This aint funny. White Women do not measure up to Somali women in any category.

Every group of people is not homogenous. I do not understand why Somalis always insist on comparing themselves to every other group. Somalis are Somalis, there are good, bad, fat, thin, beautiful, ugly, dumb, smart, thug, awkwan, etc. I have plenty of Ethiopian friends who complaim about their community as well. Plus don't forget their are only 8 million Somalis vs. 40 million Ethiopians vs. 1.2 Billion Indians. BTW, I write in English cause it is my first language, not out of any attempt appear superior. I would love to write in Somali, and inshaallah one day I will. Peace

his book is only radical because we have all been hijacked. Hijacked by who? Europeans! They have through subtle and not so subtle means convinced the whole world that civilization could not have arose in Africa, and if it did the people migrated from Europe or Asia. Another book to read in this vane is by Chiekh Anta Diop of Senegal called the African origins of civilization. In my opinion, the Egyptians were an African civilization ( meaning they were black, and most likely resembled the peoples of NorthEast African, as we all look similar). Second, we know for sure the sister civilizations to Egypt namely Kush and Meroe, and later on Ethiopia were for sure black. Being the dominant power, you attract migrants and potential conquers. Given the location of Egypt, particular lower Egypt you started to see more and more migrants. I think it is important to realize that though these great civilizations were African, they are not necessarily responsible for everything. Rather they most likely had a dialogue with Greece that produced much mutual knowledge.

What strikes me is the swiftness of those to attack the premise of the article. Islam is not about symbols, but about faith, belief, and the strength to be a good person. Fundamentally, we all have our own relationship with Allah, it is he who will judge us. I feel that modesty is the ultimate guiding principle, the hijab per se does not satisfy these requirements as modesty itself extends beyond the physical into our hearts. It hurts me to see muslims attacking muslims over symbols. One who covers from head to toe is not by definition a good muslim, as they might not live the rest of their lives in an appropriate matter. However, it is often these very people who are so quick to judge, attack, and even degrade others for seeming lack of propriety. It is my belief that is venhemous judgement and hating is a direct result of their own insecurity. The hijab will not cover what is in the heart. What is in the heart and soul is what allah will judge us by. However, allah has given us a guide that certain things are compulsory. For example during the act of prayer. These must be adhered to within the context of the act. It pains me when I see parents raising there kids to be ignorant, unthinking beings. These kids then grow to be ignorant adults uncapable of their own analysis, but dependent. Dependent on who? Perhaps the conservative Saudi who will whisper their vision of Islam. I encourage all to exercise their free thought, Allah has provided the guide, and it is our duty to study it. Not everything is haram. I have travelled to many muslim countries. I find what I believe to be the best muslims in those countries moderate and open in their thinking. Not quick to judge, but ultimately worried about their own relationship to allah. Countries who teach the quran as a book to be studied and understood, not just memorized.

Definition of a Somali, Contradictory Superiority complex Dignified Eloquent Fierce Ill tempered A friend is a friend, an enemy and enemy, no in between or double talk Colorful Beautiful(the ladies of course) Enterprising Conservative Adaptable

Entre... I am not sure I understand the point of your piece. Could you explain your position further?

He is an amazing writer, made all the more amazing is that he writes in english his second language. His non-ficition work Tales for the Diaspora is poignant in describing the plight of Somalis forced from their country. On the question of him as president, I remain skeptical. I agree he possess many of the traits of a successful leader, but writing is a very different game from politics. I encourage all Somalis to read at least one of his books.

Give me a break OG. Asraa do what your heart desires, OG has obviously missed out on the Dot Com bomb. As far as the best way to get into medical school, you should ask ppl of have done it. I know some Somalis who have, maybe I can put you in touch. BTW, OG you being an university prof has nothing to do with the quality of your advice, which in this case is extremely poor.

The opportunity to meet and work with faculty in your area of interest is perhaps the most important factor in gaining acceptance to grad school. For those who are interested. My university conducts a Summer Research Opportunity program. Your room and board are paid, and you receive a stipend of $3000 for the summer. It is a good way to get to know faculty. I have heard that of those who went through the program, the acceptance rate to grad school is far higher than the norm. This is their website, http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/gop/srop.shtml Please PM me if you have any questions.

Of late, support for the recognition of Somaliland has increased. In large part because of support from South Africa. I do not want to debate the merits of recognition of Somaliland. Rather, most articles I have read state as the main need for recognition is the ability to borrow money from the international organizations, and receive aid from western governments. This is being heard increasingly from members of the Somaliland administration. I believe that World Bank/IMF loans and foreign aid will only hurt Somaliland or a united Somalia. It is my belief that these are essential another tool of control. In my humble opinion, any future Somali state must reject these forms of assistance and make do with what we have. You often read about the contradicitons of Somalia, no central government yet booming business and advanced telecom. This has all been done with little to no outside assistance. So why can't we develop our country using our money and sweat. It is time Africans refuse aid, and rely on their own. What do you fellow nomads think about this?

Damn!!! I was in Minny during the same time. You should give us brothas a chance to meet some good Somali ladies.

Once a Somali always a Somali... to me the beauty of being a Somali is the contradictions. We are chameleons, adept at adjusting ourselves to our circumstances. Somali culture is not diseased, deficient, or flawed. We have suffered much in the last 13 years, but must I remind everyone that it has only been 13 years. Somali culture has the most wonderful ability to absorb and expand to fit new ways and people. This has occured for at least a thousand years with the assimilation of Arabs, Persians, Indians, and other Africans. This is not the curse many believe it to be. This fluidity allows us to remain Somalis without destroying ourselves. I like many of you become fustrated when I face certain aspects of Somali culture, but I am continually surprised by the unity inherent in being a Somali. I for one know, that when pushed to the absolute brink, no culture is as strong. This absolute refusal by most to give up being a Somali. Sure you might stray for awhile, but you always come back. As a people, Somalis are rather small in number. We don't have the density or raw size to have many communities of substantial size (In the Bay Area of California, there are an estimated 500,000 to 1 million Indians). However, those communities that are big enough are doing wonderfully. For example, the Minneapolis community has managed to create basically a Somalia in the United States. Don't despair, the concept of a "Somali" is changing. Change is always painful, but I am confident that Somalia will emerge stronger than before.

No! Mogadishu is done as a capital, at least as a political capital. My suggestion, create a new capital since mogadishu has been destroyed. this will serve as the political center, while Mogadishu and other cities can emerge as economic captials. This process can occur via the free market so to speak. I don't know if there are any neutral areas in Somalia, but perhaps one can be found to form a new capital. Cheers

I really can't believe this "letter" is being discussed. It is nothing but a useless generalization. Most of the people in this country are ignorant (black, white, blue, brown or purple). This shit was probably written by the radio station.

The current generation possess no leaders only crooks. This crosses all clan boundaries. Maybe Somaliland has someone of integrity, possibly Silaanyo. I am proud of his decision to accept the results of the election.

I would love to meet an educated Somali sister, but there aren't many in my neck of the woods. I don't want no 'yes' woman! Peace

Matkey, Let me try to explain myself. I was not attempting to argue that Islam, Tribalism, and Democracy should necessarily be coupled or in paralell, merely that I believe this to be possible. Democracy is defined in Webster's dictionary thus, 1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives. 2. A political or social unit that has such a government. 3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power. 4. Majority rule. 5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community. When IM Lewis called the pastoral system of the Somalis a "pastoral democracy" he meant that it followed the principles described above. For example, a clan elder chosen by the clan to best represent and protect their interests. These elders than met with each other to resolve disputes. However disputes were resolved either by the rules of Sharia or Heer depending on what was involved. I do not mean to insinuate that this system will work in a Modern Somalia, but it is an example of the integration of the three concepts mentioned. My main goal was to question the assumption that these are discrete options, as I do not believe that is true. I hope this helps. I would love to further explain myself, but that would be way too much writing.

HornAfrique I am well aware of the situation in Ethiopia and its history. Nor was I proposing to leave the Somalis of the Ogaden to there own devices. What I am arguing is that nothing can be accomplished in this region without first fighting the war within, as Matkey put it. I also argue that there are already mechanisms in place to fight the battle for sovereignty that you mention. For example, for the first time in a long time Somali language broadcasts are allowed in Ethiopia. I do not know the case of the schools, but the dominance of Amharic is being challenged. My main concerns for the Somali people in Ethiopia is not the question of which state they should belong, but rather their ability to maintain their Somali identity. I still believe you are focused on the wrong problem. The game of blame is essentially the desire to not take any responsibilty for one's actions. If this is the game you choose to play then so be it, but it is not the right game for a proud and strong people. We need to accept responsibility for our mistakes and work to fix them. We need get over our differences. Once this is done, than perhaps the "threats" you speak of can be tackled. However, I hope they will be tackled in ways much different from the past. The concept of a "Greater Somalia" has been a failure. It is time to discard the concept and start anew, with a new vision for Somali unity. A new vision to safeguard the rights of Somalis where ever they may be. Perhaps you have that vision for Somalia, HornAfrique, but I haven't heard it.

The title of this thread is both stupid and simplistic. this is not some zero-sum game with discrete outcomes. Islam is not incompatible with democracy. I realized this being the dominant discourse it is impossible for some to separate the nonsense in this arguement. I am sure you are all familiar with IM Lewis's book A Pastoral Democracy, though some will undoubtably critize his work on Somalia (me included). It is impressive to me that a british educated anglo was able to use the term democracy with a social organization the is steeped in both "tribalism" and "Islam". Since the beginning of the European colonial project we start to see this term "tribalism". This term used continually to esstenially argue that Africans are incapable of governing themselves because they incessantly fighting with each other (tribe vs. tribe). Let us recognize this before we move on. Now, no doubt tribalism (if the term actually means anything of value) has caused problems in Somalia. However, in my humble opinion, this is not due to some flaw in Somali genetics as many will have use believe, but the systematic and fundamental use of the social organization of Somalis against themselves. We know that Siyaad used this with success for some 20 years, carefully pitting group against group until those clans that were at once invisible became center piece. Now I for one am not familiar with colonial policies in Somalia, but I do know saw the same nonsense. A program of using the organization of a clan to divide and conquer. How can we possibly get rid of something that has existed since probably the first days of the Somali people. Clans aren't bad, we can all probably think of some wonderful attributes of this system. However, what is bad is when one lets their clan supercede all logic and intelligence they posess. Support butchers and butcher people because of some imagined difference. This is where Islam is central, because Allah has taught us that we are all brothers and sisters under the banner of Islam. Allah has layed out a set of guidelines for us to interact with one another in this brotherhood. My belief is that it will take some time, but eventually Somalia will find a political and social organization that is based in Islam, tribalism, and democracy that is uniquely well suited to allow Somalia peace and prosperity, In Sha Allah!

I have to agree, HornAfrique it is time you gave up this nonesense. the "hope" is a peaceful transition of power. Silaayno did a noble thing, and a rare thing in Africa he accepted the results of the election. That is hopeful. I for one pray to Allah that Somaliland gains recognition in due time. Though I am not as diehard as others on this forum. Somalia does not need to be one nation-state in order for Somalis to act with unity. No doubt Ethiopia has played a large hand in Somali internal politics, as it definitely serves their interests. However, if I understand your logic, Somalis will unite if faced with a more sinister enemy than themselves. What will this unity bring, another war! Hasn't there been enough violence in this part of the world to last a thousand years. Please aboowe! Plus you are missing some key points from your theories on Ethiopia. 1) It is a majority muslim country. 2) Somalis are becoming a large economic power within Ethiopia. 3) Peaceful cooperation is better for everyone then the antagonism that has characterized this relationship in the past. No doubt, Ethiopia had definite imperial ambitions. Maybe they still exist. But this is only allowed because as muslims we are divided, the umma is weak. We lack the vision and leadership to demand our rights. These are the real enemies. I suggest to you, that the economic ties being fostered between Somaliland and Ethiopia will be far more powerful than any army. Somali identity it won't get washed away so easily. Just ask the Arabs!

I want to buy a new motorcycle. Looking at sportbikes, probably will buy it used and a couple years old. Any suggestions?

Not while still at university. You are young have fun meet ppl, experiment, stuff like that. Maybe in grad school if you choose, it would be easier with some stability in your life.

Speaking of Edward Said, a somali professor from the University of Tennessee, just finished a book on Edward Said and his ideas. I forgot the title, but the author is Abdiraham something or other. I saw it in the bookstore the other day. I plan on buying it, cause we need to support other Somalis.

The "Clash of Civilizations" as coined by Huntington, and adopted by many in the mainstream media, is merely a representation of the arrogance of the west. In my opinion, the clash as articulated by Huntington, is disbelief at the rejection of their value system by others, namely the Islamic world. They can not understand that people would desire to live differently then them. Modern western society is still driven by the notion that they must somehow help the "savage" peoples of the world, through the spread of their values. This is affectionately known as "modernization". We see this now in Iraq, as Rumsfield flat out rejects the notion of some form of Islamic government, as inherently not "democracy". Then the invetitable comments about what is wrong with those backwards people. my two cents... Mahad

The threat is not Ethiopia, but ourselves. Threats only arise from your own weaknesses. I agree that Ethiopia does not want to see a united Somalia, but they did not create our situation, we did. This is a region where we were once predominant, other groups were afraid of Somalization, especially Ethiopia. Things have changed. The Somali people are at there absolute low point, yet we still speak of jihad. The jihad of the soul is what is needed. Regain our strength and vigor, learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves, help each other. walaal, borders are a western concept, just as nations. The quran speaks of an umma, a nation of muslims. This should be our first goal. Those brave and courageous muslims that spread Islam across the world, did not rely so heavily on the sword. they relied on the strength of the brotherhood and faith. They relied on the power of their example of the straight way (the way of religion). They followed the laws of Allah, passed on by his prophet Muhammed. the leaders of Ethiopia pray on those amongst us who desire power, and are run by greed. These are our leaders, and they are the problem. Muhammed cared about people, he did not desire what was thrust upon him, but embraced his duty. Who cares about Somalia? If you do, educate yourself, start a business, teach someone, mentor someone, treat people with respect and kindness. Do not worry about Ethiopia!