Berkeley may be more of a brand in sciences; what is the brother studying? Georgetown University is where agent Scully was testing the alien material though...

Quite reasonable points for once in this emotions charged debate, the paranoid singling out of a whole portion of Somalis is not a hallmark of intellectual discourse though. Indeed, nobody can't deny the obstacles against Somali irredentism both within and without. Still, all that is besides the point and do little to adress the two main counter-arguments: 1- How is it morally possible to advocate for secession or a return to colonial borders on the basis of "self-determination" while ignoring the reluctance, if not strong opposition, of major local segments (including disaffected minorities in Hargeysa itself, ie Somalis outside clans)? The dispute is simply over which political system should be set up for Somalis - separate international states living side-by-side with common kinship bonds between them (such as the Arabs or the Anglo-Saxon world), federal states tied together under a loose federal arrangement, or the failed unitary state which led to the disaster of today. That's the crux of the political argument 2-Why a federal, confederate or strongly devoluted system can not adress nepotism, strong state or tyranny concerns in the world of today (particularly when the vast "Southern" majority is considered as "benign")? Would advocates for total secession finally focus on adressing dispassionately, on both purely ethical and intellectual grounds, these two compelling realities? PM: Please note I'm neither "Southerner" nor "Siyadist", whatever that may mean, and that close relatives suffered in the war, took risks and supported the SNM. Likewise, please no half-baked "97% pro secession referendum" or insinuations that there is even a remote possiblity in the current conditions of "neutral" atmosphere and state institutions or prerequisites, not to mention the most crucial issue of which kind of referendum makes sense should that matters (each region or community, "Somaliland"-wide or countrywide?).

Well, there were some reformers notewhorty in the West too and who had some influence there. Thomas Paine for exemple had a profund impact on British, French and American societies at historical times. He was admired By Abraham Lincoln, his autodidact other American founding father colleague and celebrated leader (with atypical ethics for his time too) or even reforming Napoleon. Similar to John Ruskin who championed the fight against urban pollution, lack of open space and for social equity, Paine was however self-taught and with wider, more fundamental causes. Despite being criticised as anti-Christian if not atheist (most reformers were discouraged by the church's feudalism and incoherences), the man comes as much more spiritual and monotheistic than most nominal Christians. God's universe must be studied and contemplated for deeper spirituality and better morality, he pleads, echoing many leading scientists (and as repeatedly encouraged by the Quraan). He advocated fiercely for liberation against the "birth-rights" of aristocracy, flawed institutions and traditions; an idealist uninterested and fearless, he was initially held as a public danger, the epitome of treason against his country, its culture and institutions. His vision is a society who offers no concession to classes divisions, condemns racism and places the well-being of the common man as its goal (as coherent with the Islamic model), instead of small-minded interests or chauvinistic nationalism. "Of all the systems of religion that ever were invented, there is none more derogatory to the Almighty, more unedifying to man, more repugnant to reason, and more contradictory in itself, than this thing called Christianity. Too absurd for belief, too impossible to convince, and too inconsistent for practice, it renders the heart torpid, or produces only atheists and fanatics." "The study of theology as it stands in Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authorities; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and admits of no conclusion. Not any thing can be studied as a science without our being in possession of the principles upon which it is founded; and as this is not the case with Christian theology, it is therefore the study of nothing." "The Christian religion is a parody on the worship of the sun, in which they put a man called Christ in the place of the sun, and pay him the adoration originally payed to the sun." He described himself as deist, saying: "How different is [Christianity] to the pure and simple profession of Deism! The true Deist has but one Deity, and his religion consists in contemplating the power, wisdom, and benignity of the Deity in his works, and in endeavoring to imitate him in everything moral, scientifical, and mechanical." and again, in The Age of Reason: I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy Isnt it strange that most altruistic, courageous personages who dared and struggled to oppose their societies deeply rooted traditions and think for themselves share so much? Does real intelligence leads to universally transcending thinking where only truth and the well-being of each man matters, instead of races, countries or age-old traditions?

Ours is a stoic, family-centred, frugal nomadic culture full of virtues despite some serious flaws; Sudanese are close cousins while nearby Arabs are most similar. What can Hindi or Black ghettos cultures offer? We could keep our macawis though but borrow the positive sides of Scandinavian, American quackers social and environmental activism, Cuban struggle for equality and top public services alongside frugality or Asian discipline. It's mothers role, particularly, to incalculate self-confidence and pride in the best of one's background; Somali culture and Islamic teachings are deeply intertwinned and reinforce each other...

Had finally received a tax refund check for 2009/2010, only half of what was due for around that period though. Have to chase half of my wages due to the company staffing the census too (they gave me a workload for only the last half of the agreed/expected period....but I attended training and was waiting for them the first half though). If only there were affordable yet reliable lawyers for all the issues piling up (have to deal with a past crooked landlady and her utilities bills too)...

Djibouti / Somaliland Multifaceted exchanges Yesterday it was question of ways and means to strengthen cooperative relations between the Djibouti-Somaliland Minister of Energy and Mines of Somaliland, Mr. Hussein Abdi Dualeh, and his counterpart in Djibouti, Ahmed Fouad Dr Aye, the office of that politician. The interview follows the support of the Djibouti authorities in the construction of three wells, located in Beeyo Dhaadheer-and-Ceel Gaal Seleel in the region of Somaliland. Hydraulic structures that have been the subject of yesterday's official opening on the other side of the border Loyada. The Minister of Energy and Water, Minister for Natural Resources, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Ay, yesterday received his counterpart in Somaliland, M Hussein Abdi Dualeh, head of a delegation in the walls of his cabinet . This included in particular the Somaliland Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Abdi Said Fahiyeh. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of State of Djibouti to the Youth and Sports Dr. Elmi Djama Okieh. It is part of the strong bonds of brotherhood between peoples of Djibouti and Somaliland. A reality as inevitable has been the focus of discussions between the Minister Fouad Ahmed Ay and his interlocutor from Somaliland. The two sides also discussed ways and means to strengthen cooperative relations Djibouti-Somaliland. In this sense, M Hussein Abdi Dualeh sent thanks result supported the Djibouti government to support its competent authorities in the construction of three wells, located in Beeyo Dhaadheer-and-Ceel Gaal in Somaliland. Both hydraulic structures will supply drinking water to populations affected by drought across the border Loyada. Similarly, the distinguished visitor did not fail to acknowledge the gesture of the Djibouti Ministry of Health has recently handed over the keys of an ambulance at the hands of local authorities in the region of Somaliland Seleel. The provision of means of transport will facilitate the flow of users to the local health centers closest Somaliland. The initiative reflects the very strong links that Djibouti and Somaliland want to maintain. At least, such is the most widely shared conviction among ministers and their counterparts in Somaliland Djibouti passing through Djibouti. The two sides plan to promote cultural and sports exchanges between the youth of both countries. In addition to sharing a language, Djibouti and Somaliland youth in this way will know and better appreciate each other. An initiative rich in perspectives that is an extension, in fact logically, of the multifaceted exchange between Djibouti and Somaliland. . Moreover, it has sealed a convergence of views between Dr. Okieh Djama Elmi Abdi Said Fahiyeh and M, both concerned at their meeting yesterday aside. Fraternal cooperation With many people, a Djiboutian delegation yesterday moved to the village of El-Gaal in the region of Somaliland Seleel which hosted the opening of a borehole built with financial support from the competent authorities of Djibouti. Somaliland Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Mr. Hussein Abdi Dualeh yesterday inaugurated a drill conducted with financial assistance from Djibouti in the town of El-Gaal, capital of the region Seleel south of Somaliland.. On the sidelines of the ceremony, the Somaliland Minister of Energy and Water has approved an ambulance granted by the Government of Djibouti to the medical center of the town of El-Gaal. . By collecting the donation, the Somaliland Minister of Energy highlighted the fraternal relations binding the two countries. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Djibouti government for the assistance provided in carrying out the drilling and the granting of the ambulance to the medical service of the town of El-Gaal. La Nation (translated from today's edition)

STOIC;761069 wrote: Abu, after the housing market collapse many Somalis in Atlanta that i personally know bought houses for 30,000 dollars cash.Now this is NOT best of the neighborhoods in terms of school system, but it is worth of an investment if you have the cash. PS as for the thanksgiving dinner it is just a get-together sort of after all everyone is off from work and school....I doubt it is a religious holiday at least in theory. I know it's suicidal to keep kids there, and even unsafe for adults but I see close relatives and others investing similar sums in Djibouti or Hargeysa for often very little return, if at all, despite the sacrifices. Not to mention those keeping money in the bank or under other forms with no return at all, since they do not accept interest or buy shares. In general, there is a dire need for transparent investment information and mechanisms that cater for Somalis.

Foreign Banks in Africa, often present for more than a century, as well as official Aid have only managed to keep developing nations as poor or poorer (while destroying local societies and environments). So why would Somalis, that managed to keep GDP levels comparable if not better than many of these countries, rush to welcome and celebrate foreign multinationals or banks (naively, as sign of "recognition")? Who then represents the real enemy or threat? Alarm as corporate giants target developing countries Diabetes, obesity and heart disease rates are soaring in developing countries, as multinationals find new ways of selling processed food to the poor

lol asking about Texas thanksgiving meal made my high-school US english teacher emotional. Somalis now celebrate it too? I guess Somalis are, in general, more traditional in the UK than in USA... Find out a 4 bedrooms property in Atlanta cost around $ 50 000 on yesterday E. Standard investment ad with returns of 12%; looks like this was not fully a scam: http://www.axispropertyinvestment.com/blog-usa-atlanta-no1-location-forbes.html. Maybe an opportunity for Solers wishing to buy shares there.

ever stumbled upon a female medic and only for her to ask a very intimate examination? it's routine for her and it was prudent to do it now I had a slot, before forgetting it etc...booked a male one for fuller examination though. Now, I see why so many people delay things, esp Somalis. So you guys did you refuse, no matter what, to undress in front of the opposite sex medics? meeyey Stoic when you need guidance on medical sensitive stuff? Ngonge is welcome to comment too (only to share past experience)

N.O.R.F;760566 wrote: Morning Faheema. How is the weather there? Abu Salman, the Arabic I was speaking in KSA kaaley arag. No more politics for me I like your sense of humor sxb, was joking. Ngonge's Arabic is great, tell him to teach us poetry

Norf, xajj mabruuk bro. Now you have your milestones for a new political party back home too lol with keeping sharpening up your somali, arabic...and convincing Ngonge to untie the purse

"Kerala, a state in India, is a bizarre anomaly among developing nations, a place that offers real hope for the future of the Third World. Though not much larger than Maryland, Kerala has a population as big as California's and a per capita annual income of less than $300. But its infant mortality rate is very low, its literacy rate among the highest on Earth, and its birthrate below America's and falling faster. Kerala's residents live nearly as long as Americans or Europeans. Though mostly a land of paddy-covered plains, statistically Kerala stands out as the Mount Everest of social development; there's truly no place like it" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala_model

What is politics? Politics comes from the Greek polis for city, ie politics is thus the art of managing public affairs or the "common good". As Somalis who believe in monotheism and that the purpose of existence is to worship god, "common good" is thus akin to promoting Islamic ethics, just like the US founding fathers took their inspiration mostly from the Bible (with the Quran and other sources relegated to secondary sources) and religious groups such as the Quackers promoted the rights to freedom of worship for all monotheists as well as those of the oppressed. It is also easy to envision that much of basic morality is widely shared; in fact, even many specific traits associated to Islam (or Judaism) are shared with Christian groups that discourage or prohibit substances such as alcohol, gambling, indecent clothing etc (the bible discourage from alcohol consumption, but permits modest ritual use of wine). It can thus be inferred that, in theory, Somali politics should be the most straightforward, apart from religious debates on small details, as we all share the same system of morality and even total agreement on finer ethics. Less naively, the clan factor concomitant with enduring vindictness as well as widespread ignorance have allowed unholy elites, vassal to foreign powers or power-hungry, to exploit popular resentments and fan the flames of passions. The less than ideal result is that now we are spending most of our energies, time and scarce resources on facing imaginary threats rather than alleviating extraordinary levels of suffering by offering the most basic forms of healthcare prevention and training, importing surgeons or mitigating desertification. In short, our elites and politicians alike have terribly failed and seem largely unable to grasp the real priorities and threats, let alone come with creative solutions and show leadership. In contrast, Lee Kuan Yew, founding father of the miniscule singapor, is credited with ordering all state functionaries traveling abroad, not restricted to diplomats, to keep a detailed travel journal to share back home all that they have witnessed as to be potentially implemented in the island if warranted. Needless to say such visionary, intelligent and fully committed leadership, combined with local discipline accomplished scientific and economic miracles within decades, turning all sorts of hardships, threats and inherent limitations into strength. How can we then emulate resources poor nations such as Cuba that manage to offer world class healthcare and decent education to all its citizens and actively, proactively promote equality as absolute priority alongside the right to decent health services and living (housing etc)? Should not be those rights to decent living for all as well as environment preservation the real focus of politics and elites? Let's note here that such achievements are not the preserve of certain races or ideologies; Cuba is half black and less and less committed to communism while another "poor", desertic country such as Jordan, which offer top prestation to healthcare tourists and noted public services to its masses, is not culturally dissimilar to us. One can only hope that those of us with a modicum of intellect and ethics, relatively uncontaminated by primitive sectarism and small-mindedness would set the record straight about what really matters and develop the awareness of such nobler ideals and goals among their clansmen. More specifically, the discourse should be diverted away from Puntland or Somaliland "threats" to how to gradually combat Qad, promote sustainable farming, pool resources or share best practice in surgical skills training and nutritional support to expectant mothers. the latter is indeed vitally important and all the more crucial in our context as providing such mothers with adequate nutrition largely determines the future health and productivity of the next generation (incredibly, it seems easier to advocated for more guns rather than beans rations for mothers). It would also greatly assists to adopt and promote a more "humanistic" and universal mindset. Although nominally belonging to the Hargeysa clan, I can count at least half of my ancestors and relatives from the Borama one while, like many others, having three eight of my great-grandparents from the D-block federation (two of them from a community originating from Buuhoodle but settling later in Arabsiyo) etc. We all know too that traders from Hargeysa did not hesitate in switching from Berbera to Bossaso in the 90s and that most of the locals care more about their interests than clan passions. So why not redirect the competition to a healthier one, eg where is more liveable and with better provision of services? Likewise, our understandably disaffected brothers should realise that many share their ideal of ultimate union of all Somali regions and would not allow a particular region to be marginalised or "oppressed" regardless of a quite hypothetical recognition of secession (it is actually vital for Hargeysa to foster better links with such regions). All the more reasons, therefore, to recalibrate our passions or focus and be extra cautious about fanning bestial animosities. How could it be so hard, finally, to find visionary youths or leaders that reformulate the discourse of politics from the futile and self-destructive into the more Islamic, civilised and real struggles for equality, environment and well-being for everyone, taking inspiration from and competing with other nations in those areas?

Aqoonta maadiga laba ina loo kala qaado ayaa aad muhiim u ah: 1-sayniiska, ama wixii aqoon ah ee tajrubo iyo tijaabin lagu gaaro, iyo maadooyinka sidoo kale la'isku wada waafaqsanyahey ee la'aantood dhib ka dhalanayso (luqadaha, taariikhda, xisaab-xirka, koombuyuuterka culuumihiisa iwm). 2-maadooyinka ra'yi iyo mabaa'di kale ku dhisan ee u badan khuraafaad ama maskax-dhiqid sida "economics" ama cilmiga dhaqaalaha, oo dad badan aaminsanyihin inay cilmi muhiim ama xaqiiqta ka turjumaya yahay, inkasto khubaro ku xeel dheer ee ku tilmaamayaan dhalanteed "agenda" lugu hirgeliyo. Waxaa shaabaha falsafada iyo cilmiga bulshada ama "sociology" qeyb ka mida; xitaa qeybo sayniska, khaasatan "evolution" ama isbadal joogta ah oo ah diirada ama qaacidada lagu fiiriyo "biology"-ga (adaamigu inuu daanyeer inbadan doorsoomay inu yahay iwm), sidoo kale dood ayaa ka taagan madaama ayna cadeemo culus ama kama dambeyn ah aaney ku salaysneen. Ka bacdi qeybitaankaas dadka badankooda u cadeen oo dadka fahmid iyo aqoon yaridooda iyadoo laga ambaqaadayo si kadis ah lugu difaaco ama gado waxyaabo cadaaladu ama caqligu diidayo iyadoo xaqiiq iyo khayr loogu eekeesiinayo ("economics", "development" iwm), waxaa haboon inaa la ogaado oo aad looga foojignaado arinta ugu muhiimsan ee ah qaabka maadooyinka sida taariikhda iyo kuwa kale loo barto oo inta badan ku saleysan falsfadaha dadka baraya ardayda ama daabacaya buugaagta. Miithaal ahaan, waxaa inta badan ey ka ambaqaadan qoraalaha saynisku qaacidada "evolution"-ka; sidoo kale culuumta kale kama maqno inbadan oo ra'yi gaabni ama casabiyad daahsoon ah maadaama ey xiitaa sayniska tajrubada ugu adag ku dhisan sida fiisikada, iskawa dhaf cilmi kaloo bini aadam, ayna iyadaba ka maqneen saameyn uu ku yeesho dhaqanka iyo bay'ada khubaradiisu. Waxay keentaana arintaasu inay xiita saynisku ka turjumeyso bay'ada bulshadeed ee khubaradeeda; badanaa iyagoo xitaa dareensaneen ayay indhatirtaa waxyaabaha ay u arkaan muhiim ama xaqiri karaan aqoonta umadaha kale ama qaab ka gedisan lagu gaarey. Miithaal ahaan, iyadoo inbadan khubarada maraykanku ku daaleen dawo labaad oo cudurka "malaria"-ga ama kaneecada ayaay geed ka mida geedaha shaayniiska koox "chinese" ah iclaamiyeen inuu daweynayo dadka "choloroquine" waxba u tari weydey (geedkaaso laga sifeeyo dawada "artemisin"). Sidoo kale maanta marka horumar ama "development" lagu qalqaalinayo umadaha waxaa laga wadaa uun makiinado, warshado, baahi-abuuritaan (si loo gado badeecado la cusbooneysiyo mar walba hadana waxba kordhineen) iyo ku dayasho bulsho ahaan iyo dhanka ganacsiga ama sharciga qaanuunada iyo dhaqamada reer galbeedka. Nasiib daro waxaa sii iftiimeysa malinba maalinta ku xigta inay arrimahaasi dhibaatooyin aad u waji badan oo cusub iney dhalayaan, natiijooyinkaaso xalintoodu ay aad u dhib badan tahay, sida cuduro nafsi ah oo faafsan, bay'ado fasaada, yacni hawada iyo biyahoo sumoowa, dhulka iyo wixii ka baxayey oo barako beela, nafaqo xumo ka dhalata raashinkaas beeley "nutrients" arintaasoo saameeyn dib ugu yeelata caafimadka nafsiga iyo ka jirka iyo xiitaa amniga ama xasiloonida bulshada, amniga iyo musuq-maasuqa oo faraha ka baxaha maadaama shacabka badidiisu uuna ka qeyb qaadan karin tartanka dhanka "consumerism-ka" (u tartanka dhaldhalaaka baahi-abuurid lagu gado) iyo kuwa kalo aad u fara badan oo lasoo koobi karin manta iyo berito... Isku soo duudub, aqoonta dhabta ah ama ugu dambeynta ah ee bini aadamku aad ayeey u koobantahay oo umad walba inteeda wakhtigaa la taagan yahay ay cajaabisa ama laweyntahay, hadana mar walba sawirka iyo qawaacidada guud ee xiitaa cilmiga ugu asaasisan sida "physics"-ka uu isbadala (waxaa looga gudbey "Newtonian mechanics" tafsiirka "quantum mechanics"); hase yeeshe, sayniska khalqiga iyo kowniga, taariikhdu iyo maadooyinka kale (ee xaqiiqda ugu dhaw) qofka shakhsiyadiisa iyo fahamkiisa ayey dhisi karta hadii uu qofku foojiganyahey marwalba oo qaab haboon lugu baro oo hadana qofkaasi yahay qof maskax furan, badanaana la'islama wada helo shuruudahaaso dhan oo maanta inbadano ismoodaysa inay wax taqaan ayaa xaalad ka khatarsan jaahilnimo ku sugan ama umada ku hogaaminaysa...

Xenophobes? I'd say looting thugs and organised racketing; it's also unfortunate for those farmers and households relying on the migrants and the admin is diverting from the real issues. Please make sure you Burcaawis guys (Ngonge etc) stress this at tomorrow's meeting.

Ngonge, I think that in addition to corruption, proper planning & environmental policy is long overdue and the other top priority; all those irregularly used mansions with huge gardens even in the centre of hargeysa is also poor use of space and destructive in terms of urban sprawl, the desertification with milk now imported accross the Ethio border, the all too deadly daily traffic (Rwandans have reduced accidents dramatically with little means), not to mention the dangerous industries in residential areas etc. How could you raise awareness about those vital points (Sillanyo can maybe loan few advisers from Guelleh and his Cuban friends)? PS: I will see if I can be there if you guys are coming too.

I think that the real question should not be about polygamy but about basic ethics and sense of responsibility; about educating those who see marriage as little more than self-gratification. If you are already in state-subsidised housing and financially modest, why not focus at the very least on providing all your children with a decent education, living and morals instead of taking 3 wives too soon (and if it's not an emergency)? Lately, the central institution of marriage has become such as joke in those metropolis, with even few ruthless "sheikhs" arranging dodgy ones (where practical interests are at stake here too); what makes me mad the most is when the best interests of children are overlooked despite the already dire conditions ... PS: there are few really model fathers and husbands that then choose to keep a second spouse back home decently (it may be harder these days though than in the time of my maternal grandfather).

No doubt Ethiopia has huge resources and is even exporting hydro-electricity, fertile lands are worth a premium these days too, niche agriculture such as horticulture is also growing; The real tragedy is that all that potential is litterally wasted, undersold and only profit a tiny minority that believe in strict marxism for the masses; the TPLF was Maoist at the source and thus credit is deliberately restricted, only an elite is allowed to trade, telecoms are bridled etc. Of course, keeping people off entrepeneurship and dependent on food aid mediated by local party recruits means a very docile populace; this is a kind of deliberately enforced "mass economic genocide". The Oromos and other victimised peoples gain only a shrinking, deteriorating habitat. Lobbying (particularly in the USA & UK) while deterring foreign investors operating without local support is maybe the way forward... PS: Recently came accross this: "Greater Ethiopia: the evolution of a multiethnic society", By Donald Nathan Levine; interesting and concise account about how the old Axumite remnants assimilated or pacified to some extent the Gallas, prone to adopt local cultures and unsuited to empire building depite many early successes in battle and fast expansion (according to the author). Are some oga-denis of Oromo Barentu descent as said in the book (we know the Oromos-Somalis frontier is fluid)?

A relative's villa in Xero Awr, Hargeysa; this is where we spent the summer 1992 (end of aug-end of sept). It was said to be later temporarily rented by a top VIP, maybe the vice-president. I remember back in summer 1996 as a sentimental kid when I tried fruitlessly to visit it unguided along a cousin etc from the other villa we rented then (in the Shacabka area, next to the madaxtooyada and other VIP villas, in front of the then ODA rented villa). The other one rented back in 1993 renovated is shown below; we visited it too in 1996 as soon as we came back, it's in the Shacabka area (my bro took detailed pics back in 2009 as if reading into my mind): Hooyo's flowery and greener, more recent one, located nearby (she's not in the pic):

Lately, local youth started organising themselves to fight back the cuts and lack of prospects, with a guest from Occupy Wall Street joining from accross the Atlantic, and taking inspiration from their peers from Chile to Cairo (sequels of the recent historical riots are still very visible). Apparently, inequalities, banks and corporate excesses or plutocratic rule are unifying themes for the abused masses from all over the globe, hence some tentative cooperation. Against such morally neutral corporations and elites, whether in Seattle or South Africa, more or less thoughtful and organised reactions are increasingly expected everywhere, with regular parties out of touch or untrusted. Indeed, the rights to decent healthcare and education, equality, safety nets and infrastructure are still largely ignored even within the richest countries. Fortuitously, I was recently curious and reading about Cuban world celebrated unique achievements in health and education despite very low levels of spending in the hundreds of dollars per capita and per year, more than 10 time less than in the USA, achieving better Cuban indicators in many areas (racial and income equalities are also much better than before the revolution, while ecological footprint is minimal). In fact, many of my former school comrades went to study in that island (mostly medicine, like many other students from the USA to Pakistan), with some marrying locally. With one of those mother-in-laws strikingly resembling my own mother physically, professionaly and with even very close birth days; I could not help but wonder how she would probably have devoted her youth and enthusiasm to likewise alleviate her fellow compatriots suffering, fighting within the "Ministerio de Salud Publica". Is it not greed and prejudice, edulcorated with ideology-driven pseudo-science such as economics, the twin evils humanity faces everywhere? How comes the little needed to make huge differences everywhere is so patently denied or deviated, even when means are so disproportionate and ever increasing at the cost of the environment and future generations? How long will frivolous entertainments, facades of democracy, consumerism and propaganda of racial and religious prejudices keep the masses away from asking together the right questions, ie those regarding their basic rights to decent living, environment and future? PS: it is noteworthy that Venezuela's current government, supported by those racially and economically oppressed, sent immediate food aid to Somalia, with further fundraising from local militants, in contrast to the token measures of constantly interfering and richer former colonial powers such as France or Italy.

Ciid mubaarak and amiin Xiin; I suppose growing up turns out to be more about "measured pleasure" than the previous almost boundless Ciid joy and fever.

The survey also indicates that Kenya fares poorly among nations that Somaliland youth admires or would like to live in. [...]only 32 per cent of Somaliland youth would like to live here while a huge majority, 62 per cent, preferred the tiny Red Sea nation of Djibouti. Generally, countries from the Horn and East Africa fared badly compared to Islamic states in the Middle East. " Most of the youth in Somaliland admire Saudi Arabia, 76 per cent, followed by United Arabs Emirates (UAE), 72 per cent, Egypt, 62 per cent, and Djibouti, 61 per cent," the research stated. "Djibouti being so high up on the list is not a surprise as the two countries are neighbours... whose people share language, religion, culture and have for the most part lived harmoniously." Interesting piece of research confirmed in other ways; happiness has little to do with "objective" or material conditions and is often elusive where it is most expected. Likewise, it's no surprise we would consider Alexandria or Jeddah as second homes rather than Nairobi. All Arab countries, alongside Malaysia, pakistan etc have always been generous in terms of local scholarships notably (whether it be for Djibouti or Hargeysa, where Egyptian built the only local library). They will probably provide the bulk of future investments, trade or assistance too, with Turkey and even India or China as other main partners (unlike a bankrupt Italia or other less corrupt but services orientated economies provide anyway?)... PS: things need to be recalibrated with all these Al shabab, pirates and blabla as if the Somali state, local agriculture, worldwide staples prices or territorial integrity were not undermined by former colonial powers, with everything else as mere and largely predictable symptoms (which state wouldn't have exhausted itself in regaining half of its territories illegally partitioned? Was it expected that elites groomed by Colonial powers would fare any better? )...

Seems the Gulf is lately offering some solace to the discriminated against youth in French ghettos: Special Envoy - Qatar, the new Eldorado of the "beurs" Qatar, an emirate barely larger than Corsica, but a wealthy country. This is the third largest gas producer in the world, with oil reserves estimated at 700 billion euros. Qatar, an oasis preserved in a world of "financial" storm. A booming economy, the country lacks executives in all industries. With great blows of petrodollars, he recruits foreigners. This is the new Eldorado. For four years, Qatar attracts not only the French expatriates of large corporations but also the French youth of North African origin who grew up in the cités. First victims of employment discrimination in France, they are more likely to come and try their luck in the Gulf. Finding a place under the sun is possible here. With, compared to other expatriates, a double culture which is an asset. Envoyé Spécial - Qatar, le nouvel Eldorado des beurs 1/2 Envoyé Spécial - Qatar, le nouvel Eldorado des beurs 2/2 ................................................... The restaurants entrepeneur named Abdel (28), is now living a 5 stars lifestyle and is an associate of an ultra rich local young investor, despite his most humble past circumstances. The photographer called Brahim is recruted by Qatar Airlines where he is a star employee. The architect finally landing a permanent work contract at 40, supervises a new airport project, while the over-qualified psy (20 years of studies) is now jointly managing a rehabilitation clinic for athletes alongside relatives of the Emir. I like how the still very modest Abdel prays 5 times at the mosque, despite his westernised side, and try to convince Brahim to join him...

The Lancet, Volume 378, Issue 9801, Qatar sets its sights on global scientific domination Priya Shetty The tiny Gulf state of Qatar has plans underway to substantially develop its scientific infrastructure and attract some of the world's top scientists to its shores. Priya Shetty reports. Brazil, China, and India may be the scientific heavyweights of the developing world, but they might soon need to make room for new contenders in the Middle East. To avoid being left economically bereft when their oil reserves eventually dry up, Arab countries have been pumping money into their science infrastructure. One of the most enthusiastic countries to swap oil for science has been Qatar. This tiny oil-rich monarchy has launched an ambitious multibillion dollar plan to become a world leader in science within the next decade—and revolutionise its health-care system in the process. Although the country is cash-rich, its small population means it is low on human resources. As well as funding education programmes and building research parks, those leading Qatar's scientific revolution also need to devise innovative ways to lure foreign researchers, and retain Qatari scientists. [...]Qatar is also desperate to attract overseas talent. “The biggest barrier by far for Qatar is its lack of human capital”, says James Wilsdon, director of science policy at the UK's Royal Society, which will soon release a report on scientific capacity in Qatar. “The total population is around 1·6 million but less than a quarter of these are Qatari nationals. They will be relying on their ability to attract international talent for the foreseeable future”, he adds. But parachuting in scientists for short periods will not solve Qatar's chronic shortage of human resources, says Abdelali Haoudi, vice president of research at the Qatar Foundation. “We are not simply importing cattle or sheep; we are trying to bring in the brightest scientists in the world. But this is not just for a few months—it's a long-term commitment.” Incentives could include offering Qatari citizenship, which might be especially appealing for researchers from poorer Middle Eastern countries, he says. Qatar seems to be making good headway in creating a competitive research environment. 2012 will see the launch of SIDRA Medical and Research Centre, which received a US$7·9 billion endowment from the Qatar Foundation. SIDRA will coordinate its research with Weill Cornell and the Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar's public health provider. Traditionally, Middle Eastern hospitals have only ever provided care, and SIDRA will be the first in the region to combine health-care provision and research, says Haoudi. Qatar's research priorities are driven by national health problems such as chronic diseases. Women and children's health are also major focuses, and the country has a high rate of genetic abnormalities. In time, all of this medical research should feed into the country's health system, which is also being overhauled. In April, Qatar launched an ambitious National Health Strategy to revolutionise health-care provision. “The goal is to bring health care to the masses”, says Sheikh. The strategy plans to do this by expanding community-based care, and improving primary care, which Sheikh says, is universally acknowledged as one of the biggest gaps in Qatar's health system. At the core of Qatar's activity is steely determination. Qatar's ambition “has to be admired”, says Brian Clark, managing director of the Biobank Qatar for Medical Research. “I don't doubt Qatar will deliver its national strategy, because that's the attitude that prevails”. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2961635-8/fulltext?elsca1=ETOC-LANCET&elsca2=email&elsca3=segment