Well, if you learned to accept what can't be changed, you are already way ahead in a way. I can only wish to arrive at a similar stage. With hindsight, I think that having been too sheltered or having too much self-entitlement/ optimism is another problem for some kids, when flexibility is key.

Alhamdulilah day indeed; Che, that is exactely what I thought before realising that family problems are common and much worse sometimes. It's all about accepting that you can't control everything and to recognise what you can't change, accept it as it is. It consumes much of my thoughts and energy along few other issues, but it's all such a mindless waste at the same time. Who thought life would be such a challenge and never as planned no matter what; this reminds me of those "realists" writers such as Maupassant in "A life": "See, madam, life is never is neither as good nor as bad as we think" replied famously at the end the better balanced ex maid to mme Jeanne, disillusioned by marriage, loss of loved ones, children and wealth in succession or dashed bourgeois naive dreams. Not to encourage impious litterature

Did you compare all authors, both foreign and Somalis, on Somali history and anthropology? The recurring theme is that there is virtually no difference between Somalis and Oromos, and that up to now the frontier is fluid and constantly shifting (let's not even go into other very close Cushitics such as Afars who shared Zeila up until French arrival; Cushitics settling from Uganda to Egypt). You may refer to the Bay & Bakool confederation too, who along Somali clans absorbed more or less much local Oromo elements (but also others) all the way down to the NFD where only British rule stopped further progression in the South alongside the assimilation of "client" Oromo groups. What author and which thesis do you reject and why? The Asian element in our blood and anthropology is fairly established too, even genetically, and it's almost 2 decades I'm assidiously reading and analysing any written item on Somalis in major langages (ironic to hear I'm anti-Somali)...

Alpha Blondy;863881 wrote: can an interracial (no somali father) child be considered somali for instance? who is somali and who is not? how should we define somaliness and what it ought to be? "Somali" as identity has always been fluid, so do being "French" or "American": Islam has been the central core defining element in that identity in the sense that Islamised locals or "Gallas" (Oromos) became Somalis and migrants from Asia (mostly Arabs, but also Persians etc) were absorbed once settled. This is replicated again for say Arabs, who have always absorbed substantial Persian and other elements etc but also sub-continental Indians, N. Africans or Europeans to take the most blatant cases of constant "fluidity", all groups with significant Arab and ancient Iranian blood (maybe you are acquainted with Dr Yusuf kariye take on clans artificiality too). Theory aside, I'm glad you found "home" and settled; I'm just unsure whether there is any difference between Jabuuti, Hargeysa or Xamar, as all children relatives from all those place simply claim "Somalia" (likewise for many adults).

wcs Juxa and Maadeey. Never understood why people think of living in Africa as a sacrifice when millions of "civilised" millionaires, professionals, graduates of the few most competitive schools etc can not imagine leaving it (even when traveling abroad regularly or owning foreign passports or flats) and it's now growing faster than many places. Of course, proper accounting needs exhausting all costs, including those related to children and health (not least getting optimal sunshine and Vit D, so crucial alongside pollution, stress, nutrients free food etc who all directly affect even the genes one pass to his offspring too).

Thanks sxb, that is very informative and timely; you can also add your commentaries to updates by the way (the website or info on the Hospital or this engaging investor would be great too).

*Ibtisam;862898 wrote: ABU: Well what can I say- SOL is like a big family reunion- if you lived in the same country, your female folks probably enter the dance off for the same family at weddings. Indeed, many of us are related in one way or another you'd be surprised sometimes, like going to a friend's wedding...before being greeted by the bride's father who happen to be the old family friend. LANDER;862897 wrote: Abu Salman Dhulka lo ma diidi karo laakiin he's got connections all over, those of us limited to SL should stick together is all I'm saying before Abu and his kin come and goble up all the good territory that's all! If relatives in Jabuuti count, then the likes of LANDER or in general reer Gabiley/Borama/etc all got at least a few ones there; I thus count myself as full native (albeit with foreign passports as many do). Not to mention our more than fair share of contributions both prior to and following the fall of the Syad regime.

Ibti, Lander is as close a cousin as possible by clan definition unless we start counting few gd parents away; sadly, I haven't yet anything directly on my name though The irony is that uncles of his, esp Ibrahim Kahin are the biggest Djib Traders (the old Somali secrets services were rumored to have attempted against his life as a major SNM funder)

I hear relatives hoarding land plots, now mostly in New Hargeysa, but this has hugely nocive externalities on economics, businesses and quality of life for locals. Then again, big traders or corporations and politicians are fully in cahoots (taxes and prioritising commoners basic needs is not for tomorrow).

lol Ibti, Jabuti Somali folks are just mostly runaway Zeila folks but also with some Gabiley (both are shared or mixed) and others. Although dad used to fundraise etc for the SNM after some abuses in the 80s, we didn't dwell or mention it really as a family but as a child or younger, I was fascinated with Somali anthropology and history; people would relativise those things if they had an idea of how artificial and fluid it could be. Else, I agree the highest bidder run land use and politics sadly...

lol Lander you must be the B/ Dr M abdullahi omar or the MFA, now we have your full ID. We used to be very conservative (walking late with a girl= night in jail as far as 2000) but the change I fear most is spoiled nature and Hargeysa lack of planning (resort maybe but overtaken by Hargeysa urban sprawl, no). so when are you joining us for your first visit there? Honestly, I much prefer nearby Hargeysa overall though, spent much more time there; I prefer too and it would be much more efficient and balanced for Berbera with its port like Jabuuti and Xamar , Burco as livestock centre etc, in more arid lands, to be political and economic capitals. Hargeysa to be again a residential town or a green retreat for the services sector would be great.

dont know MA but always heard about the SA, HY (my bro's name & mine), interestingly I know more about our inabti (reer awdal) as other Somalis; isn't afraad JB and shanaad HB or vice-versa as implied (havent heard after 93 when boasting with the cousins)? I say let's demarcate along sub-clans (edo think Arabsiyo has been stolen at the sub-...-sub clan level by B, HB guests) for sustainable peace even if that would leave each man with his bathroom/bedroom as said in the other thread. (every iphone got gps these days and an app that alert at boundaries isnt hard)

Norf come try this new local restaurant (collective iftars too at the mosque). Or taste the beer/kalyo quraac this wk end. So no footie at sc

Raula, Polytechnique is an engineering school in France where CEOs and top officials are groomed after the 2-3 years of "classes preparatoire". There are Saudi, French etc high schools and higher institutes but no such classes in Djibouti. Abstraction and well-roundedness, particularly in Maths and sciences is paramount there, hence the status of engineers...

Mashallah; let's not forget however that the most competitive schools with much higher entry standards than Oxford or Harvard (eg, competition tests for the brightest already pre-selected for 2-3 years of preparation) are located in places such as France or even India. Here, money, tuition, non scientific subjects, sports or other non scientific considerations have no place (pupils may even earn salaries or at least monthly sums) but sheer meritocratic ability in abstract maths, physics and other sciences trumps it, in addition to other subjects plus langages; those graduates are thus poached by the very best US institutions and global brands or offered a double diploma by the like of Berkeley in their finaly year. Prospective students thus enrol at the "classes preparatoires" for 2 or 3 years of very intensive abstract maths, sciences and other subjects to sit for the final competition (few places at the very elite engineering schools such as Polytechnique or Ecole nationale de l'aviation civile where VIP status is virtually guaranteed afterwards at companies boards, banks everywhere or as top civil servants). Preparation start even earlier at High school where the scientific general baccalaureat is favored by ambitious pupils (again heavily biased in favor of pure maths but also other sciences). We have more of such graduates in Djibouti lately, albeit it's such a challenge to retain them despite the best of offers and status. The example below, the one I know best, has always been the first of his class at the best local school and gained a decent presidential scholarship, in addition to the regular one: Sugule Cabdikariin graduated from the "classes preparatoires" following a "Baccalaureat scientifique, with mention bien" in Djibouti, he finally chose the Enac, Ecole nationale de l'aviation civile, for 4 more years and 2 masteres in aeronautics and aviation safety: Sugule Cabikariin 09/09/2010 14:00:00 C001 AIRBUS SAS A310/A300-600 FCOM analysis and content reduction in relation to the FCTM (here). He gained an internship at EADS, the leader in aeronautics, defence and satellites (Airbus etc) where he run a students company before joining a leader in airlines reservation software after unsucessful negociations with the Djiboutian authorities and parallel pilot certification.

We just had a well-connected trader who proposes to finance a youth football tournament and the local association may be resuscitated; back in 2000/2001 it was Quran contest and sewing machines...with grant and material donated by the US embassy. To be frank, I'm no longer much into Djiboutian issues but hooyo has to deal with the nurses & co one too (standards, Bamako initiative and affordable essential, generic medicines etc). PS: just discovered that the earliest online bookable appointment for my EU passport is one month away, may be better to obtain a laissez-passez at the djib embassy in paris/visa for dubai.

Sure, it makes for constant "business" trips to Paris for some but many are locked out of opportunites yet denied basics: it's either much fun or extraordinarily perverse depending on which side of the fence you happen to be born into. Fortunately, there is some community feeling and minimal mobility but justice requires much more...

Well, as long as nobody is lost to the notting hill carnival (xiitaa madowgii ayaa gacan kaa taagey lately as whites took over). Just heard about the 1st pick up on credit from Dahabshill Dubai (it tops up the car price $1700 for a total of around $30 000 repaid over 1 year); but the client is a decent customer at their Hargeysa branch (they got another in Djibouti). It is crazy but in Africa, esp if well connected, you can accumulate all sorts of side businesses, renting out villas at $3000-6000 a month or cars for slightly more than 3000 a month, import freely, act as as transit agent as the law requires a local owner for trucks etc etc (or resell land, with so much speculation or ridiculous prices). We even have foreigners (sometimes related) working or freelancing for the gouvernment

It is interesting that raising taxes and internal revenues is now advocated as I have been fascinated for a while about the possibilities open if seriously done. Of course, taxes should be ideally at least as high as top Western rates and targeted (specific sectors being treated leniently for socio-economic reasons: small farmers or struggling labor-intensive sectors). Eg, anyone earning more than minimal income ($2000/year) may be spared with increasing marginal rates from 5 to 50% or more. Whole cash-cows sectors that produce "easy money" or make use of public goods such as Telecoms need to be either wholly nationalised, part controlled by the state or at the very least heavily regulated: this is to ensure the well-connected or rent seekers that do not pursue risks or pro-poor, labor intensive investments should at the very least pay for their use of public assets such as airwaves. This era of easy profits at the expense of the masses lacking the very basics must draw to an end. In that light, urgent social targets and concomitant necessary spending levels should be the priority (eg financing primary care, litteracy, targeted food subsidies and infrastructure); minimally, costs of $100 per capita are to be expected (current budget needs to be roughly doubled and expenditures focused away from officials to essential services delivery). The aim is to gradually triple those commitments over say a period of 10 to 20 years depending on many factors. Of course, with elites and traders running the show and using clan cards, all that is unlikely short of a socialist or islamic revolution.

I understand that saaxib but I was worried about assuming life expectancy figures as predicting or showing the average lifespan of adults when this statistic merely reveals the newborns and infants mortality rates (I too used to think that way before being corrected). Also, there is no less "poverty" or more access to chlorinated water, a double-edged sword, in remote, isolated places such as Kashmir etc (our famine is again an anomaly due to insecurity). Check this about the Hunzas (ignore the rest, marketing etc): It’s not unusual for these people to live to 130 or even 145 years. They also enjoy near perfect mental and physical health In Hunza, people manage to live to over one hundred years of age in perfect mental and physical health

Mario B;861120 wrote: I didn't understand you then but this is what I know: Child poverty, undernourishment, poor medical care in early childhood can curtail life expectancies at subsequent ages. That's why we have an average life span of 46 yrs in Somalia. Average "life expectancy" measures the averaged lifespan of every born local but not adults lifespans, ie it's a proxy for newborns/infants mortality rates that are high (it just tells that births and babies are overall "riskier"). Thus, most basic hygiene such as hand washing at birth, which halves maternal mortality rates too (or maternal milk only etc) immediately shoot it up when generalised (and you get much higher average "life expectancy" figures without changing anyhing concerning adults). Of course, those adults or older children are generally (much) better off in terms of chronic conditions, allergies etc if living in Somalia rather than say Sweden (not to mention better chances of achieving optimal sunshine/vitamin D exposure that is very critical at every level).This is a bit similar to being much healthier in remote sicilia than living next to the Mayo clinic or John Hopkins hospital (or just like many villagers in Pakistan achieving a century of healthy life without any contact with the the healthcare industry). Yet another reason why such statistics (GDP, life expectancy etc) confound and distract more than say much of value. Three more longevity hot spots

Abu the Voip thing already woks fine. Somtel can give you a USA or UK number, you pay subscription fee and recieve free calls. Only problem is now they need to extend it so that you can also call them for free. It is much easier to move around alone rather dragging a family around and messing up their life if things go a little wrong. Also pretty soon you will worry about schools and stability for them. Not the same as being a lone backpacker. I doubt they will extend it to free calls, but at least voip call shop can be set up in Hargeysa I suppose (why would Telsom be protected as a private company paying little tax). Schools are way too overrated, much better to teach them at home and make sure kids hang around mostly adults and 1 or 2 mature, well behaved kids (as per experts). I heard few doctors from Djibouti etc set up clinics, others are supplying quality medicines and scanners are available, so Hargeysa is becoming like any other African city with decent care or education for those that could afford it (with cheap telecoms/internet etc). What is the reason more diaspora do not return? Is there too few jobs paying enough ($5000-10 000)?

Well, ideas need to be congruent with passion, commitment etc; else, I have too some great ideas or needed innovations. eg: setting a shop for cheap voip calls in Hargeysa was my bro's little idea but of course that needs realisation, if telesom and others allow it (we already use voip to call accross countries for free, as it's routed via one shared subscription; only internet needed not even a pc). Other ideas are much more exciting. Having many interests and being a bit of a gipsy, not feeling fully at home neither in jabuuti nor in somaliland etc is my undoing. Maybe I should take a leaf out of our elders book and just start a family then possibly focus on and move the kids around whether it be to xamar or dubai

She's in Djibouti now but we settle accross the border, are the business ideas in the healthcare or import sector? You are wlc for any query of course (no xadis promised). Women and equality group? haven't seen it but those gender inequalities issues distract from real priorities such as water, food, care or shelter etc etc.

Ciid mubaarak Ibti, would love to see Solers too relocate to Hargeysa. Ideally, an activist/editor role or pan-Somali islamic think tank dedicated to equality and family values would be great (inspired by Cuba, Egypt's Brotherhood etc) with Xamar settled.