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Reception - Puntland sytle

Baashi – aside the low blows from the opposing camps, here is my breakdown of the conjecture put forth considering the situation in present day Somalia. Unorthodox one might argue, but here is a brief account. I would advise to alienate neither groups, the political leaders (warlords) and Islamic Courts (lawlords) given their muscle, devotees, and economic influence in and around Mogadishu whilst observing the sensitivity of others elsewhere; I however strongly encourage the FTs. So how does one reconcile these two incongruous, yet apparently mutually exclusive ideas? I suggest the following: • Establish a seat for the government which would comprise of the Presidency, the Executive and the top officers of the Legislature in Baydhabo*. MPs however would relocate to their respective regions including the capital, • Deploy security forces comprising solely of FTs in Baydhabo and other parts of the country excluding Mogadishu in the initial phase since Mogadishu is the only city to have thus far voiced its objection to the FTs, hence honouring the concerns of the populace, • Instigate a pilot training and disarming project for armed militias elsewhere in the country including Bay & Bakool and the Jubbas and Shabelles as well as in Puntland whilst a comprehensive, Mogadishu-specific disarmament plan is being drawn out. This further dispels the notion as discussed in some corners that inaYusuf wants to massacre the people of Mogadishu. It further writes off the unqualified argument against FTs – their bringing in decease and social ills whilst prejudicial and arrogant was never valid, convincing argument; (allow me to shock you for a moment - consider the value of a single soldier – no less than $1 billion; and whilst you are at it, give some thought to the value of the life of a Somali person today – ( )), • Simultaneously, the Premier and the President should open dialogue with lawlords in Somalia, Mogadishu in particular, • And since ministers of warlordism credence lack basic conception of government framework, its policies and strategies, occupied with training, projects and trips including foreign and local journeys they should be. More trouble than they are worth, I trust they are if left to their wares. With these in place, one serves multiple objects. Firstly, by listening to the voices of the general public, one wins their sympathy and votes, hence cognisant of their concerns, legitimate or otherwise - being heard, addressed, and not suppressed. Secondly, with Mogadishu remaining FTs-free zone, this would serve as a symbolic gesture to the armed militias in Mogadishu that not only is the government serious about peace and reconciliation, but it is also receptive to opposing views and parties. Thirdly, with negotiations in due process with the lawlords, potential threat level from that front shall diminish. And fourthly, with no invading FTs, rowdy ministers, mostly of warlordism credence, with potential to misconstrue government’s policies to further own ignoble interests shall remain utilised within the government, and so shall their legitimacy as government officials, and not freelance leaders, validated. However, first and foremost the government must speak to its people, address their worries and dispel any illusory, illegitimate concerns. Thus far, they had failed to do so, and all the while their opposition is busy planting insidious, unduly fictitious notions in the minds of the weary, credulous general public. *Equally significant is the relocation to Baydhabo which serves a number of purposes. Firstly, its operations on Somali soil shall legitimise in principal the entity that is of the government as it is no longer a government in exile. It already enjoys the support of 15 out of the original 18 regions (excluded are Somaliland and segments of Mogadishu’s residents – one must not assume all Mogadishu is opposing the government). No longer is the government using up funds and resources that could benefit the locals in foreign capitals – its presence is good for the local economy. Secondly, now that the real and hard work of reconciliation, rehabilitation, disarmament and realisation of Somalia’s worries shall commence with MPs and Ministers busy with their day to day operations. No longer will a minister or an MP speak out of his a'rse in boredom in Nairabi preying on the vulnerabilities of the innocent and emotions of the disorientated many– ambitious I know. Thirdly, from the strategic perspective, its location bears significance – whilst it is close to the capital for future relocation, yet it is further enough to sustain its operations and fedd off any potentially precarious spill-over from the capital. Digressed I know, but boowe, let us wait for the Council of Ministers to decide upon its location whilst the Parliament debates the case for and against FTs for the coming days … I shall rest the short version there for the day …. tata ...

Gentlemen - whilst chewing on the questions raised and subjects of FTs and relocation, I came across an interview with Prof. Al-Azhari, an advisor to Somalia’s President who delves head first right into the raw gouge of the issues at hand. Listen to it, and lets re-group at sunrise, shall we? http://hornafrik.com/Audio/Azari.rm

Baashi – brilliant my dear fellow – now let us peel the assumptions each in turn ... hang on though .... allow me to chew on the assumptions and collect my thoughts over dinner. In the meantime, let me throw a wrench in the mix, so to speak. Let us assume Geedi and inaYusuf listen to the masses in Mogadishu and come to their senses, and scrap FTs altogether. And with political leaders (warlords) and Islamic Courts (lawlords) armed, how do you then disarm the nation? Gediid – I do not think relocation to Baydhabo or to any other city (with the exception of Hargeysa) is as difficult as it appears with the likes of Ato et al proposing 120 days .... and when (next few days) it comes to pass, the Council of Ministers shall sanction it with a majority vote.

Gediid ... Correction ... it was the FTs the Council of Ministers had sanctioned, and NOT the relocation which I trust is still pending ... a decision for the Council of Ministers NOT requiring Parliament's approval. They debated the issue, but did not reach a decision to that effect.

Gediid - I thought you knew that a couple of weeks ago (first week of Feb., if not mistaken), the Council of Ministers chaired by the PM debated the issue of temporarily relocating the seat of government, and operating from a city other than Mogadishu, and on the same day voted for Baydhabo. Minister Ato suggested 120 days for Baydhabo with the rest, 47 I think the number was, agreeing to his suggestions. I'll see if I could lay my hands on the news bulletin. Correction ... it was the FTs the Council of Ministers had sanctioned, and NOT the relocation which I trust is still pending ... a decision for the Council of Ministers NOT requiring Parliament's approval.

Gediid - I agree one never knows what will come of the foreign troops (FT) upon arrival, and one must be very cautious as to their involvement. But here, let us develop the rationale against FTs: for what reasons(s) do we oppose? and what are the alternatives? By the way, the issue concerning FTs is for the Parliament to debate and decide upon its course; however, the decision for relocation was for the Ministers and has already been reached.

Could someone explain to me as to why we should oppose foreign troops intervention? What is it that they (troops) could do that had not been done on to Somalia and Somalis? Would the idea appeal to the opposing camps, should Ethiopian troops had been excluded? If still no, what is the solution? And please, for the Almighty sake, let us not fall on to the good old “we can do it ourselves†line? Then what? Now, let us be careful in lumping the whole of Somalia in one wad - fact remains it is only segments of Mogadishu's residents predominantly followers of the pseudo wadads of Somalia that opposes not only foreign troops, but a government in itself – perhaps a quarter of Mogadishu's residents, if not less. That being the case, their voice must be heard as stakeholders, and should not be suppressed, whilst at the same time not overestimating their influence; therefore the government (the PM) must come up with a plan to accommodate their concerns and grievances, legitimate or otherwise. If one looks at Somalia's map, only handful regions are in opposition. For instance, only Banadir and its environs incl. parts of Lower Shabele are on the outside as things stand at the moment, with the rest of the country already aboard. And here is where PM Gedi should be concentrating his efforts – reaching out to the wadads and their followers. LB - Somalis have failed now and then to sort their problems out amongst themselves; now it is for others to sort things out for them. And whilst I dislike foreign troops on Somali soil, I see no alternative, hence my support for their involvement as a neutral force in facilitating (critical) the disarmament of armed militias throughout Somalia. On the issues of relocation, I trust is not only a viable option, but the most pragmatic one; yet before such a decision has been presented to the Parliament for sanctioning, the PM (Geddi) with his executive powers must explain his policies and strategies for relocation to the general public – so far that had not happened, and here lies some of his trouble. The public are looking to and for answers, and unfortunately none are forthcoming where our Premier is concerned. Jamatatu – inaAdeer I understand you oppose foreign troops, but let's reason though, shall we? What do we do then?

Foreign troops - I lend my support to that effect, and my reasoning for it is simple - there is no point is being sick and not wanting to see a doctor even if it is to have all fours amputated, for eventually all fours shall fall off and goes along shall be more than just the fours, should you not see to them soonest. It is a matter of time – lose it now, or later. Despite the misogynist Somali pride that is no longer, the poignant, albeit simulated hullabaloo of Mogadishu’s residents, and Somali’s generally mislaid abhorrence for its neighbours, notably Ethiopia, it is in the best interest of Somalia to have foreign troops intervention. If we cannot rid ourselves of the ills, let others help us (operative) rid it. We failed to reconcile, yet with the help of others Somalia had two chances to regain its conscious - Arta & Mbagathi. And now, with the help of others, like or not, disarmed Somalis shall be, for Somalis are emotive beings, and not rational mortals. The irony in the argument against foreign troops is so infantile that it defies logic. The good old saying “doofaarka ma cunee, fuudkiisaan cabaa ….†spring to mind. How is it that one finds it acceptable to impose in the most unsolicited manner on others expecting in absolute certainty to be dined and cajoled, yet cries foul when the hosting nation hints a mere notion of sending its precious sons and daughters to the prowling twats of Somalia – do they not realise that no one wants to risk his life in going to Somalia in its present state … Suudi, Ato and Qanyare (I pick the three ‘cos they voiced their protest thus far) do not mind jetting in and out of Nairobi and Adis Ababa, being served by Ethiopian and Kenyan ladies, being chauffeured by Ethiopian and Kenyan drivers, being hosted by their governments devouring all the while cuisines of their respective countries, yet have the audacity to growl in holier than thou tumult for the mere mention of Kenyans or Ethiopians coming to Somalia to what? …. breath life into their sorry backsides. Where in the world other than Somalia do such creatures with such raison d'être and folly habit? Absolutely ghastly … Need I say more …

Indeed ...

Rahima – It is refreshing to hear your account of the old the country and your speaking well of it. Am glad to learn your experience has been rather well. But heary, you sound more like the old geezer who once for his life travelled outside his dominion only to come back a few days later to coin a phrase that is quite applicable in your case judging from some of you comments: “mar dhoofâ€. Perhaps some of the chaps on the scene have not seen much of Somalia lately, but dears do not forget there are those of us who frequent Somalia of all. Share, if you will, your personal account and observations of the cities you had the pleasure to visit: what were the high points? Surprises, disappointments and the like? Are there no pictures? And welcome back, Cheers.

Link The audio is rather poorly, but zoom into the 10th minute!

QL - My dear nomad, allow me to point you to a different direction. Under Somalia’s transitional charter, which mind you is a brushed up replica of the original charter of 1954, with the exception of its deviating from the traditional State mechanism and adopting federalism in lieu of centralist unitary system of government, the powers to be rests with the Executive Branch: the Premier. The presidency indeed has perks and prerogatives, but mere, if anything and not as much, and certainly not the executive powers. It is the interpreters of the charter who only single out a chapter, or an article, only to fail to fully absorb its provisions. For instance, CHAPTER EIGHT PART III THE EXECUTIVE ARTICLE 46 THE PRIME MINISTER 1. The Executive power shall vest in the Council of Ministers. 2. The President shall appoint the Prime Minister who shall be the leader and chair of the Council of Ministers. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTERS AND MINISTERS. 3. The Prime Minister shall propose to the President names of persons to be appointed Deputy Prime Ministers; 4. The Prime Minister shall propose to the President names of persons to be appointed Ministers and Assistant Ministers; 5. Each Deputy Prime Ministers shall have a ministerial portfolio and shall supervise a group of related ministries in the political, social and economic sectors. Their specific duties shall be specified by legislation. ARTICLE 48 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRIME MINISTER. 1. The Prime Minster shall have the following responsibilities - (a) Preside over the meetings of the Council of Ministers. (b) Be responsible for the promotion, co-ordination and supervision of government policy and general administration. ARTICLE 49 TENURE OF OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER. 1. A person whose appointment as Prime Minister has been confirmed by the Parliament shall assume office upon taking the oath hereunder. “In the name of Allah I swear that I will discharge faithfully all my duties as Prime Minister in the interest of the people and that I will abide by the Charter and laws of the Somali Republicâ€. 2. The term of office of the Prime Minister shall continue until: (a) He/She dies, resigns or is dismissed from office; or (b) Until another person is appointed to that office. Now, a quick glance alters one’s perception, does it not? Do indulge me my dear fellow and do tell where lies the powers to be, is it with the Premier or with el Presidente? Perhaps with the latter. I think not! And if one inspects closely, with every gizmo of authority availed to the President, a subsequent conditional article deprives the President of the said power. Ever step the President assumes must be first approved by the Council of Ministers, and then sanctioned by the Council of MPs. Cheers.

Bashi – good summary of the encounters ‘ween the two gentlemen. The trouble here is that neither of the men in question knows what they are on about? Jirde is as much in the dark of the facts as Hashi is. Both are of Hargeisa and its environs … with Hashi being of Daruuraha on the northern side of the bridge “Dooxa Hargeisaâ€, and Jirde of the southern trap in Dumbuluq. How then is either a buff on the subject matter? I could see Silanyo or even Saleban Gal on the roar, but neither men has the faintest idea as to the ins and outs of the regions concerned. If we go by the rough estimation offered by Jirde, and the people of the SS&C regions are no more than 800th, then I bet you residents of the strip ‘ween Hargeisa and Buroa are no more than 800th. More importantly, I think the 800th Jirde is referring to in his discharge is of adults in the regions concerned excluding women, children and the elderly. Gediid - Why the “harawsi†‘ere mate. Baaniyal has both negative and not so negative connotations in Hargeisa – no idea about its meanings in other regions. As kids, anyone we suspected of dubious ancestry, we used brand “baadariâ€, or something along those lines, insinuating “garacâ€, hence the term “bast**** â€. You hardly used the “G†term, instead the “B†word was fashionable. Wealthy, stingy people were also labelled as “baaniyaals†for their wherewithal, and I thought that was only in Hargeisa where the remaining handful Indians from the colonial era were still residing.

Xirsi Magan iyo Ammaanta Baydariga Sare. http://www.radiodaljir.com/audio/2004/daljir/ammaanta_baydariga.ram

Born Evil? Augustine v Pelagius: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/realmedia/misc/great_debates1.ram Do our genes make us who we are? Haller v Wolff: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/realmedia/misc/great_debates2.ram Coming up – 29/Dec Imperial misdemeanour? Burke v Hastings

Suugaanta BAYDARIGA iyo Xirsi Magan

Kowneyn and Lander – Have you no shame lads … You still cannot find the streak within you to blotch this fetid disposition of barbaric proportion for what it is without licking own hide at first glance, then pointing fingers for a second glimpse. Puntland media did what the Somaliland media failed to do – expose rogues within the CID ranks and their sadistic invective. Had it not been for the media, the fate of Samsam would have been dealt the same hand of that of the deaf, retarded young girl raped at Radio Hargeisa’s front gate by guards - Not a sole drop from the censored media in Hargeisa. Abominable events cum atrocious deeds of past decades are recounted only at late night jamborees for camaraderie is thus secured, cowling or so it appears at least for generation X whose only grasp is by way of the remote partiality and the genial hear ye hear ye mode of rationalising even when the pin had obliquely dropped for the home team. Oddly enough, your bellows to this date and roar at this late stage of the game slope towards the lawyers, and not for the injured party. Convinced I am had it been up to Somaliland, the poor child would have languished in the grotty, adult cells of Hargeisa’s central prison, muck and all. Glad I am her fate is dissimilar to that of her Somali peers of past legions. Just conduct, fair hearing, and right course ought not be only availed to one’s kith and kin, but for all notwithstanding one’s ideological persuasion, allegiance and affinity. According to Kowneyn, the fault is never with the perpetrators, but with Puntland, victim’s home territory. Had it not been for them, the dear lass would not have been subjected to such barbaric handling. Similar thinking I should think is at hand here of that of “… had children not been of Jewish pedigree, we would not have sent them to concentration camps to perish. Rather, humane treatment would have been availed….†Closer to home, Siyad Barre and his generals were quoted to have said of the late 80s civilian assault in Dacadhbuluq and Nasahablood “…had they [civilians] not rebelled and sided with the foe [snm], the government would not have had to use excessive force to subdue their unduly cataclysm. Here, Kowneyn would have us believe that had it not been for Puntland media, just hand would have been dealt for Samsam…. Notice how the act of rape, degradation, deprivation of all right and dignity concern NOT the dear fellow … is not the gentleman a bloody monkey with a banana on an aslant branch! If that was not enough folly from the same team on a single day, the ever so potty Lander, wollies and bares, warts and all, joins the tussle to dig own chasm. “….. the only winners in this scenario are those who were exploited this young girls case in the Puntland media.†Lander - Ever wondered what the role of the media is? Shame we sussed out they have none. Morals the young ones have not...who would have thought eh?

Do not I love to see the juves in their hurried galloping spilling cows wallops in their stride at the mere vista of actuality. Abhor or not, Mogadishu provides a glimpse of the appalling state of the beloved Somalia. Its yours not. Nor mine. OURS it indeed is. Make a mockery of it, if your please, at own pleasure. Give it to oneself, if you dare, at own peril. Such scenes depict the enormity of the task that awaits Somalis. Elsewhere in Somalia of old might appear appealing on the surface, but in the innermost part, no different at par. More of the beloved, besieged Mogadishu!

Mogadishu Makeshift camps Mogadishu International Airport http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/04/africa_mogadishu_life/html/1.stm

Did not you get it yet mate? Bloody postman…always tossing about….most likely on its way! Eid MubaraK!

Eid Mubarak to all the nomads! Many Happy Returns!

Dare I say none of the above. Its the alliance between the neo-cons and rural America that clinched the hatrick, if you could call it as such. Hard core conservatives succeeded in convincing average America that the only way to defeat Islam, salvage Western civilisation, elongate American's economic and military supremacy whilst resuscitating the church influence is to take the battle to the Muslims in their backyards, dilute its core influence, and send Bibble-embracing, boy George to the White House for four more years. On a more serious note though, what is really at stake is the ailing justices at the supreme court. With justices Rehnquist in hospital for contagious colon cancer amongst other things, and O'connor, Stevens and Ginsburg falling due for retirement, potential nomination for justices is critical, thusly conservative America is neither willing nor could it afford to give the bleeding liberals a hand in shaping the future of the empire. As matters stand at the moment, you have got three liberal justices and three conservatives with Rehnquist, the Ace, filling either quota though leaning more towards the conservative corner. And with Bush at the helm, you have got conservative America at the Supreme Court for the next half a century. Thusly, none of the following: Gay marriage, abortion and global alliance on an equal footing - deeds had thus been committed to action. Cheers.