MMM , Somalee and others have added more clear information, so I stand corrected. Cadaani I may visit one day to get a reality dose.

Malister, the issue here is political and the leadership of the president to secure the country. I have nothing against Mogadishu and the good Somali people who suffered so much , but still endured. In this pages , I did always advocate the restoration of the national capital in order to rise up from the ashes of anarchy, tribalism, secessionism, and all other ills that we all are facing. Xaasha Lillah waligay caasimada iyo dadka Soomaaliyeed ee degan kuma xadgudbin.Xamar waa magaaladeeni. Mr.Hassan was ruling for almost three and half years , yet we see daring day light attacks and Hotel bombings. How many good people have to die?. If we can not defeat Al-shbaab militarily, ideologically and intelligently, maybe we should change the strategy.

Again no one is bashing anyone. Everyone knows the President is protected by Ugandan soldiers. Oodweyne welcome back. You are probably correct about British and their long term about the attitude of the young Somalis joining Al-shabaab. The Problem is the Brits talk too much with little tangible results on the ground. Why don't they train the Somali soldiers or at least invest some money?. on the politicians you are absolutely correct, they do not care about Soomaalinimo.

Here you say " but the Ugandans are very professional and irrespective of how many times they have seen you, they will still have to check everything again. . he may have meant about leaving the airport. Tee main issue here is his document was checked by Ugandan soldiers. I may have mixed up arrival and departures. Again you concur what he was saying.

A Somali businessman, who lives in the oil country , recently went home and came back this week. He is a well grounded businessman who cares much about Somalia in general and wishes permanent stability for all. He is not known to harbour any clannish attitude and usually does not speak in hyperbole manner. As our friend Alpha said the other day, I am a political junkie who tries to follow the ball and tries to collect info for those who may have observed things differently. A politician, high paid NGO expatriates and local Damjadiid boys who flourish in the chaos theory, would not have a good judgement of what is going on, so I seek to speak to the lone observers who compare and collect real information which usually contrasts the conventional wisdom. By now we all know business is booming in Mogadishu, whether it is looted money transformed as sky scrappers, private security contractors working with NGO's or other developments implements by the good Turks and others. Enough with the adjectives , let us listen this reliable eye witness: 1- Who is in charge of the entry points. He says when I landed in Hargeisa airport, my passport was checked by a Somali officer, and after few minutes I proceeded to my business in the town. The same goes scenario takes place in Galkacayo. Again a Somali officers checks my document and all is well. He was in Gaalkacyo just after the political war instigated by the Galmudug and Puntland politicians. I asked the mood in Gaalkacayo and he said " almost everyone is armed, people are walking with their guns in the public squares, yet you do not feel afraid". As he explained, it does look like a Republican state were citizens are allowed to carry weapons in public. In other words these guns are great equalizers, where all are armed, yet no one dares to disturb the peace expect when politicians like C/kariin Damjadiid of Galmudug and Gaas tries to make the news. One of the advantages of, local non affiliated public, having guns is that no Al-shabaab or unknown assailant will try to stage a murder. If an Al-shabab commits a terror act ,he could be quickly apprehended by the locals. Of course the usual " aano Qabiil " and revenge killings of Gaalkacayo happens time to time. In Mogadishu, he said " when you land at the airport, a Ugandan officer will check your passport. having them stationed in the airport perimeter is one thing , but to check your document while a Somali officer is there only symbolically , while doing nothing , really surprised me". Having travelled from Hargeisa , Gaalkacayo and Mogadishu, for him this, was the first indication of a false Somali government that couldn't do basic things. Sometimes people develop the "cattle mentality" of accepting submissiveness after many years of failure. For them it is normal thing. It was Proff. Ahmed Samatar who first raised the out right discriminatory and demeaning behaviour of the Kenyan airport officials against flights that originate from Somalia. When Nairobi bound Somali flights leave Mogadishu, they are ordered to land in Wajeer town in the north east, for second security screening before they land in Nairobi. They were screened in Mogadishu by the Ugandans , another in Wajeer and the third one in Nairobi. No southern politician ever raised about that issue. To be fair many demeaning actions involving flights and airports also happened to both Rayaale and Siilaanyo in Ethiopia , although with lesser humiliations. 2- Security and peace in Mogadishu compared to Gaalkacayo not Hargeisa: In Mogadishu the general public is disarmed. The former warlords have their guns, the businessmen have their armed militia , the "Wadaado" have always their guns and Damujaddid have Ugandans to protect them , including the bedroom of the President Hassan Sheekh. According to this eye witness, who was there just after the Liido Beech massacre, Mogadishu seems to be a front line of war if you are unarmed helpless person. I , Galbeedi , will add that Some noteworthy Somali politicians not all, and formers officers of the army hide in major hotels in the fear of being targeted by Al-shbaab . for the last 12 months , sometimes a dozen armed men had blasted the hotel walls to kill the patriots who were threat to Al-shabaab and those who support them, among them general Dhagabadan who three years earlier cleared Al-shbaab from Mogadishu, Afgooye, Number Konton, and Marka. Targeting the capable men who are series about security and national salvation is not something new in Mogadishu. In 2000, when the first Transitional government led by President C/qasim Salad came to Mogadishu, their were a huge debate among the factions. When I say factions, I mean the usual " Xadhigjiid" between the HAG and the "D" blacks who faced each other in Mogadishu for the first time since the collapse of the state in 1991. Since the security of the national capital was the paramount issue facing all Somalis, C/qasim was told to clean up the warlords who were declining in strength and in political power. Xaaji muuse Suusdi who was one of the last remaining warlords of Mogadishu was asked his opinion about the new Somali government from Carta. He said " Adeer haday bir noqotana waa ka leexahaynaa, hadayse bac noqoto waa bujiheynaa", Roughly means " if it become an iron sword we will get out of her way, but if it becomes balloon, we will release the air from it". By the way, Suudi Yalaxow " wuu Bujiyey bacdii C/qasim". In order to make the government an iron and build credible national army, which can sweep the weakened warlordes and their militia, the two faction that I mentioned above, agreed to appoint General Yisuf Tallan of Awdal region as the chief of staff of the army. Since this General is not related with anyone of the warring factions, and having credible integrity, he was the best choice for the task ahead. Many including General Galaal who was C/qasim's right hand man, did not accept that idea. Within weeks, General Tallan was assassinated in a Mogadishu restaurant by two men. C/qasim dithered, spend his time in Mogadishu hotels, collected his cash and went back to his exile in Cairo. The rest is history. Ah, those years , between 1994-1999, were not that bad compared to today's chaos. One may have controlled Medina, the other Hawlwadaag, but normal people intermingled and traded between Zaylac and Kismaayo flourished . There were no Maxakamdo, Al-shabaab or Amison. I would rather have Qanyare and company , than Aways and Al-shabaab. Before I am side tracked to another story, let us stay with the events of 2106, sixteen years after c/qasim. As the witness said, if you are not armed , you are a victim. He said " he felt more secure in gun tooting Gaalkacayo than the Mogadishu of Hassan Sheekh. 3- How about the Future of Hassan Sheekh: As we speak the game of chicken played by Amisom continues. Yet again, with no fire fight they abandoned another strategic town , this time Marka Caddey. Some say , the disgruntled African soldiers were not paid for months , and this is the best way to get the attention from those who bankroll them, while others are saying that this is a message for the new British envoy to renew their mandate for four more years. Well, this union of soldiers or employees of eastern Africa, are staging a well crafted strike to get their contract renewed or else. When I asked my friend about Culusow and his future , he said " this president is busy plotting his return to office after 2016". By bowing to Kenyans, he already secured the backing of certain segments. We both agreed that if this president comes back, the desired long term presence of Amisom , to democratize and build Somalia until 2025, will be achieved. Two years ago, IGAD member states toured in the diaspora to get a glimpse of the opinion of the diaspora , about their long term democracy building project in Somalia. That idea was immediately shot down by the participants. I remember, people like Faysal Rooble and other saying that " how on earth can a dictatorship dominated IGAD states of Uganda, Djibouti and others , who do not have any history of democracy lead Somalia to democracy building". As the insecurity in Mogadishu grows, so does the desire to keep foreign troops in Somali. If , after almost four years , Al-shabaab is back where they left, the national army can not even defend towns less than 60 km of the capital, the national capital is a fear stricken place, what is the role of this President. If you can not secure one city, can not protect your self, your own personal safety is in the hands of Ugandan forces which means you failed to adequately train 200 Somali boys to guard you, what is the purpose of claiming President. These are some of the conclusions my friend came up after visiting the capital. Some people out of anger , may even suggest that rather talk of national government " Malha in la dhiso dawlada Gobolka Banadir Ayaa la qaatay, si meehs ay ugua baxdo boobkan iyo beentan aan dhmaanayn". Dambi ku hadli maayee ma arag dawladaan rabayee, Isma doorin gaalkaan diriyo daarta kii galayee, Dusha midabka soomaalibaad dugulka moodaayee, Misna laguma diirsade qalbigu waadirkii Karal'e Meeshaan dad aan ururshiyo darar ka eegaynay, Iyaba waa darxumo ii hadhayee dacaro miyaan leefay, Ma darraato raadkaan dhigaan dib ugu soo laabtay, Sidii aan dayaysnahay miyaan dawga ka habaabay, Waxba hadalku yuu ila durkinee waxaan kusoo duubay, mar uunbuu daf soo odhan nafsigii diinku soo jiidayee, mar uunbay daruur caafimaad dooxa soo rogiyee, Dirrigaa abaarta ah marbaa doog kasoo bixiyee, Dibjirkiyo marbay reer miyigu daasadaha qubiyee, Mar uunbuu digiigixan raggii daallanaan jirayee, Mar uunbuu dagoobka iska rogi doob la quudhsadayee, Oo dalaan dambeedkiyo dhibtiyo diidi keenada'e , Dibnihii shakaalnaa marbaa dooda loo furiyee, Markaasaa la daydayan xaqii naga dahsoonnaayee, Finally I did ask him my last question. Who is helping Hassan Sheekh to come back another term and how would they achieve that goal?. He said, "the biggest obscure group that may as well implement the desires of Culusow , may not only be the gulf countries and their connected charities, but a new more sinister and powerful group". In the history of the United Nations, it is extremely rare to send two envoys, consecutively from same country to a particularly a country . Both the former UN envoy Nickolas kay and the current one, Michael Keating are both British, who are replaced one another as the Somali envoys from the UN. On the other hand, it could be a coincidence or a continuity of policy from the UN. Having said, that a British based group involved in the oil business are making big waves both in Somali political landscape and business connections with government. last year the United Nations monitoring group mentioned the dealings and corruptions involved the British owned Somali Oil group. This kind of companies are not the big multinationals of Shell, Total , Mobil, or the other medium amid small size oil exploration companies. These companies, like Somali Oil are particularly set up by individuals who would like to get certain connections and other monopolies in a country that does not have regulatory agencies. Any way, my friend thinks that in order to keep this British monopoly and prevent any allegation of corruption reaching the international community, this new British envoy will be the man to save guard their interest and help Culusow at the same time . So, if this true expect Culusow to implement his agenda and get elected gain. It could be difficult , but if there is anyone who is well prepared it is him. for years this Mogadishu crowd was playing the card of Somali nationality, by saying that they are safeguarding the country from people hell bent on colonizing the country, and their stooges in Somalia, yet their actions is what keeping this country impotent. They are playing the foreign card in a disgraceful manner that humiliates all Somalis.

Tillamook, having watching you all these years. You might be tough sometimes but on the other hand you are moral guardian of SOLers.

Xabad , did you tried companionship finding the other half.. Sometimes it is nice to come home to someone that cares about you. and listens your problems and hopes. Try it , who knows it could help.

If Warlord Dahir Calasow is the moral foundation of southern media may Allah help us. An innocent man sitting near the blast who was pulled by the air is a victim. There were no prove of him being a member of terrorist group. Somalee, if Calasow is your reference point of your facts , you need help. There is no dispute that there are Alpshabab members from " reer woqoti".

Samafal, Saaxiib I wasn't happy about the racist tone of our friends, but you really explained well. The " Reer Bari", got more than the fair share of development in Puntland which makes some of the grievances unjustified. We have been watching all those airports, ports and other developments in Boosaaso. I take back some my criticism.

Good speech.Good for him. Historically those politicians who target peaceful , law abiding north American Muslims fail badly. In Quebec a separatist premier with a minority government took the nasty road of nativist and Muslim baiting to get a majority government. She knew that there were no religious or other problems arising from the targeted community. The French Canadian politician who usually bashes the English speakers of the province thought Muslim bashing will make her increase her seats. She was defeated badly by the opposition and was decimated. Prime minister Harper was polling well, tied with the liberal opposition. He began a campaign of fear focusing a useless Niqab and other unnecessary minor issues to marginalize the peaceful and integrated Muslims of Canada to increase his vote. Canadians by large margins rejected his dog whistling and his campaign of fear and elected Justin Trudeau and the liberals . The same faith is awaiting load mouth Trump and his ilk's. This Muslim Community of North America is an integral part of these nations and the good people of America and Canada will reject the campaign of fear.

Yes. we are socially conservative and economically pro-business. Uneducated immigrants and refugees with large family members always need the help of government especially the early tear. Somalis were never guided or shown the best way to succeed in their new countries. Welfare and government housing was the easiest places to start , but nowadays that trend is diminishing especially in north America. In Alberta, Canada last January, I was invited to a Somali Forum where advocates were warning people about the downside of public project housings and the effects of living in bad neighborhoods. Traditionally we are business oriented people. They may not be big, but there are more than 30 Somali owned businesses in this town. If you go to Hawala shops, Kenyans, Ugandans, Sudanis, Ethiopians and now Rowlands queue up at their shops. Also, traditionally We were never people who depended on government. Anyway, do not bet on a socialist running America. Even in Canada those who campaigned on the left side must govern in the center. They young sentimentalists may enamor a progressive, but when you got stakes in life, business and taking care of family , you will wish to keep the money you are earning. You will prefer paying less taxes and keeping as much as possible. Look at Europe where unemployment is 11% percent. In socialist economy , there is no up ward mobility, especially for the young people. The American economy creates millions of jobs every decade and those with ambition and hard work will always get some of the slacks. The Military business, the energy industry and many others sectors of the economy needs a business oriented leader. Bush years of constant war, produced Obama , now the pendulum must swing back to the right, but it won't be the wacko bird Cruz. Clinton will govern on the right side of Obama. I have a big argument about the contrast of these issues , but will leave it another day. If conservatives stop demonizing us, the Muslims, bring a sensible foreign policy, they could be our home, because we share a lot.

Is that what all you guys got against this guy?. I thought Bantu is cultural issue mainly about people of Sub Saharan Africa. The Somali Jareer regardless of looks is Somali born and bred. If looks make people Bantu or something other than Somali, look no further than President C/weli himself, he has more African features than any other Somali leader. https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfVXu9eC7Uh176V1S8Hcab_XcWIjIqy-BXO9abfXQWS_e061RHBw In his interview this guy Cabdisalam raised issues of governance and power abuse by C/weli and his men. It has been well known in Puntland that whom ever comes to power immediately installs his clansmen to control military, security and media. Last year a local militia from Garoowe took over the Puntland television after C/weli tried to replace them. This guy is complaining about intimidation, clan domination, sanctioned murders and others issues. All this issues could be the barking of a disgruntled politician, but the my main argument is you can not rule and manage the affaires of the government like the old ways. People need to elect their own governors and have local representation. They must collect their taxes and spend as they wish and need. Their are more security apparatus running in Boosaaso than regular police. Assassinations and murders are not usually resolved, so you need to address the grievances of the people. He is not Huuntu but " reer Boqor" deal with him.

For four years we did not hear anyone even raise the possibility of national army. There are so many issues waiting for the next leader. National army should the most pressing issue, but first Culusow has to go.

Mooge, this is not a regional police. It is an army. Maxaa loo qaramayn laayahay?. Kuwa Galmudug, Puntland, Juba iyo meelah akeleba hadii la isku daro ciidan qaran ayey noqon karaan. It seems this regions are becoming separate countries with their own armies

Che, she could be charged . Even the state department said that almost 22 of her e-mails were top secret. Maybe They want to get her Trump always bragged to be a winner. This will humble him. Rubio is okay, he could be a good vp for Bush.

Libaax, it looks the clown Trump is down. Cruz the waco bird is leading. Cruz 29% Trump 26% I think it is going to be a good night.

Alpha, I do not hate the people. I do distaste the system and the recycling of warlords like Muuse Biixi. I am realistic. Politics is the art of possible. I am looking to the future. I do not like Somali leaders either but I see it as a process that could eventually produce sustainable state that can we all share regardless of our regional differences. How long these Somaliland experiment will go on?. Did you see Waran Cadde asking for passport from Somalia and then denying the letter he wrote. Last time in these pages you said that I had no chances in Mogadishu. Well, my friend I do have chances both in Hargeisa and Mogadishu, it is up to me to isolate myself or be part of " Badweynta Soomaaliyeed" . I would rather be a small fish in the huge Somali ocean than being a big fish in a pond.

C/weli is a democrat, he is trying to do things with consensus.. What he doesn't get is in the Somali political environment of " I jiid aan ku Jiidee", you need to be tough. they see consultations as weakness. C/raxman Farroole is behind the curtain maneuvering against Gaas. Faroole has no business of interfering the current leadership and their decisions. He has no business to even talk to the media. Did you hear anything about Cade Muuse and others?, no. The federal government has a good partner in c/weli who is more flexible than Faroole , so they must not push him to the hardliners camp.

Oh My, the enlighten Alpha is working to advance the case of Muuse Biixi and company, the most backward of all. Is this how you see the future?.

Waan la soo daahay, laakiin Xabad, if you want people to take you seriously , you should never insult a whole community or generalize your accusations. Tallaabo jarkuu kaa tuuraya ee is jir.

Che, beesha lixadi xoog badanaa!!

While District voting and ridding should be the next step. it is not feasible at the moment. Elections were held in war torn countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, while chaos and insurgencies were going on. The difference was that their governments prepared and implemented their goals of democratic voting. How can anyone expect a president who could not equip and train couple of hundred Somali soldiers for his own safety, will conduct a nation wide election. Since Somalis walk like tortoise , it will take a year or more to even designate and demarcate the so called districts. One thing is for sure Somalis will never accept fair and balanced system. Look at Somaliland, in 2003, they had municipal and presidential elation. Everyone agreed that they were fair and free. Then, In 2005, when it came to parliament, they could not agree a simple formula on district demarcation or population based numbers. The least they could have done is use the total number of those who voted for the presidential election and divide to the regions. Those who fear the actual voter distribution were the so called majority tribe. The biggest hurdle for Somali democracy is " Kuwii sadbursday ayaa doonaya intaa in ka badan". So, the three parties decided to use the 1960 district for the number of parliament representatives. How can one would base their estimate of the population on the pre-colonial boundaries and districts of fifty years ago. They said it is provisional compromise that will last until the next election in five years. Well, 11 years have passed and nothing has been done. Do not expect the next election to be any different. On that history and experience alone, I will not suggest to anyone to another unelected member sitting in the parliament through a district system while the citizens of the district would have any say. They will be appointed by C/kariim Guleed, Ahmed Madoobe, Shariif Hassan and C/weli. If they could appoint about 40 or 50 members, they will definitely have a leg up in the ladder to become a president in the 2016 election. The whole game could be tied to that election. As reported by Nicholas Kay himself, the pool of the electoral collage convened for the election of the president will be larger this time around . It will be based on 4.5, but about 5000 members will convene, which minimizes the whole sale bribing of abut hundred people. Also, these Somali regional states must conduct fair and free election in their regions. The districts that we are looking may come out from those regions. Finally I am afraid that 16 years of 4.5 could be replaced by another unfair and unelected system which could last another decade.

I think Tarzan is correct. For a foreign leader who have stationed soldiers without been invited and then publicly blaming the people of Gedo region as a whole should alarm all Somalis. I think the next election is clear. Somalia needs a leader with a backbone. This stooge should not be allowed to come back

Tillamook waan ku salaamay, We know you are a tough guy to debate, but before I state my case on the issue federalism, let me correct that a " dhoocil" is a demeaning word for a girl, " faraxumayn or rape is a crime" so please clean up your post and respect women. You are correct the idea behind Somali federalism is to take the steam off from clan hegemony and centralized dictatorship. Also the unending Mogadishu quagmire called people in the provinces to move on and organize their lives. While the national capital is important, the destiny of the Somali people can not be tied forever to the instability of Xamar. I live in a federal state, and while regional , cultural and other aspects of the regions make them unique, the biggest advantage is delivering service to citizens. health care , education, road ways , policing and other social services. I do not intend to compare this provinces to Somali regions, but the biggest wisdom is " you do not have to re-invent wheels". As our friend Che mentioned this government have not moved the issue for the last 31/2 years. There were technical issues that could have been moved by the parliament or other experts. They waited until the last minute without ant good alternative to 4.5. The important thing is you can not replace bad system with another unproven complicated system just before the deadline. four years ago a rushed road map produced a fragile and dysfunctional constitution after it was approved by Puntland, Galmudug and the Transitional federal government. Now how can the future of districting and election could be left to new states who are not accountable to their citizens , while some of them do not even have basic government structure. You keep talking about certain clans getting the upper hand if districting is implemented. I can assure if real census is taken, there will be a lot of surprises. I am sure many Somalis will never accept justice and accountability. Having said that functioning states like Puntland, while implementing the 4.5 formula, they must select and send their representatives from puntland. I had seen little glimpse of the so called districts formula few weeks ago. They said the 16 Mogadishu districts will each have 3 members with the Total of 48. The proponents also claim that those 48 will be given to certain clans. There were no difference from booming towns who have hundred of thousand of population to the small districts with leas than 10,000. How can you compare Boosaaso with Dhuusamareeb, or Boorama with Qardho. Folks we do not need to jump from dysfunctional system to another. This so called new system will undermined future elections and will become another 4.5 for the next decade, while insecurity and other issues may persist and deny people the right to vote. If we have to chose , let us choose real democracy and the direct representation of the people, Any thing lass than that would be the undermining of the peoples trust.

Alpha, it means nothing. Habeen wanaagsa. Usually I come from work in the late afternoon or early evening. When I am tired, I do not like writing , but I do check the forum. Waxoogaa Ayaan daalacdaa oo bal ragii golaha joogay, Mooge, Saalax, Xabad, Che, Gooni,Alpha iyo ragii kaleba tolow manta maxay soo gudbiyeen Ayaan is idhaahdaa. Doodu halkeeda ha inooga socoto.