth. Same goes with President Silanyo; after the last election I have never been disgusted with cheap politics like the Somaliland one and the current administration ways of pitting one clan against another! And that is why I have no respect for President Silanyo also....

For Some reason the good professor seems rude and NOT grounded.Ever since I saw that Townhall meeting between him and Profesor Samatar he doesn't come across as honest person..

Asalam Aleikum..Jumca Wanaagsaan...Just remember the shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.So make some duca today for yourself.May Allah forgive all of our shortcomings and give us all a firm conviction to try to fulfill our obligations unto him

North, Somaliland maybe if She-who-must-be-obeyed wants to visit her Family; as for me I have no immediate family there (Unless I want to count Third and Fourth grandfather relatives)... Haatu..Isiolo maybe to visit my Sister..

Haatu..home is Kenya...that is where I'm heading

Its Official.Got my ticket booked this year.Africa here I come after fifteen years in the concrete pavement of US of A ..Its gonna be fan..looking forward to meet all the people I left behind...

Xaaji, the minister is spinning the story@9:37.. His gauzy explanation of the British ambassadorial in Somalia is not making me buy his spinning of where they get their orders from...I'm by no certain that they don't get their orders from Ethiopia, but why would Britain do that when they can have everything under one office in Mogadishu?

You are just riding the wave of ignorance warya.This Professor is far from myopic academic and his research has nothing to do with race or religion. I guess you have no respect for Scientific research. Intelligent behavior is a vital to human success and whether you get it from your religion or from your inner self-regulatory training its still something to strive for.

Self-control is an avenue to achieve healthier, more successful and satisfying life. Dr Roy Baumeister a well known and largely cited Psychologist explains in this video how to use will power to set up your life. From overeating to substance abuse to sexual misbehavior Self control is associated with good adjustment and willpower to making good decisions. Basically Understanding self-control has potential applications across a broad spectrum of human behavior. Very informative Video and he also co-authored the Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength book with New York Times Science writer John Tierney..I just ordered the book on Amazon