Originally posted by Maakhir: What adminstration is there to talk about? I think he's referring to the criminal enterprise of Puntland heralded by Gen Cadde, Afqurac and Gaagaab. Ragaa hadaan la iska qaban Puntland iska hilmaan. Besides, the PL "administration" is taking the matter very seriously. So much so that Gen. Cadde's visit to Yemen had the unpublicized agenda to attain a weapons shipment from our neighbor across the Red Sea. Surely, Gen. Cadde has not learned anything from the legacy of previous "generals" who also wrongfully believed that the only way to rule the Somali people is through military force.

BRUSSELS, March 28 (Reuters) - The European Commission signed a pact giving political recognition to Somalia's interim government on Tuesday and pledged more aid to the war-weary Horn of Africa nation, hit by fresh violence in recent days. The signing of a "memorandum of understanding" with Somali leaders is an attempt by the European Union executive to encourage EU states and others to recognise the government after last month's opening of an interim parliament on home soil. Read more @ Reuters

^ LOL@ angry, escaped wife! And no, I'm not familiar with the "generals" of Somalia. There are far too many for me to keep count. But I didn't "compare" the Generals. I simply said its ironic that both men are willing to leave their homes in Canada to fight on behalf of their respective sub-clans in Puntland. Isn't that exactly what this Gen. Ilkajiir is doing (and Gen Cadde did in 2002)? The wild card in this conflict is, of course, Col Yeey. He hasn't said a word yet. But will he sit aside and watch as the entity he brags about the most (PL) is destroyed by his former foe? Remains to be seen.

Despite attempts to keep a lid on this immense story, the truth is slowly coming out. The irony here is, of course, that this Gen. Ilkajiir is returning to Somalia under the same pretext as Gen. Cadde Muuse: defending the sub-clan against outside aggression. Somalia is the epitome of the dog-eat-dog world. Gen. Ilkajiir ma yahay nin cadkiisa goosan kara? Kudos to the "free" press of Puntland, though. Bossaso-based Radio Midnimo has practiced journalistic ethics above clan-loyalty considerations, unlike the likes of SBC Radio. The new motto of SBC-and-alike is: Madaxweynaha oo Boqorka ah Jeneraal Cadde Muuse ceebtiisa hala qariyo. But for how long?

ZAYLICI - You made a good point about the deadly combination of military weapons and famine, both of which fueled the terrible war of the early '90s. Today, Xamar is in a similar predicament. The players might've changed but the clan loyalty remains as strong as before. The important question is: "How will the Islamic courts maintain their ideological appeal?" Attacking the economic infrustructure of "some" warlords while others are allowed to keep their isbaaros intact is not wise policy. Hiding under the banner of "Islam" can only work for so long - before the masses awaken to the blind grab for power, money and land.

^ Truth @ compromises. Originally posted by Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar: Hadee Islaanimo dhab ka tahay, Galgaduud iyo Mudug ayee shareecada kasoo bilaabi lahayeen. Bingo! And I'm sure the point about Dayniile + Cisiley airstrips being shut down while No. 50 airstrip remains open hasn't been missed by the folks concerned.

A long read with some valid points and some faults. He divides Somalia-after-disintegration into three main categories: Type I: territorial disintegration (Somaliland) Type II: social disintegration (Puntland) Type III: administrative/political disintegration (i.e. Why Mogadishu is not seat of Somali gov't) What I found most interesting is his application of the types of disintegration into the modern-day situation on the ground. He argues against the creation of sub-states in Somalia, saying that "...sub-states have been designed in the form of rogue mini-states by the same agents of old to reproduce the same past structures and political culture of that failed State." Are these sub-states necessarily "rogue" in nature? He goes on: "...the proliferation of these sub-states — the sub-lands or sub-national entities, as a phenomenon — will not only prolong the stagnation and political stalemate experienced through-out, but will also deepen the extent of division and conflict between and within communities at local levels beyond easy repair." How will the creation of sub-states "prolong" the conflict? He fails to explain. However, I do believe that the "bottom-up approach" is a valid course to recovery in Somalia. Look at the sub-states that do exist today. For example, let's look at Middle Shabelle region. Only 90 km from Mogadishu, Jowhar is a city where law and order reign supreme. Is this sub-state necessarily "rogue" in nature? I don't think it is. Do the benefits of this sub-state outweigh the ills? Absolutely! The problem with the old regimes was that everything, from education to finding a career, was tied to Mogadishu. Worse, under the old systems, an official born in Nugaal region, for example, would be "appointed" as the governor of Middle Shabelle region. What sense does that make? Sub-states offer a way for those who share close social and economic ties to cooperate on issues of utmost importance, from security to social welfare. What's wrong with that? So his argument is that these sub-states are "clan-based." Well, news flash: Somalia is, was and will forever be a clan-based society. Unless we replace clan-based governance with Islamic rule, I don't think any other system will work in Somalia (not even the "federal" formula).

HORN - Objectivity? Radio Shabelle? If you want objectivity from any of the Xamar-based radio stations, listen to Radio Banadir (MMA, I'm surprised you didn't mention Banadir along with Hiiraan + Midnimo). They don't have any interest vested in the victor of the ongoing conflict, which is more than I can say for Shabelle + HornAfrik. Originally posted by General Duke: It seems the warlords for the fisrt time are on a back foot.. Maybe you see a difference between Maxkamadaha and the warlords, but I dont. Indhocade is a warlord of the worst kind. Anyone who fights alongside him is just as guilty. At the end of the day, everyone involved in this fight is a warlord. No one is fighting for a Divine ideology - everyone is willing to fight for and defend their piece of the pie (granted that the Maxkamadaha have some sort of vision or goal vis-a-vis the warlords, who are content keeping Xamar the way its been for the past 15 years). How will things turn out? Allahu aclam but I think that Xamar used to have tens of dominant powers. Today, those powers have narrowed down to only two. If Xamar (and by extension, Somalia) is ever to see peace again, one power must come out victorious. Sad as it sounds, I look at this ceasefire as a temporary one (a chance to reload and get more reinforcements, like the last time after the conflict near ex-Jalle Siyaad area). I pray that I'm wrong in this depressing view.

^ Nacnac could mean sweets or something altogether different. Nacnac-badane knows what it means. Why don't you ask him.

^ Which is? More nacnac from you? :rolleyes: Facinating!

^ Umm...on the title, you might want to spell the word "bunch" the correct way. Back to the topic. Aren't you breaking the "Golden Rules" yourself, specifically Rule #14: 14 - Complaints: complaints are only handled by private messages to Admin. You are absolutely not allowed to create complaint topics on the open forums. Moderators will delete it as soon as they see it. Contact Admin if you have questions or concerns.

^ That's exactly what I'm talking about. Since both groups are claiming "victory," where are the pictures of victory from the other side? Radio Shabelle is simply reporting one side [Maxkamadaha] of the conflict. The good news is that the fighting has stopped. I'm convinced that Baydhabo remain the temporary Capital. Absolutely convinced.

^ Wouldn't it make it Isbahaysiga Shaydaanka #2, after you-know-who's Isbahaysi? :rolleyes: And no, it can't be that "simple" enough. Something's always been fishy about the Somali radio stations/websites' agendas when push comes to shove. All of a sudden, SBC ain't reporting a bloody conflict less than 50 KM from Bossaso. And all of a sudden, HornAfrik + Radio Shabelle are busy reporting "victories" on the side of the Maxkamadaha and neither one of them reports the "victories" claimed by the Isbahaysiga. Strange, too, that neither HornAfrik nor Shabelle reports Isbahaysiga spokesman's comment about the involvement of militias loyal to Indhocade and Goobaale. They all need Ethics of Journalism 101.

HornAfrik + Radio Shabelle only report "victories" on the Abuukar Cadaani/Islamic courts' side. I wonder why... But, in this bloody quagmire, there are no "victors" at all. Only tens of dead bodies.

Did y'all watch the Nova-BC game? It was a tad bit scary in OT when BC almost triumphed but, in the end, Nova proved why they were #1. RIP home teams U of WA Huskies and Gonzaga Bulldogs.

^ Boolo, I told you before. You're one sad a$$ nigga. You ain't the homie in the pic (as you admit) and you don't even know him, but here you are making a topic out of it. Get a life, yo. Real talk.

I'm not sure how the " " emoticon fits into such a sad thread. Cuqdad iyo xumaan aqoonsi laguma helo. Dhibaatada Xamar maanta ka taagan Ilaahay ha qaboojiyo. Aamin! Aamin! Aamin!

^ Sick but no suprise. Usually, you can tell a lot about a people by the foods they eat.

DUKE - So, in your eyes, all of this was caused by "the enemies" of Puntland? Its a grand media conspiracy, sabotaging the interests of Puntland, no? "the enemies" of Puntland such as Dayniile, SL websites (who are predictably exploiting this dilemma), Somaliweyn.com, Bossaso-based Radio Midnimo and, of course, me , right? SomaliTalk.com has kept tens of pages on the Puntland natural resource exploration controversy. I won't write another word on here until the full extent of the story comes out (and it will, insha Allah). Peace.

Freedom of the press, huh. Radio SSC Radio Midnimo

^ Xamar is a mega-city and communication is very easy. The same cannot be said about Majiyahan, which is located at the heart of a mountainous region, as Puntland VP Afqurac said during the interview. So, getting factual numbers and figures is technically difficult but those numbers will come out, sooner or later. Now, my turn to you a question: How come top-level PL officials continue to speak publicly about this story? Is Dayniile.com really that significant? Or are they [PL] desperately trying to hide this significant story? You pick.

^ Maybe the Bossaso-based Radio Midnimo is a "trusted" site in your eyes: Iskahorimaad ka Dhacay Deegaanka Majiyahan ee Duleedka Magaalada Boosaaso Iskahorimaad hubeysan ayaa lagu soo waramayaa in uu ka dhacay deegaanka Majiyahan oo 20 Km Koonfur Galbeed kaga aadan magaalada Boosaaso. Iskahorimaadkan ayaa lagu soo waramayaa in uu dhex maray ciidamo ka tirsan Puntland iyo dadka deegaankaas ku nool, kadib markii ay halkaas tageen toddobaadkan shirkad la sheegay in ay sahan macdanta ah ka sameyneyso dhulkaas. Ciidamada Puntland ayaa waxay subaxnimadii hore ee saaka saldhiga magaalada Boosaaso keeneen 7 maxbuus oo ay sheegeen in ay ku soo qabqabteen dagaalkii maanta dhacay. Ilaa iminka war sugan lagama hayo khasaaraha dhabta ah ee dagaalkani geystay , waxaana dadka badankiisu cabsi ka muujiyeen in arrintaani ay horseedo nabadgelyo xumo ka dillaacda deegaanka Puntland. Deegaanka Majiyahan ayaa horay u ahaan jirtay goob ay macdanta ka qaban jirtay dowladii Soomaaliyeed iyo shirkad ka socotay dalka Bulgaariya. Shirkadda ay Puntland heshiiska la gashay ayaa ka soo jeeda dalka Ustaraaliya, waxayna horay sahan noocan oo kale ah ugu soo sameysay deegamo ka tirsan degmada Qandala. Radio Midnimo

^ Lemme guess: You'll believe it when SBC Radio reports it? News flash buddy: SBC is owned by Cadde's clan-cousin/PL minister of local gov't, Cabdi Awaare. You think he's willing to report news that'll "damage" the image of Puntland in the eyes of potential investors? Secondly, corruption is the root cause of all of this. If Gen. Cadde had used the lawful ways of getting things done, none of this would've ever happened. You can't force people to accept an agreement THAT'S NEVER BEEN PRESENTED TO THEM! Watch the cards, homie. Cadde has already shown his cards - he's willing to use force any time people disagree with him. Originally posted by Peace Action: The economy is in the best shape ever and there is progress. There is a desire by Cadde Muse to make his government transparent. The only obstacle are the clans who want to keep their own corrup ministers and do not want any change. Isn't that the most facinating, fabricated piece of writing on this thread! So, we are to believe Gen. Cadde is a Godsend for Puntland - the Savior who has built Bossaso airport (still unfinished!), who has paid gov't employees (or has he?), and who's not a warlord like Col Yeey (so the ongoing conflict in Mahiyahan is a tea picnic, is it?). Who are you kidding? How the economy does is irrelevant because it doesn't benefit the people. The money the PL gov't gets isn't distributed back to society because they don't even pay their employees. I believe MAAKHIR made an excellent point about how funds from Bossaso port go into the pockets of select men while funds from Berbera port pay for the salaries of thousands of employees! Originally posted by Sky: This conflict is blown out of proportion. No, its not and you know it. SBC, AllPuntland, HorseedNet, Puntland Post, Idamaale (the Dayniile of Puntland!) - none of these websites have ever mentioned the ongoing conflict. Instead, they were quick to report the PL press conference that denied that fighting ever ocurred. Its a mere confrontation sparked by the presence of Puntland troops sent to Majayahaan, 30 km southwest of Bossasso in Sanaag region, to secure the area for exploration activities by Range Resources. There's no such thing as "mere confrontation" in Somalia. If blood is split, there's nothing "mere" about it. Secondly, since the PL gov't has the full support of Reer Puntland, what is the necessity of sending in armed militias to "secure" an area whose inhabitants already support the PL agenda? I'll tell you why: because the inhabitants of the areas in question don't support Cadde's shady agenda!

^ You never support Cadde's corruption, but you deny facts on the ground (just like majority of PL media!). The truth can never be silenced. Originally posted by indy7424: I suggest you read the offical letter below. "Official letters" become nonexistent when blood is spilt. When the Puntland president signed the deal with Range Resources, Ltd., he did so without the consent of the governed (i.e. Puntland citizens). The PL president didn't bring the issue into Parliament so that it could be debated openly. It was a shady deal signed under mysterious circumstances (why Dubai? If Puntland is "safe" enough for investment, then its definitely safe enough for a one-day meeting between PL and Range officials, isn't it?). There has been strong opposition to the deal from within Puntland from day one; therefore, "official letters" are irrelevant vis-a-vis the situation on the ground. We don't want Somalia to turn into another Nigeria where an oil company (i.e. Shell) pays government troops to raid villages and murder natives! Exploration in Somalia can only occur when a national government is in power and has full control of the country. The Puntland president is a trigger-happy, warmonger who has zero support in the regions with the most potential for exploration (incl. Sanaag). Gen. Cadde and his clannish supporters with their Un-changing centuries-old infatuations with that long-ago dead political conciet, which used to go under the name of Majesterial Entitlement of the Kingly kind; You mean the defunct Boqortooyo? And perhaps, to understand the importance of this point further, see to it to recalled, as to what it was the underlying rationale that had caused the recent bloody skirmishes within Puntland's parliament, in which the recently deposed Minister Faroole had hand in it's original flare up, after he was sacked by the said parliament. Let me correct you on this part of your analysis, Adeer. Mr. Faroole was not sacked by the Parliament. Rather, he left the Parliament building after noticing where things were headed (Gaagaab passed, Xaabsade did not!). Then, the day after, Faroole's boys surrounded the Parliament building to deny MPs from entering. That's when Gen. Cadde/Afqurac sent in their personal bodyguards, which caused the death of 3 boys. To add insult to injury, Gen. Cadde then revoked Faroole's ministerial portfolio, even before the bodies of the dead boys were buried! You know Somali culture and that is a huge insult. To date, Cabdi Salaad (the guy Gen Cadde replaced with Faroole) has not accepted the position. Furthermore, you state that the "underlying rationale" for the Feb. 27 Garoowe gun battle was essentially a power struggle between PL sub-clans. That's utterly untrue. The political rift between Faroole and Gen. Cadde started after Faroole left Dubai in anger, because Gen. Cadde had signed the shady deal without consulting Reer Puntland. Ever since, Gen. Cadde/Afqurac had been trying to get Faroole out of office - and so they engineered the Parliamentary vote-of-confidence so that Xaabsade and Faroole (longest-serving PL ministers) would be expelled. He believed that he could replace Faroole with a fellow Reer Nugaal minister (i.e. Cabdi Salaad) who would easily "accept" the illegal "natural resource exploration" deal signed in a foreign city! As things stand right now, Reer Buuhoodle got their man (Xaabsade) back into office and Reer Garoowe got the mag (doubled) for the murdered boys and they're still deciding as to Faroole's case.

Originally posted by Socod_badne: I assert the Sharia Law is not divinely ordained. To "prove" that I just have to cite just ONE Sharia punishment that is contradicted by what Allah ordained in Quran...the most notable is the punishment of adultery. Sharia law proscribes stoning to death. While Allah delineated in the Quran only 100 lashes. Since in Islam the Quran trumps everything else, we can conclude that the Sharia is not Allah's laws. I acknowledge the fact that there has been a long-standing debate about the punishment for adultery/fornication (zina') in Islam. However, do not miss the gravity with which the Noble Qur'an deals with evil act of zina' itself. In the translation of the ayah, Allah SWT says: “(And the servants of the Beneficent) are those who do not invoke another god with Allah, and who do not…commit fornication/adultery , for whoever does that shall receive the penalty; for him shall the torment be doubled on the day of resurrection, and therein he shall abide forever, disgraced, save him who repents and believes and does good works; those, Allah shall change their misdeeds into good works. And Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate.†(Al-Furqan: 68-70) Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Adultery in Islam is one of the most heinous and deadliest of sins. Its enormity can be gauged from the fact that it has often been conjoined in the Qur’an with the gravest of all sins: shirk or associating partners with Allah." While you're here concerning yourself with the "death by stoning" punishment on Earth, you seem to miss the eternal punishment for zina' in the Hereafter (when it REALLY matters). In the above translation of the ayah, Allah SWT promises that the torment for those who commit shirk - the gravest of all sins - and those who commit zina' will be doubled on the Day of Ressurection. I ask you: What earthly punishment could surmount to an eternal double punishment in the Hereafter? None! None! None!