More jaw: Iran threatens US with 'pain' if sanctions begin - The Independent

^^ "Sectarian strife" and "civil war" both lead to dead bodies, do they not? And I mean a lot of dead bodies. The point is that Iraq is out of the hands of the "coalition of the willing" - as George likes us to believe. Right now, as things stand, Iraq is very vulnerable - if another massive bomb goes off, it could trigger off large-scale revenge killings across the country. If its not in a state of "civil war," then its definitely on the verge of all-out civil war. Originally posted by ThePoint: Our Sunni friends really need to rein themselves in. And get shot in the back? Checkmate.

^^ Hey, be nice to SOMALIPRIDE because he's suffering from what's known as "individual-worship." It is a terrible, unethical practice that protects an "individual" in right or wrong. You see, SOMALIPRIDE is so pro-Cadde Muuse that he can't even see past the guy's outer facade and terrible leadership skills. According to Cadde, the man of many faces, Boosaaso should've had an international airport a loooong time ago. But, of course, since Jigjiga's airport will take 20 months to build, building the one in Boosaaso will take the remaining lifetime of the 80-year-old General of Puntland. Does that make sense? I didn't think so, because, WTF does Jigjiga have to do with Boosaaso? :confused: Back to square one: defend the "individual" in right or wrong. Just "nod" and pretend that this thread makes sense. Its the best way he can find to "hide" Cadde's failures and disappointing political career. Cheers!

^ *cough* My choice is either Sayyid Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan or Axmed Gurey (Allaha u naxariisto labadaba)!

Umm...huh? Actually, lemme say it in Indonesian: Waht the fcuk is tihs atrlcie aoubt?

^^ I agree with all 3 of y'all walahi! My mother always used to say: "Soomaalidu intaysan guri dhisan bay telefishan gataan". Prime example right here. People starving, others building malls. Then we wonder why our Motherland is so screwed up.

Sneak-peek at George's hypocrisy and double-standards: Iran's peaceful nuclear program vis-a-vis India's nuclear weapons program; promote "democracy" vis-a-vis starve the democratically-elected Hamas gov't. The saddest looser of all Gen Musharraf of Pakistan: he kissed all that American a$$ and still George signed a nuclear pact with his archrival, India, leaving Musharraf to be eaten by wolves! And, of course, Rep. Murtha's comments on national television. Lofely. Iran: More Jaw and Less War Linda Heard, sierra12th@yahoo.co.uk Gen. Wesley Clark, who is expected to be a Democratic candidate for the US presidency in 2008, has a novel idea on how to tackle the growing contretemps between his government and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program. Clark suggests the two sides should simply talk together face-to-face and discuss their problems instead of yelling threats at one another across the fence. Sounds eminently sensible, doesn’t it? But in these peculiar times, sensibility, not to mention testosterone, usually triumphs over sense. The fact is that isn’t going to happen, at least not as long as the “new world order†Bush administration inhabits the White House, and the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists on ratcheting up the anti-US and anti-Israel rhetoric. Sadly, there will be no Sadat moment; no spectacular Air Force One landing in Tehran with a cargo of olive branches and carrots. Instead, it is looking more and more like we will all have to face the discordant music badly orchestrated by players, who wouldn’t recognize a harmonious tune if it jumped up and bit them in the face. At risk is everyone in this region and beyond. With Iran’s nuclear file on the point of going before the UN Security Council with all that may mean, US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton is living up to his rambunctious reputation. On Sunday, Bolton told members of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC that Iran would suffer “tangible and painful consequences†if it didn’t abide by its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). There’s just one problem. While the US and its European allies are demanding Iran’s compliance, the American president has himself flouted the terms of the NPT by offering nuclear technology to nuclear-armed India, which is not a signatory. On the other hand, Iran has abided by the treaty’s chapter and verse and there is as yet no smoking gun to indicate it is pursuing a nuclear weapons program. George Bush makes no apology for this glaring double standard other than to point out that India is a democracy, which presumably means it should be trusted. The same argument is frequently used when American politicians defend Israel’s covert nuclear activities. Conversely, Pakistan, a military state, which is a close US ally, has been denied a similar courtesy under the pretext it is not a democracy. However, America’s hallowed democracy standard does not apply to Hamas, which was fairly elected to govern the Palestinian people. If the US has its way, Hamas is to be starved out of office. So, the message from the US is clear: If you’re our friend, you can throw away as many treaties as you like and sideline international law. But if you’re not, then those same treaties and laws will be used as platforms from which we will batter over the head and persuade our allies to do the same. This biased and self-serving US foreign policy is naturally causing resentment among disfavored nations and their peoples. As long as they feel excluded, marginalized and demonized then those countries will naturally morph into breeding grounds for angry extremists. Moreover, those countries which haven’t been accepted into the fold are forging close alliances not only with each but also with big powers, such as China and Russia, a trend that could one day threaten US security. A case in point is the new Latin American left, led by the firebrand Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, which terms itself “the Axis of Goodâ€. Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia have teamed up against what they view as US neo-imperialism and are fast trying to bring Argentina and Brazil on side. In the meantime, Hamas leaders have been offered the Venezuelan presidential jet to tour the new “Axisâ€, while the bloc is currently cozying up to Iran. In short, while the superpower may be able to dominate less powerful nations with the threat of its military firepower and economic clout, once those nations band together in the face of a perceived common enemy, then America will lose its current influence. It was no doubt with this in mind that George W. Bush set out to woo India before it embarked on a honeymoon with China and Iran; certainly a masterful move from the American point of view. Returning to the subject of Iran, the next weeks will be crucial. Questions revolve around what the UN Security Council will decide. It is generally thought that sanctions aren’t a workable option, mainly because China and Russia are unlikely to stick to them and also because Iran has threatened to withdraw its oil from the market and close the Straits of Hormuz in retaliation. Worse, if Iran feels it is truly under siege it would have little incentive to abide by the NPT and may even accelerate uranium enrichment. If sanctions aren’t feasible, there is always a military option just as there was with Iraq. But the state of the global party is very different from that of 2003. America’s ability to cobble together another willing coalition, given the loss of life and treasure that the Iraq misadventure entailed, would be a major feat in itself. Indeed, America’s closest ally Britain has already made noises to the effect it won’t be joining. Could the US go it alone and take on Iran? The respected Republican Sen. John Murtha, an ex-Marine, doesn’t think so. Speaking on the last Sunday’s CBS program “Face the Nation†concerning a military option vis-à -vis Iran, Murtha said, “...we have a situation where our military’s in such bad shape it couldn’t deploy to a second front. And the Iranians know this. This is not something I’m telling the Iranians. North Korea knows it, China knows it. We are depleting our resources in Iraq...†Sanctions won’t work. A military option doesn’t appear feasible. So what’s left? Gen. Clark has the answer. This sensitive situation doesn’t require bluster and empty threats. We need to see Ahmadinejad taking tea in the Rose Garden or Bush garnering the courage and the statesmanship to topple a dividing wall rather than erect one so high it can never be breached. At least not in our lifetimes.

Does Puntland need a Guurti assembly (House of Elders)? In my opinion, no, I don't think Puntland needs to establish a strict legal framework for the mediation of the Issims. The Issims' success in northeastern Somalia (Puntland today) in the post-91 era has been largely due in part to their functioning within their comfort zones, i.e. outside the system. Traditionally, the Issims' mediation role wasn't dictated by written constitutional laws - they succeeding by using the Somali way of mediation, which is not limited, if you will, by written laws. Take Islaan Ciise Islaan Maxamad's role in the Garoowe incident. What constitutional role does that type of mediation fall under? I think turning the Issims into members of a government risks the chance of politicizing their traditional role and attracts criticism from all corners. They should stick to their current role as mediators between the various social groups in the region. p.s. Remember during the Col Yeey-Jama Ali Jama power struggle, the Issims came under fire for their interference in strictly political matters? It was a very ugly episode and they came under fire from all directions.

I mean people were killed, isn't the somali way an eye for an eye, atleast that's what I saw when I was there. Why is there no talk about avenging those deaths? I'll tell you why, the people are proud of what Pres Cade did, the people were fed up with Faroole Now, this part of your tirade was quite facinating. Are you actually implying that Reer Garoowe take up arms and burn down their own city? :confused: As soon as the Islaan stepped in, Reer Garoowe (incl. your archnemesis, Faroole) left all matters into his hands. The Islaan made the decision for Reer Garoowe not to fight - and they respected his wish. Dhulkaa waa dhul laga qadariyo talada Issimada sidaad adba la socoto. Now, my turn to pose a question: As you claim, the people were "fed up" with Faroole. So, when Gen Cadde Muuse named Cabdi Salaad Ilyare to replace Faroole, shouldn't the people have "welcomed" the new minister? :confused: How come Cabdi Salaad hasn't taken up the post yet?

He doesn't have any powerbase nor support in Garoowe except for some corrupted youngsters from his sub-sub-sub clan! Really...? :rolleyes:

This is an important topic and one that will expose an evil man's inner intent and hatred to the public. Truth, indeed. Whoever said the catchy phrase "Cadde ma cada, warkiisana ma cada" was right on the money. He's a bigot with a weak leadership style. Even Xaabsade, after his arrival in LA, said that Cadde isn't strong enough to make tough decisions. The whole Parliament thing, where Xaabsade "lost" the vote-of-confidence, was a gimmick - most reports say the MPs accepted bribery to oust "certain" ministers (i.e. Xaabsade, Faroole, etc.). A gimmick that failed and exposed Cadde's diabolical plans for Puntland.

Who are the Hizb-al-Taxtiir?

Trouble? Where can trouble come from? The guy is a national hero as far as I'm concerned because he fought against people who invaded Somali soil and those who helped them. No matter how much people like to re-write history, the Sayyid will always occupy the Throne of Somali Nationalism! Great letter by the way.

The art of male bashing has become a cultural phenomenon now, huh. Some people's insecurities don't even stop at the doors of cyberspace. Peace.

Miskeen - You talking about the war "ended"? If it ended then this topic would be useless sxb. It's a time to remember and reflect and a chance to rethink our top priorities. An old English poet once said "Ignorance is not innocence but sin." So a lot of Somalis, and Africans, are committing sins because of their ignorance, which is what's keeping them down. Happy New Year to everyone! Peace

..whas tha big deal 'bout bananas, any way? somalis have been livin' on less than a couple of dollas a day..bananas have been a luxury fo years now..no biggie..no banana, no problem..

..let 'em have they repaparations..the Japanese were compensated fo being jailed in concentration camps durin' WW2..so the Blacks deserve money fo centuries off slavery n sufferin'..1

Ciid Mubarak to all Muslims!

Someone said Somali men don't know about love, they've just heard of it. In all of honesty, plenty of people across the globe have only 'heard' of love, without really knowing what it feels like or its true implications. I don't think there's any good reason to say that only Somali 'men' don't know what love really is. Those types of generalizations only showcase one's hurt and perhaps guilt. And as far as the question goes, no. I haven't 'fallen' in love, yet. In this life, there's no room for failure or mistakes. When its true and right, then maybe I can admit I'm truly in love. Till then, I suggest for y'all to keep reading romance novels about Josh and Jessica who lived happily ever after!

Interesting article. It reminded me of a famous rebel warrior from some Third World conflict who, once asked where do women belong in his revolution, simply replied: "On their backs." Nothing wrong with being a mother. Nothing wrong with being a "working" mother. Nowadays, more men get in the kitchen and more women in the workplace. It's the way of the world. I'd suggest for some gentlemen to catch up. And quick!

No, I won't ruin it for the peeps who have yet to watch the last installment of The Matrix, Revolutions. However, I did wanna hear people's takes on how the story ended. Were you surprised? Shocked? Neutral? All I can say is that I didn't expect that ending. Incredible acting, amazing special effects and a tight plot made this Matrix better than the second one, the Matrix Reloaded.

What's so shocking about it? Maybe "heblaayo" is okay with her husband marrying a second wife. A far maybe but nonetheless a "maybe."

Maasha Allah! Just another sign of the closeness of Judgement Day!

biggest fear is to have confused feelings ..go or stay ..love or lust ..etc..

Both the notions of 'globalization' & 'nationalism' are created by Western thought and operate under their mechanism. So why don't you just ask us to change our skin color & attitude, i.e. become completely brain-washed by Western thought? I think that would qualify as a better question...