That will be changed in the future inshallah. It doesn't look very mobile indeed. Compare that to these Somali female soldiers for instance.

I hope each region will put big money in infrastructure. Good roads and pavement. That's not a lot to ask for.

'Lack of sleep'. I would say the reaction of non believers when I say that I cannot even drink until the sun goes down. And of course the most often used sentences during Ramadan: ' I could never do that.' .....Well have you ever tried it?

That guy is doing amazing. You guys should also check out these upcoming brands. Daily Paper and Bankhead are def. names to be mentioned more and more here in the Netherlands. My fam and friends doing their thing. Can you spot the camels? They will showcase their clothing at one of Hollands' biggest fashion fairs called 'Modefabriek'. " frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> " frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> Founded in 2010, Daily Paper is an Amsterdam based street-couture label. Our focus lies in the design of contemporary mens fashion apparel that considers quality, culture and fine detailing. We are inspired by our own African heritage and our passion for authentic casual wear. We grab bits and pieces from different African cultures and translate this into present fashion design with a unique rugged character. Our products are made to compliment the consumer's passion for individuality and personal style. Devoted to quality garments, fine detailing and overall great designs we try to stay true to our unique brand aesthetic. http://dailypaperclothing.com/home Bankhead is also part of Daily Paper, but they have decided to create a special website for it. Here they will focus more on merchandise for Dutch hip hop artists and specialty stores. They will open up a new website within two weeks. www.bankhead.nl Imaara is an upcoming brand created by two Somalis. Our mission is to promote African-inspired fashion. Imaara offers you a fabulous collection of handmade bags. Each bag is unique in style and bang on trend, specifically designed for the modern woman! The collections are based on our love for Africa and appreciation of the hard work that goes into the production of the unique bags. They are a festive, bold and positive celebration of Africa's spirit. We don't bring ordinary machine-made bags, but rather we create each and every bag individually for you. Every bag is a unique piece. http://www.imaara.de

Very interesting topic Carafaat. And with urban planning I'll be the dude promoting the use of bikes and laying of bike lanes. Haha. If, inshallah, we will become an oil state (or not) with a diversified economy, I don't want Somalia to become like Qatar. The people in Qatar are the richest in the world, but at the same time the fattest (even fatter than Americans). Healthier lifestyles should be promoted in Somalia. Life expectancy is about 45-47. That is so sad. We should also be open to sister cities to learn how others operate and do business easier. Follow this link: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1524101 I agree that the National Reconciliation Commission is the most important aspect. We should follow the Rwandan model. These people are amazing. Also respect for human rights should be defined to be for all Somalis. This person should no be discriminated upon whether it is the mother who is Somali. There should be specific laws on what a Somali person is to become a citizen when it comes to the parents. I say this because there are some half Somalis (especially the white ones that look like Europeans) that are interested in the Somali culture and want to be accepted are not welcomed at all at times. The ministry of culture could be an important part of the government where the diaspora can be introduced to the Somali culture (as it must be a culture shock for many of us) and find means for the locals to accept and welcome us. I also want the ministry of culture to emphasize that Somalia is a Somali country that protects the Somali language, culture and traditions. Because I see that Somali is increasingly being arabized. Let's just hope no street signs will be in Arabic. :eek:

@sharma-arke451 You are one scary individual. Do you even have a regard for human life? How about we judge someone by his or her character and love for the country. We need people that want to rebuild the country, educate its people and make it safe and beautiful. Regardless of their faith.

So these elders hijack women's rights and are misogynistic? I always thought Somalis were progressive by themselves and were stalled because of the conflicts. We must not forget that women represent more than 50% of our population and are one of our greatest assets. To rebuild our country without women's full potential it is as if one is trying to walk with one leg. We cannot afford to be backwards. Also, we need to have our own identity that has nothing to do with Arabs. The arabisation of Somalia is insane. We are loosing ourselves. Why is it not possible for Islamic countries to be good places to be a woman? I see no contradiction with Islam. I hope that our generation knows how important women can be in peace and nation building. I truly hope we can become a progressive, modern state that cares for the rights of its citizens. That is why the foundations have to be laid as soon as possible. These elders seem to be living in the Middle Ages.

By the way this is also how some terrorists do suicide bombings by pretending to be women. It should be forbidden regardless what islam says about it.

It is forbidden in Islam. Bukhari, Authentic Traditions, Book LXXII (Dress), Chapter 62: (774) The Prophet, peace be upon him, cursed the effeminate men [m.pl.] who are males, and the male-pretenders [f.pl.] who are women, and he said: Evict them from your houses, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, evicted such-and-such [m.sg.] and 'Umar evicted such-and-such [f.sg.]. Arabic: لَعَنَ النَّبِي صلى اللهُ عليهِ وَسلَّمَ المُخَنَّثِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالمُتَرَجِّلاتِ مِنَ النِّساءِ وَ قَالَ: أخْرِجُوهُمْ مِنْ بُيُوتِكُمْ، قالَ: فأخْرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صلى اللهُ عليهِ وَسلَّمَ فُلانا، وأخْرَجَ عُمَرُ فُلانَةَ

This article was posted before in March btw. How many billion barrels have been found so far? Or are they still waiting to release that information and is it still speculation? If the production comes up with least 100 - 200.000 barrels per day it could change the landscape very quickly. I truly hope most of the money will go in development and long term planning. And not into luxurious unnecessary things.

The lack of outrage of Muslim people is sometimes deafening. And it is too easy to put Muslims in a bad light in the media. It portrays there is an apathy of Muslims for everything that is not deemed 'Islamic' in some islamic countries. And yes there is an attack on cultures from within Muslim communities. Everything that is not Islamic is not respected. Let's face it. For instance in some countries churches aren't seen as a 'House of God', but a place of blasphemy. I cannot imagine that Christians over here would treat me as some Muslims would treat a Christian. Tolerance and islam aren't necessarily excluded. People should speak out more against these attacks on culture and history.

It used to be one of the poorest regions of Iraq and now it is booming. Holy moly. I didn't know that 5 years ago people didn't know there was oil there. And today they pump up more than 250.000 barrels of oil per day. That is crazy. “KRG oil production capacity now stands at 250,000 barrels a day and is going up to 300,000 barrels a day by the end of this year,” Michael Howard, communications adviser to Energy Minister Ashti Hawrami, told the two-day MEED Kurdistan Projects Conference. “We are on track for 1 million barrels a day by 2015 with existing discoveries.” http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/4835.html The minister is expecting production from the Kurdish region to reach 1 million barrels a day by the end of 2015 and 2 million barrels a day in 2019. Proven oil reserves in Kurdistan have gone up from 1 billion barrels five years ago to around 44 billion barrels now, he added. http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2012/6/invest846.htm Just within such a short time. It's mind-boggling. I wonder if the oil found in Puntland is good for commercial use and how many billion barrels the capacity is. If done correctly, Somalia can be debt free within 10 years, feed its people and be self sufficient. Our good relations with Turkey should continue.

Carafaat no idea how a dedicated husband should be. All one has to do is use common sense and not be lacking with one's responsibilities. If you can't live up to that then don't get married. I hope one day people will discuss this current trend and not ignore it.

It's nice to see Somalis in a bright spot. And it keeps going on.

They are parasites. I know a Somali that went to Mexico for an exchange program and he was a room mate of an American. Guess what, the American was training to be deployed in Somalia. He knew a lot about Somalis and the tribes. Imagine a white dude knowing much about our history and clan politics. Also they see civilians as collateral damage. PARASITES!

Am I the only one that isn't appalled by the picture? I just think it's funny. I'd rather talk about the huge problem of single Somali mothers. And Somali fathers abandoning their women and children. It's an epidemic. Let's talk about that instead of this nonsense. To me it seems that most Somalis (in the West) care mostly about the wedding, but unfortunately many barely work on their marriage and easily give up on it. It's really sad.

I thought millions of dollars were missing under his watch. And he wants to run for president again? Wow. We need someone who is good in communication with domestic and foreign powers. And especially someone who can handle foreign governments and businesses that are preying on our resources and not cave in too easily. Can he lead the country and do that is the question.

This is great news if true. And the media ( I'm a paranoide guy) keeps on sharing positive news from the motherland. I do have a question though. Does anyone know if Somalia will become a secular country or not? Or will it be an Islamic state? Can anyone enlighten me? There is much vagueness about this.

I don't think Somalia will become a secular state. The majority of Somalis within Somalia want Sharia Law implemented. I myself feel that when religion gets mixed with politics and power hungry people it will become distorted. Religion should reign free from politics. I have not seen 1 country that has Sharia law fully implemented and can function as a state. Even though for instance Malaysia's constitution states that islam is the official religion, the country still limits religious influence. Malaysia is neither fully secular and neither fully an Islamic state. If Somalis in Somalia can implement Sharia without violating basic human rights I'm all for it. It just saddens me that a lot of Muslims lack self criticism and critics are called heretics or kufar too easily. Overthinking laws such other countries have done before us such as forbidding women to drive or forcing women to wear hijaabs, jilbaabs or burqa's is crazy. Even though I know it's mostly cultural and not religious. ''Allah intends for you ease, and does not want to make things difficult for you" Quran 2:185 Watch this short video about a constitution survey in Somalia. The current government appears to support the opinions expressed in this provision. Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali told the VOA Somali Service that it is natural that people responded in this way saying, “We are 100 percent Muslims and we believe the new constitution should be Sharia compliant, not necessarily Sharia itself,” he said. http://www.voanews.com/content/voa_survey_reveals_somali_thoughts_constitution/1216109.html

You guys should read this article of the Economist. Surprising Somalia Nice beaches and good shopping The rejuvenation of Somalia’s capital is a hopeful sign, even if Islamic extremists are far from beaten http://www.economist.com/node/21556976

I'm calling on the bird watchers! You could not believe how much people spend just to see some birds trekking. And we have rare birds in Somalia as well.

You can drink alcohol on patio's, but for instance here in Amsterdam one cannot drink it standing. Lol. I was just talking about people walking around in the streets with bottles with alcohol that are open. That is forbidden. That is indecent in pretty much in every country. I'm not saying it's fully illegal, but it is forbidden. Law officers may fine that person.

I'm all for well managed transportation systems. I have been to many countries and I'm always amazed at how it can be improved. Cities in Somalia should not be crowded and with many traffic jams. With about 9 million people in a huge country I don't see a reason for it. Everyone, just a question here. What is the coat of arms and motto of Mogadishu and other cities in Somalia? For instance the motto for Amsterdam is Heroic, Determined, Compassionate. I also love positive messages throughout cities. It should inspire the locals and tourists. Let's start thinking of using some beautiful messages and reminders that could be shown throughout Mogadishu (and other cities). Any suggestions? God is Beautiful and loves beauty Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China, for seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim Educate a girl and you educate a community I hope to see positive and more equal representation and contribution of women in the future Somalia. And this being communicated all throughout all of the society. I'm not sure, but I hear many Somali women and girls in Somalia lack confidence because some do not have the space to show their full potential and skills. In sports, education, science etc. I know we are technically still a broken country with no good governance and there are many reasons for this mentality. But without the full capacity of our human capital and resources we cannot break this cycle of destruction. Let us change this mentality and let us show the amazing potential of our human capital. Both men and women.

What kind of new model were you thinking of? Naked people are only on specific beaches around the world and very much limited. This will not be alloud in Somalia. And alcohol can be served to non Muslims in hotels and restaurants etc. Drinking alcohol on the streets is forbidden in most Western European countries. For instance, one cannot walk and drink alcohol and show an open bottle in public. It's all about the public order.