the Maghreb's who flooded Europe are all young single men who could not marry at home and settle down in a patriarchal families that demand more. Back home they could not touch or intermingle. If they do rape or any other misdeeds, they could be punished swiftly. so, in Europe, they act like a kid in candy store. In France, were there are over six million native born French Arabs, this issue doesn't exist.

Xabad, no one authenticated this video. The actions of few criminal gangs should not be labeled as culture. while misogyny is part of greater Arab culture, there are other cultures who not only abuse but threat women like objects. Do you know an thing about India and their dowry system. Arabs in the diaspora have one of the most stable and cohesive families. I think we should not be generalizing this matter.

Xabad I think , some times we have similar thoughts. You could my camp.

Barwaaqo ina adeer iska waran. waa side warkaaga lama hayee. welcome back. This forum is missing a woman's touch or I should say a woman's voice. " naf yhay ka joog markaad lahayd " waan xassuustaa. Warka na sii, odayga waad horfadhiisatay. Hadalkiisu ma cad cad yahay. Odaygu waraaqaha ma akhriyi karo sidaan saxaafada ku aragnay. Sidee wax u jiraan?. Ma business baad u dhooftay?.

First of all, I am one of those who believe elections are the free exercise of the people and more than often they do effect the changes people were seeking. I do consider the right to vote a fundamental right of the citizens to choose those who govern them. While the media may try to gerrymander the horse races and the attitudes of the people toward a certain candidate, they do not , I repeat, they do not decide the ultimate winner. Having said that, they have tremendous powers to cast doubt on someone's effectiveness, promote those whom they share their ideology or put fear among the public to lead them in their direction. What are the American media people up to in this election cycle?. People back home in Mogadishu, Boosaaso, Hargeisa and Zaylac ; the diaspora folks in London , and else where should forgive us for constantly debating the American election of 2016. It is only fair for us Canadians of Somali background, who are neighbors to the this big American elephant, to pay attention, because almost any thing they do, affects us directly or indirectly. As I was watching the liberal MSNBC cable news, I was surprised how they were cheerleading for Donald Trump. Just before the Republican debate, they all sounded that the inevitability of Trump nomination. Chris Matthew, the leading liberal dean of the MSNBC new, kept repeating how Trump came a long way, proving wrong the skeptical pundits and the republican establishment. So, why the pro-democratic party ( the left) wing of the American media is cheering for someone who is opposed for almost every thing they stand for. In past American elections , candidates were vetted for almost every thing in their past, whether that was their financial activities, marriage infidelity or misrepresentation. So far no one is digging Trump's past, including the half a dozen times this rich man filed for bankruptcies or other misdeeds. Now, in my humble opinion, this Trump promotion of American media, especially the left leaning ones, may have a deep seated ulterior motives. 1-The Bush factor. While John Kasich and Rand Paul seem to be level headed men, among those running for the Republican nomination, Jeb Bush seems to be the adult person in the room. Evangelical nut cases like Cruz, Santorum and Huckabee should be kept in their back water state cages. These loud preachers have no chance of making the cut. Rubio is smart , but too young to lead in these dangerous times. Besides, for many years, Americans were flirting with these untested and inexperienced state senators and governors to sort out these complicates issue. Clinton, Bush, and Obama were all thrown in the lions den without any foreign or economic experience. Jeb Bush is not only grounded and smart, he has more experience of governing and private sector experience than all of these loud mouths like Trump. he has seen the tragic mistakes of Iraq made by his brother and also witnessed the study hand of his father who was one of the most effective leaders of American foreign policy. Bush senior, presided the defeat and collapse of the soviet union and expelled Saddam Hussein from Kuwait with international coalition of 28 countries, including Arab nations of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia. To sideline this natural born leader, the American left is boosting the rise of this flamboyant Trump and others who should not be even considered to held the highest office in the land. By flooding the air waves with sound bites, crazy pronouncement , entertainment like news coverage's and circus atmosphere, they succeeded putting Bush at the back of the Bus. While Trump is in the news 24/7, Bush could barely register in the media. In this week's polling cycle, Cruz, seem to be leading Trump in the Iowa caucuses, and the left leaning media is attacking Cruz with vengeance to help Trump. The media know that Cruz will never win a general election, but, if he stops Trump in Iowa, that may give Jeb an opening in New Hampshire and other primaries. so in this scenario, the whole game of the left is to promote Trump in order to stop Bush. 2- Paving the way for Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton is by far the most experienced politician among all the candidates except Jeb Bush. She served as secretary of state under Obama and lived in the white house for eight years. Yet, despite all the experience , senator Clinton has a lot of packages just like Donald Trump. Her unfavorable among likely voters are among the highest of all candidates. People either love or hate her, there is no middle ground for her. As we speak, the FBI is investigating some of Clintons activities as secretary of state. A series candidate like Jeb, could defeat Clinton easily in general election. Rather than face a tough, well grounded and experienced candidate like Bush, the media is selecting for her the weakest link off all. While the media seem to be the darling of Mr. Trump for now, wait after the end of nomination and the beginning of the general election. They will dig all his of misdeeds , and show people how bombastic and unelectable Trump is. Those of us who follow American politics have already seen this scenario some twenty years ago. History repeats it self. In 1996, ten republican candidates did battle for the nomination. Among the notables were governor Lamar Alexander, businessman Steve Forbes, senate majority leader Bob Dole, commentator and writer Pat Buchannan, senators Richard Lugar and Phil Grahams. While there were many qualified and strong candidates in the field , the media started cheerleading for senator Bob Dole early and made him the inevitable and favored candidate. Unlike Trump , he was an honorable, experienced politician and an American war hero who was wounded in the second world war. He received the burble heart for his war wounds. When he won the nomination, he was 73 years old , the oldest man to stand for President. It was the youthful Clinton against the aging man of the past who could not use one of his hands. During the campaign , he accidently fell from the stage while the camera was rolling which showed how frail and unprepared he was. As planned Clinton won in landslide. In other words, it is another coronation of yet another Clinton. 3-America, for the first time in history , could be under the real socialists. When he was debating against Hillary Clinton during the democratic candidates debate, senator Bernie Sanders said " I don't give a damn about those e-mails", which Clinton replied Amen. The issue surrounding the emails are heating up again. Since this issue refuses to disappear , it could be the Achilles heal of the Clinton campaign. She did release most of the emails and she handed the server to an independent instigator. If she is charged, as some republicans are calling for , that could lead to a new ball game for both the democratic and the republican campaign. Since she can not campaign under the cloud of federal charges , she may as well withdraw . The media may get it's wish and crown loud moth Trump as their republican nominee , against the socialist crusader. Welcome to the crazy American politics of 2016: Socialist Bernie Sanders vs nut case Donald Trump. While the senator from Vermont may be too socialist for many Americans, he is more electable than the bombastic Trump. In a match up against Trump, the voters might hold their nose and elect Sanders to avoid the chaos candidate of Trump. Many republicans and conservatives who are complaining about Obama , will be ruled by a real socialist for the first time in American history. By the way, senator Sanders is a proud and openly socialist. Finally, the noises coming from the FOX news and other far right talk shows should not be taken seriously. This crowd does not want serious debate on anything, nor do they care about electability or republican party discipline. Another four years of Clinton will keep them busy and employed. a democrat in the white will be a boom for the right wing talking heads. Maybe both the right and left want Trump and his ilk. Maybe America want to go rogue in 2016. If Some of you SOLERS may have different take on this , please state. Thanks.

Mooge Saaxib your response is to the point. I can't imagine those folks in Mogadishu denying the development of Puntland and their country. Asad Ahmed and Malister, your answer to Mooge's statement is abhorrent. By saying that their is nothing in Puntalnd and every thing is in your back yard, is a disgrace. I think you guys justified well what Mooge's talking about. How many more hospitals and schools Mogadishu need. Puntland is peaceful place, why not the Turks start some projects there. If the Turks mix up with this apparent isolation of Puntland and others on Qoslaaye's behalf , they will alienate many Somalis including me.

Mooge, the Turks do not have any special ties to any Somali tribe. They have to deal with the government of the day and it's leader. They think reviving the national capital infrastructure and connecting Somalia to the wider world will bring investment. The Turks will eventually reach the whole country. The fragmentation of the country is not their fault. The HAG are concentrating only in Mogadishu, but that city won't be only theirs when peace comes. In nineteen eighties, FAI ( Fondo Auto Italiano), gave Somalia almost 300 million dollars of aid, and as I remember , the balk of that aid went to Puntland to build the port, the road between Gaalkacayo and Boosaso and many other projects. Even today, Through Somali government, millions of dollars of investment have reached Puntland , yet you guys complain more than others. Imagine Baidoa, Borama or Marka. If the whole thing is zero sum game for Puntlanders, the future could be bleak. I know you guys are playing politics on every thing, including the existence of the country. If Puntlanders do not change their attitude about the nation, they will be hated by other Somalis more than they do of the Mogadishu spoilers.

Who can blame them?. hundreds are arriving every month. Without Cali Xuun, the locals could be overwhelmed.

great, This kids are really quick learners of the Turkish language. They are probably espoused to the language within year or so and look , they are even acting.

That is a typical Somali businessman . Taking risks to make a buck. He may even sound like a red neck , putting down the illegal immigrants. Walaahi we Somalis are different and unique.

Hirsi gab is purged from the power. Years ago when we said that he is the an official president of Somaliland, those who always like to bury their head in the sand, protested. Other than those brought by Siilaanyo family members, most of the cabinet belonged to Xirsi. In Hargeisa , the government is run like a family business, the nephew of Siilaany leaves and another cousin comes in to manage the family (government) affaires. They do not hire competent professionals, party loyalist or technocrats. Just like a family owned company , only those close siblings need to apply. Now, after the purge of Hirsi , the ladies are in charge . This time the immediate family (Silaanyo's wife, daughter, son in law and a new lady director), will be running the show with vengeance. This week , both the palace security guard commander and his deputy were relieved of duties with out no explanation, other than being appointed by Hirsi. Now, Siilaanyo and the family should be very careful of how they treat Xirsi or things could really get ugly. The international media already mentioned the palace coup and the mass resignation of his Hirsi's ministers. A friend of mine from Sool region told me that Hirsi selected the most able men from the eastern region including " Wadaado", business men and politicians with constant cash flow. Does anyone remember " Xildhibaan Baashe"-- the vice chairman of the parliament who were boxing " Gudoomiye Cirro" in the chambers--- well, he was Hirsi loyalist. Soon after Hirsi resigned, fear and anxiety gripped Hargeisa for weeks. Security around major hotels were increased, people were told to be extra vigilant. Then few days after, Al-shbaab released statement threatening Hargeisa if it does not release a certain sheikh arrest by police. Two weeks ago the airport minister announced the deportation of the so called non citizens and other security measures. In my humble opinion , all these fears are centred around Hirsi Gaab. About half a dozen years ago , during Rayaale's term , he used different tactics to gain the power including violence. In one incident, he modified a land cruiser as armored pick up and mounted a machine gun. While some of his colleagues in the telecom industry in Burco were arrested, Hirsi escaped with gun mounted pick up, but was eventually arrested at the border. He was brought back to Hargeisa and charged with terrorism related charges. The Minister of the interior Cabdilahi Cirro publicly accused him of terrorism and criminal mischief. Everyone was surprised that the former vice chairman of the election commission appointed by opposition leader Siilaanyo is involved with these kind of activity. By the way, he resigned from the commission within months of his appointment . He realized that he could not achieve his goals through normal means. Soon after that , he organized the " Garadag" clan gathering were everyone including Saleebaan Gaal , the chairman of the Guurti was invited. Saleebaan was told " Waar Xisbigaaga iyo waxaas ma socdaane Ninku waa nin Tolkaa ah ee ka hor leexo, Rayaalana ha uga hiilin", roughly means , "we don't care about your party affiliation, do not hinder Siilaanyo's plan to gain power", which he accepted. While awaiting the trail , his clan members including Dahanshiil , lobbied and put heavy pressure on President Rayaale. Eventually , Hirsi was released. In those same months , also the presidential palace was bombed by people connected with Al-shabaab including Ahmed Godane, who latter left Hargeia and joined his comrades in southern Somalia, where he became the leader of the extremist group. Since that bombing of Al-shabaab in Hargeisa, no minor or major terrorism related crimes happened in Somaliland. There is the theory that a truce brokered by Hirsi and company was reached between him and Al-shabaab . To reciprocate that understanding, everyone that was arrested or committed terrorism related charges including the assassination of foreign aid workers, in Borama, Burco and Berbera was released by Siilaanyo. Since then , not one single person was charged in Somaliland. Since that man left office, no one knows what could happen in the near future. I read in Somalia online that Hirsi was denied to enter Cayabo town to participate a conference about local clan truces. I believe Hirsi is a hard working guy who ran his own government for the last five years, and will not disappear easily. Those family members running Hargeia should not mess with this man or else.... If he is pushed too much only Allah knows what he is capable off. My sources told me that he is maneuvering to reinvent himself by taking over the Ucid party, either as a chairman replacing Faisal Waraabe , or becoming vice presidential candidate of the party. He has both the resources and the clan affiliation to bring his base to Ucid. He has also a very strong connection among the Garad community and others. In conclusion, be ware of Hirsi, the former president , he knows were all the bodies are buried.

Illyria, I know you are not Mooge. around 10 million, give or take two million is reasonable, when you consider the huge runway which can accommodate Boing737 , the Terminal and the whole airport building. I know the renovations of a certain airport that cost 5 million.

Illyria, that is great. That must have been a great vacation . I am planning to make a visit to Turkey with my wife in the future. It will be a delightful to see a modern Muslim country with culture and technology. I want to witness how our faith is more of substance than style. Today all we see is white Khamiis and big bear, which is the legacy of Wahabism. Bosmanoglu, please do not worry about Xabad. He is a great debater, but he lacks one big basic thing. He is agnostic which means he doesn't understand the brotherhood between Turkey and Somalia. He may not gain any material or spiritual benefit between two faithful friends. He is probably one of those Somalis who reached a safe developed country and is annoyed by the constant bad news following him in the diaspora about Somalis back home who are struggling to raise their head. Today's Somalia does need help. He may reside in Britain, but he doesn't understand the age old saying of God, king and country. Finally, Xabad, Please do not compare the British to other systems, because they are a head of everyone in terms of law and governance. That is why their parliament is called the mother of all parliaments, The crowded benches and on your face debates between the government and opposition. Where ever they went ,the British created law and order, constitution and the concept of citizenship. Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and many Caribbean nation are the result of British colony. Truth be told, we are luck to live under British system. Imagine Latin America or Mexico.

Well done. Mooge, now we want to know how much exactly it cost. please find for us. Thanks

Caano__Geel do not just throw garbage here unless you hate Somalia being rescued by Turks in time of need. That was clear like sky for very one to see. Xabad, your idea of self reliance and do it your self sprit is forward thinking. Lee of Singapore transformed that city state. In order for Somalia to be self reliant , we must stand up with our legs first. We must reduce the fragmentation and the helplessness we all feel most of times. To achieve basic things, we need partners. As you said, nations look after their primary interest, and we should be also willing to give something back to those who benefit us. A lot could be said on the character of Erdogan. He should not be jailing or muzzling journalist or those who criticise him. He must show maturity. On the other hand, the internal dynamics of Turkeys judiciary and army generals are not settled well. Few years ago, There were large number of Army generals who were trying to overthrow the elected government, so being paranoid is expected. Overall, Erdogans tenure as a prime minister was one of the most democratic era of Turkey's history. For the last ten years, the Turkish economy performed better than most of Europe. Look at their Greek neighbor who were subsidised by EU for twenty years go bankrupt. On the issues of the big presidential palace that Erdogan built, I should say, it comes with territory. Look at the French and their champ Elysees and other huge presidential palaces, or the huge Russian Kremlin which takes blocks of city buildings. Turkey with soon to be 80 million people, should act and behave as a great power, thus it needs big palaces. I hope Erdogan retires after his term finishes and pass the torch to new generation of Turkish leaders. Personally , I rather ally my self with Japan, USA and Turkey than Chinese or despotic Russians. Bosmanoglu, I agree, we do not want any more wars with our neighbors. Somalia needs 30 years of peace within it self and it's neighbors.

Tilamook, You are following the issues correctly, May I ask ? are you by any chance a member of parliament in Mogadishu?

Bosmanoglu, welcome to SOL where some Somali diaspora nomads and others exchange freely on issues ranging from politics, religion to social and cultural. Although we have lost a lot for the last 30 years, I believe we are still a generous people toward guests, and I hope our friend Xabad will treat this Turkish visitor of Somalia online with the courtesy he deserves. We really value the friendship of Turkey and the revival of our historical alliances. Relations between Somalia and Turkey date back to the Middle Ages and the ties between the Adal Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire. We may reside different continents, but I believe we are proud and resilient just as Turks are. We do not watch others make history, we are mobile not static. Our biggest weakness is tribalism which can only be overcome by urbanization, economic development and merit based governance. We are grateful for what Turkey have done for Somalis. Erdogan was the first and only leader to set foot those poor dusty roads of Somalia when others especially the corrupt, over weight gulf countries watched and waited. Turkish Airlines became the first long-distance international commercial airline in two decades to resume flights to and from Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport. We never had great partner's to progress with. some forty years ago Spain and Portugal were Europe's tourists out posts with no significant economical progress. Then, in early eighties, they joined the European Union. Massive economic subsidies worth billions from the rich countries and open markets lifted their economies. Look where they are today. The poor rice farmers of Korea became Asia's economic power house due to their alliance with United State of America. We have been looking a credible ally for 55 years since independence, I believe Turkey could be a lasting friend in todays tough world. There is no trade between Somalia and it's neighbors. Borders are closed for forty years, and no one is talking inter regional trades. The century old saying that " if the goods do not cross the border, soldiers will", certainly applies here. Our neighbors fear us. They either afraid of our armies or our business ingenuity. If Ethiopia and others agree on trade liberalization, we could take them over within few decades. I agree, Arabs are not worth of any alliances or partners. On the other hand the Western nations welcomed tens of thousands of Somalis and a lot can be learned in terms of governance and democracy. our country needs mentoring in the development of our economy, especially the agriculture and livestock sectors. I have been looking deeply in your agriculture, and I did find that Turkey produces 75% of the commercial hazelnuts in the world. We welcome direct Foreign investment in major sectors of the economy. To achieve this partnership Turkey must work and push the ultimate goal of all Somalis, which is a Unified strong Somali state that can protect it's citizens and provide basic life and liberty for all. Finally do not be discouraged by the nay Sayers. We are deeply fragmented nation , and fragmented people could barely agree on anything. The good news is that while we criticise and sometimes denounce our current government, most of us support the national government to succeed and move the country forward. These are some of my random thoughts about the relationship. May Allah bless Turkey, Somalia and Canada. keep in touch.

Xabad, this group will disappear from the earth soon. Extremists come and go. The Prophet said " Stay with mainstream Ummah", Also, " moderation is the best of affaires", stay with larger "Jameeca".

Looks like Puntland is getting it's share of the money and developments donated by the international community. I heard that Cabdiweli Sheekh Ahmed, the last Prime minister and the current one both brought some projects to the Punties. I saw some solar panels in Garowe streets. In Somaliland every thing is about Hargeisa. I yet have to see one major project in Awdal. They are a greedy punch who complain about others in Somalia always...

CiidanSuldaan, Puntlanders are probably one of the best players of the game called politics, but I for one will not allow our esteemed sisters whether they are from Puntland or any where to be dragged here. Please apologise.

That is a hasty decision. That is not the best way to back your friend. These countries could have put Iran in notice long time ago. " stop the barrel bombing of the Syrian civilians by Assad, arrange a cease fire and work with us to put a transitional government there", or else ?. If they refuse and keep arming these illegal militia both in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, then you take tough measure including sanctions and finally severing the relationship. even Countries that have economic and political union ,like the European Union, could not unilaterally break diplomatic relation from another countries. First , you apply sanction and other measures to change their behaviour. Why not ask the hapless Arab League, to put some punitive measures against Iran. If the Saudis want to jump from a cliff, are we supposed to follow?. Somalia was always an independent country that had relations with everyone in the world regardless of how anyone else felt. Somalia was one of the first countries to open diplomatic relations with China in 1960, when the United States and others recognized Taiwan as the Republic of China.. Great powers, like United States may request their friends to back them up when applying sanctions and build coalitions during conflicts, but they will never ask someone to break diplomatic relations on their behalf. What a disgrace. Waad baahan tahay bakhtiga looma cuno.

Alpha, what you are referring is total assimilation. For those of us from different faith and culture from the mainstream Americans and Canadians, our obligation is to integrate well with our fellow countrymen and the larger societies we live , at the same time holding our Islamic faith and heritage. Here in Canada we have multicultural and mosaic communities. We believe the diversity of the people is the strength of the country. The majority of the Canadians are willing to provide a reasonable accommodation with the religious minorities. Also, we have what we call " The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom", which gives people the right to religious freedom. That means holding our distinct values while becoming integral part of the nation. These are delicate issues that need to be worked out with employers. There was a debate in Quebec, Canada about rescannable accommodation of religious minorities. On the issue of Somali workers fired by their employer , I will say, It is the duty of the workers to find ways to fulfil their religious duties without impacting the operations of the plant. They must also understand that no one owes them anything to accommodate their obligations. They probably came fro Dhadhaab few months ago . First they must join the meat workers union, then They should let their union bosses to do all the talking and find ways for their five minute break and minimize confrontation. The Maqrib prayer takes less than five minutes. I have seen Somali cabbies refusing transporting dogs for blind people or other minor trivial issues to find confrontation with others. If you area good worker and reasonable, you will always find ways to accommodate your obligations. You could go to Friday prayer at 1pm and then work one hour latte. Somalis are becoming an ugly sour even in small matters. I could not go anymore to Tim Horton coffee shops for little chats with friends. A group of five to eight Somalis are sitting their for hours with loud noises for everyone to hear. There is no one to tell them about discreet conversation. Maybe misery loves company. I hope after a while they will leave their tribal entourages and find few reliable friend or family members to sip the dump tea quietly.

There is a big difference between assimilation and integration.

I wish the word " Radicalised", will disappear. Every mayhem is easily explained like " He was radicalised",

Alpha, you are too smart and slick for me. Sidaad su'aasha hoosta iiga soo gelisay sow arki maysid? Last year I did send my donations. Wabar is in Addis, Ethiopia. We have to do some soul searching. We do not like the way the old man is running the government and the system is regressive, backward and tribal. We have to confront the "Habro", in different way , maybe in a non violent ways. At the same time to defeat the " Habros" militarily , we have make a pact with devil. Which will be eventually disaster for both of us. We may not like the " SNM Habros, but at the end of the day, they are our brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts". The truth is also, the people back home do not support " Halgan hubaysan, ma rabaan in ay qaxaan iyagoo 25 sano nabad ku jiray. Hadii larabo halgan Hubaysan waa in dadka gudaha ay ka timaada, which is only logical. WE cannot have the diaspora dictating for them. In the mean time, I hope the " Habro", wiil change their behaviour of ruling as a tribal counsel before the eventual union of Somalia in the near future.