ElPunto;862378 wrote: ... I do wonder whether given your viewpoint you are emotionally ready to accept that the south has turned the corner even when presented with the evidence. Aren't you the clever one, Elpunto One looks forward to NGONGE's response to this profound observation .

^^Well, if you buy half of the cheerful picture I offered there, I will tell my self that I made a dent on your cynical shield

NGONGE, The significance of ending Somalia's transition seems to be eluding you. Somalia is a small country with tiny population. Your analogy to Iraq or Afghanistan is therefore false. Unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, Somalia's troubles are not deeply geopolitical or sectarian. Clan animosity, piracy and alshabaab extremism are quite manageable (and can easily overcome as it is happening today) provided Somalia gets the diplomatic attention (to move desperate, weary neighbors to the right direction) , and the resources required (to rebuild the country). There are signs that both are forthcoming. The fact elections are held in Mogadishu, and diverse candidates from different clans (Somaliland, Puntland, Central regions etc) are vying for the top position shows that Somalia has indeed come a long way. Since the eruption of the civil war, I could not recall any moment that is analogous to what is happening today. Even the much praised Islamic Courts represented an isolated progress in Mogadishu, and did not reflect the kind of broad based political framework that is underway today. We have a constitution, a new, educated parliament (a vast improvement from the warlords invested one that just got replaced), and the election of a new president is only weeks away. All major stakeholders are in agreement of the direction the country is going (alshabaab is of course a notable exception). The political uncertainty that overshadowed every initiative (what is in it for me to surrender my power!!!) is effectively clarified. Federalism has become the bases on which our civil is ended. Somalia will get a chance to vote down the 4.5 formula , revisit the federalism clause, and chart/solidify current/new approach come 5 years. Of course AMISOM is crucial to sustain the peace, Somaliland will still be there , and so will Puntland. But as peace takes hold, Mogadishu revives, so will Somalia. And in keeping with our much cherished culture, significant portion of politically inclined elites will migrate to where the grass is greener :D What is not to like awoowe!! http://www.hiiraan.com/op4/2012/aug/25731/somalia_s_new_federal_parliament_the_challenges_ahead.aspx

Answer Jacphers queries to regain your objectivity if you had any. I support Looyaan wont cut it, Abwaan. Your illogical insistence on tuhun and cuqdad raises more questions about you: Who is Abwaan ?

NGONGE got good questions but misses the biggest change of all: that the political events in Mogadishu today signify one important change that has never taken place in the last 21 years, the end of transition. That is what gives hope for many of us, in your secessionist mind it is equivalent of that elusive recognition that you have been chasing for the last twenty or so years. If you agree with the analogy, you will also agree the answers to many of the questions you raised become quite moot in the face of sweeping state powers that come with regaining the legitimacy we lacked (even if it was attributed to us by name). Cynicism is good and necessary at times but yours has a sinister twist to it, NGONGE. It is quite peculiar, isn't it, that the fall of Lasanod or the election of an enclave leader constitute a sustainable change in your mind while the wheels of progress in Mogadishu where world powers and leaders are showing real interest and support do not mean much to you. AMISOM, Puntland and your beloved Somaliland will be rendered mechanics of the bigger caravan--- mere commas in Somalia's civil history chapters-- when the change that's underway truly materialize. And no, I am not yet jubilant. But I will sure be once the process of ending the transition comes to fruition in the form of electing speaker, and president.

Abwaan, I did not pay attention, but Jachpher did, and boy , you got yourself a nemesis

Che -Guevara;862033 wrote: lol@my generation...Aw Xiin I thought your generation caused all this mess mase I am thinking of Oodweyne. I object to this unfair comparison to Oodweyne, a man from BB King generation, who by his own confession in 1976 was a university student in Great Britain. He protested the 'Blood of River' speech by the famous racist politician. And when the white chick whom he was chasing proved to be the hard-to-get variety, he played the sensational 'Thrill is Gone' song, over and over again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrFChQUQihE Che , please retract that comparison.

One hopes very soon

raula, yours is fair dig with respect to Mooge, but in my case she is the only profile I know in the report... Libaax , insha Allaah if the current trends continue we will all go back

^^ :D No. He did catch the bug and is now coming down with the optimism thing. Tell NGONGE, the SNM cynic, there is a big change in SOL

You have every reason to be optimistic ...the mocked caravan have finally delivered. I feel vindicated, brother Positive. I am planning my return in four years time ...that is when my generation will lead the country

He meets soon-to-be-released presidential candidate criterion and gets majority votes in the new parliament. He may not be the ones in the race for they could all be eliminated... It will get interesting

Positive in politics section! That is new

Both Farmaajo and Abdiweli have a shot but are unlikely to win the presidency this time around. Both candidates understand the political math in Mogadishu , and they are going through this exercise to solidify their short term political gains. Only if their supporters were equally informed.

Good call. It is about time the long foot clan put forth a formidable candidate for the top post. General Madoobe is a very important player in the south. He has Kismayo politics, the jewel of the south, on his thump. And he is from the deeper area of the D block He has my vote

Santaaro, thanks for filling in for me , I am bit shorthanded today but Somalia has made another progress; the first step of the long waited political milestone has been successfully completed. The candidates do not figure much in my calculations at this point. The race for presidency is ON

Safiya Yaasin, isn't she the brave one ? Very proud of her

I want Sakiin to stay in the race, he spices thing up

maasha allaah , Xamar oo sidaan olole doorasho loogu jiro; this is a progress

^HAG is fine with me; activism is the way of teh world. Laakiin Abwaan ayyaamahan najjaasuu rimmanyahay. Cuqdad iyo afxumaa kasoo hartay

LOL@Yes wallahi billahi, What is up with the second guessing here? Ali is by far the most qualified candidate for the ones running; experienced, educated and politically mature. That he is ambitious man with an unpleasant feud with his elder cousins should never obscure the qualifications of his speakership candidacy.

^^Waxay caydu then? Is giiji waryaa...

^Waad isku dhex yaacday ayyaamahan, Abwaan. Why is that?

It will be interesting , Duke. As it stands both Ali and Jawaari have a good chance of winning. But it is. unlike previous speaker elections, a very consequential one regardless of who wins.

Morgan, Barre , Jees and even late Abdullaahi Yusuf would've been a fair game, but labeling Hassan Abshir, Jurile and other politicians is a defensive talk. I from the get go opposed committee witchhunt in disqualifying certain members , I thought it was out of sync with what Somalia is trying achieve in this post transitional period. The committee overstepped , and as a result warlords are coming back with sympathy from their clans. This is a new low for Sharif; he does not need warlords to win seats.