College of Education and The Institute of Nursing This I trust is the way forward, and more effective approach than opening up new institutions with little, if any resources, human or otherwise. There ought to be a plan to amalgamate existing seats of learning whilst incorporating new ones into the fold. I applaud this initiative by the EA University, and do hope to see others i.e. Amouod and Hargeisa follow suit in places like Berbera and Buroa. I understand Buroa university is being planned. How about making it a part of Amoud or Hargeisa. I understand Nugaal and Puntland State universities are being planned. How about making them a part of EA university, thusly creating a synergy in human capital, resources, knowledge base and economies of scale. Best of luck though, College of Education and The Institute of Nursing

Dear O Dear, and a big one at that … After a lull of perhaps resting the psyche for greater pedagogic of the mind, self-induced of course from the daily Somali mantra, a tour de jour to familiar ground later, faced there I was with the astringent frivolity the likes of Hornafrique, our flag waving charlatan avails to the ever so patient frequent visitors of SOL, thusly felt duty bound thereafter to offer own perspective. Nothing changed in my absence I notice; as to my relief I encounter a familiar harangue by the said gentleman in yet another relentless condemnation of thy neighbour, only to relinquish sanity, yet hurriedly embracing ghastly, if not ghostly daemons that strip, if not devour, the soul of one’s godly equanimity. Discussing ideas are never his thing. Speak of personalities, and indeed you shall be treated as royalty; thusly could expect a masterly low-down on the selected few. Here, I too wish to take leave of my usual as I borrow a page out of his. His, it ought to be noted, is a double-edged sword. On one sharp end, he wishes to gut the defenceless in a hyena-like fashion whilst on the other he bares a softy, bosomy posture alike of a gentle Alaskan bear only to suffocate the crowd with his humpty dumpy bear-hugging ménage à trois. Be warned, the brother is acquainted with a single line of rationalising his lately reinvigorated craft de tour: that of making his presence felt in the company of the youthful few. You shall hear of him not, should peeling off the surface is abound, where more than single liners are required to substantiate, challenge the intellect, or withstand the swifties. Engage not our sweetheart Horn, for he tucks furry tail when done so. Keep his company, that we do oblige. A word of advise to the newbies – a brakeless wreck of train with the gold-toothed Horn on the wheel clad in silvery jacket (one would have thought the Swiss a/cs had dried up by now after a score of years and no credit enteries in the ledger books) sipping the blood of the innocent whilst blowing the whistle on the other with aplenty of balderdash aboard, is on course, thusly one ought to stand aside lest fusty particles land on one’s forehead. Need I say more?

15th of May – A day worthy of remembrance ….. And a lost legacy!!!

Hargeisa - Police this week arrest 19 activists in Hargeysa protesting against corruption. 19 people arrested for demonstrating against corruption 2004 Budget Analysis

Sareeda - Sweltering hot for a few months of the annum during the day it might be, but air conditioning, which most facilities that cater for humpy-dumpy, comfy-inured-to punch like myself are to be had; it is indeed a therapeutic stroke on a doctor’s prescription note for anyone prone to ailments associated with lax in bodily perspiration – check couch-potato expats in northAmerica and Europe. Nowhere near Jeddah though; and indeed less stern than Erigavo, Jibouti and Berbera all of which could blind an old geezer with the scorching sun rays. At night it is a story of a different kind. Hey, pack the sun lotion, do not forget the sunshades, and you might relish the thought – 101 induction from the locals upon arrival might be in order. Nonetheless, it shall be a worldly experience, Best of luck, Cheers.

Ayoub – it is not a chit-chat per se old boy, rather the issue demands a comprehension of sort of what is being deliberated. Do you have something of value to share with respect to the issue at hand? I know it might be a bit too much to ask, but could you think inwardly for a moment ‘fore yawning please? And if tempted to think outwardly, make an attempt to provoke, will you please?

Barwaaqo - Good call. Will do! Cheers.

Have you seen Hani Iman? Desc: she is described as black, about 5" tall, of stocky build and with shoulder-length black hair. Anyone with information should contact the Kilburn police on 020 8733 3720 http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.487901.0.concern_over_missing_somali_girl.php

There are also allegations that the good Minister himself was a part to a widespread culture of State funds misappropriation that found its way to the highest branches of the administration. How? An un-collateralised loan of just under $1MM secured through illicit, backhander modes in business dealings by the good minister was never paid off. In fact, the allegations go as high as he defaulted on his loans, and was later ordered to repay, or face foreclosure, thus his blowing the whistle. One such establishment that benefited from the loan is Hotel Mansoor, one of the finest in Hargeisa.

$16MM is large sum of money to disappear in thin air with no accountability for any country, let alone a resource-starved one. It is tempting to write it off on the basis of funds misappropriation, but the issue brings a bigger concern to the fore, thusly demands cautious handling along the lines of recourse with view of preventing it from happening in the future. The good minister - "the whistleblower" highlighted matters of concern. Teaming and lading – collusion if you will is evident amongst Executive and ministerial branches (it is presumed the good minister has no ulterior motives to implicate the highest branch), Absent General Audit - In the art of accountancy, strong internal control system, auditing, and segregation of duty all of which are missing from the scene duly contribute to such occurrences, hence perhaps the office of the General Audit, which functions NOT as designed at this juncture ought to be involved with independent, technocratic personnel proficient in treasury checks and balances in place. Clear definition of functions amongst 50+ ministers and authority amongst the three main branches (Exec., Legislature and Judiciary) which appear blurred demand delineation to grant recourse. More importantly, the critical imbalance ‘ween the issues at hand and the human capital (personnel) expected to man the said issues demands higher practical assessment – here lies the calamitous predicament. Familiarity with GAAP (not the clothes shop) might be of service here! Is Awil (minister of finance) acquainted with GAAP standards and principles? Only if he could be availed an afternoon tea round with Sir David Tweedy or his counterparts in that part of the world, if there is such a thing. Could there be creative accounting at work here? Or is Awil simply caught with his hand in the till, as it were? Could he have not been more careful in concealing those charges, or does the rest of his comrades there just for the picking, as suggested by the good minister? More grippingly, observed in his recommendations is the issue of Presidential Expenditure – the root cause of all the problems in lie with third world administrations. The question is, if the President and his VP were handsomely remunerated, would that add another layer of funds dispensation to an already congested line of ravenous purses, or will it indeed assuage the malady? The famous saying by Riyaale ….”there is nothing to misappropriate here” when challenged of ridding corruption of his administration springs to mind. The good minister made a rather decent start in his counsel which indicates lack of expertise in the matters dealt on his part, and unfortunately fails to follow through in providing process and clarity as to how his proposals could be effected, and how to avoid own shortcomings, as perfection in mode exists not. What does this say about Riyaale as an effective, perhaps egalitarian (not democratic – I wish to suspend the application of the term for the present moment) leader for castrating the “whistleblower”? Further, was not the issues concerning TOTAL one of the issues that saw Boqor Buurmadow behind bars for months? Why was he sacked? For challenging the 2004 budgetary recommendations, demanding the 2003 Unqualified Audit Review, raising issues surrounding unaccounted funds (16mm usd ‘ween 2002 - 2004), and most importantly for questioning the budgetary rationale of the Ministry of Finance. A lesson for other ministers – speak up for the good of the general public and stand for what is in the public interest, even if there is a chance one might be sent to the gallows – principles and convictions matter more than purse fillings and camaraderie. Shall leave there for the moment, Cheers. further reading on the matter and why the good minister was sacked - Miisaaniyadda 2004 ee aynu maanta arrineeda ka hadlayno waa:- 1. Mid dib-u-dhac badani ku yimi. 2. Mid aan xisaab xidhkeedii la soo hordhigin Golaha wasiiradda. 3. Mid dakhligii Wasaaraduhu soo xereeyeen aan loo qorin sidii ay ahayd (inta aan anigu caddaymahooda hayo):- • US$ 557,100 4. Mid ay ka maqan yihiin dakhli ay ahayd in Miisaaniyadda lagu darro sida: waxaynu halkan ku qeexaynaa Dakhliga ka maqan Miisaaniyadda 2002 iyo 2003 (muddaddii talada uu hayey Madaxweynahani). • Lacagta adag ee Cashuurta Xoolaha la dhoofiyo – US$ 3,605,300 • Dakhliga Dekedda Berbera – US$ 3,400,00 • Dakhliga Haamaha Shidaalka – US$ 986,965 • Lacagta adag ee ay bixiyaan Shisheeyaha doonaya dalkeena in ay maal geliyaan Petrolka – US$ 500,000. • Xadiidka Dalka ku baahsan (Scrab) oo sharciyan mamnuuc ah in dalka laga saaro (Waa la ogaan). 1. Dheeraadkii Miisaaniyaddii 2002 – US$ 2,590,000 2. Dheeraadkii Miisaaniyaddii 2003 – US$ 4,834,900 Approximate TOTAL. US$ 16,474,300 1. Lacagta xadigaa lihi ma tahay mid ka go’da ummaddan baahan? 2. Golaha Wasiiraddu inay indhaha ka laliyaan lacagta intaa le’eg oo ay ka hadli wayaan, miyaanay ahayn xilkoodii oo ay ka gaabiyeen? 3. Golaha Wakiiladda iyana maxaa laga filayaa? 4. Dadweynaha reer Somaliland dibedda iyo dalka jooga miyey tahay inay ka aamusaan masiirkooda iyo ka ubadkooda? 5. Axsaabta Dalka xil gaar ah ayaa ka saaran arrimaha aynu soo xusnay, gaar ahaan Xisbiga UDUB, oo ay tahay inuu siyaasadiisa ku hoggaamiyo Xukuumadda.

Sareeda – having had the pleasure to have worked, extensively travelled and associated with people from both countries, I could tell you one thing: intellect and provocative philosophical rationale, which writing is a part, is not something in which US prides itself. Essay or report writing, analytical discourse of diverse genre is not encouraged, perhaps in academia, but neither in corporate nor in real life – this is from experience, thusly subjective. Multiple choice in even scholastic discourse is favoured over other modes of erudition. In fact, one would notice the sharper one is deemed, the less likely America in general [operative] would embrace one. This trend which became rather popular in the 70s in urbanite America, percolated rather gently into rural America with a vengeance, so to speak. Not only is that starkly perceptible in the popular culture and politics, but also in social engagements. Conversely, UK, perhaps uniquely in this category as it arguably differs from the rest of the world in this instance, seems reluctant to embrace attributes of the POP culture. That being the case, Somalis as almost every other recent immigrant minority tend to embrace the POP culture, warps and all; thusly abhor complexity in all things, thereby failing to tap into the deeper intellectual, cultural aspects of the host nations, US in this instance. One would observe Somali youngsters clinching on to the worse of conduct, and in language in some Metros, distancing themselves from the primary core values of the host culture, and instead being filtered unfortunately by the side. Conformity and sense of belonging to the wider community is then secured that way. What is forfeited inadvertently however is far greater than realised. Somalis in Britain have had lengthy historical association with the host nation dating back to the 40s, thusly had moved away from the primal societal stages identifiable in new arrivals as presently observed in Somalis in the US who had technically began immigration in the latter half of the 90s as opposed to their counterparts in Britannia. Hope that sheds a tiny beam on this awful terrible matter for you. Got to dash, Cheers.

In a country where ethnicity is a major factor in senior public service appointments, the choice of Brig Muhammed Hussein Ali as Police Commissioner was of particular interest. It brought to the fore the existence of what can only be termed a minority of minorities. They had been recruited from Kismayu, then part of the British Somaliland Protectorate. After retirement, or discharge from military service, they remained in Kenya, many taking up employment in safari camps as gun bearers and trackers for so-called White Hunters. The Armed Forces, however, remains their favourite occupation. Brig Ali, whose father and grandfather were soldiers, himself abandoned studies at Form 5 in Nyeri High School to enlist in the military. However, their numbers and status had always bothered the colonial authorities, who at one time considered trucking them back to Northern Somalia (present day Puntland). The plan was abandoned due to the huge costs of repatriation and resettlement. It was also considered that it would be greatly unfair to just move them from Kenya against their will after their sterling service in two world wars. In colonial Kenya where racial classifications were standard, where to place them also became an issue. Broad classifications placed Europeans at the top of the social order, followed by Asians and Arabs, with indigenous Africans, referred to as natives, at the bottom of the pile. The Somali of the North Eastern Province and the Swahili of the coast, both claiming kinship to the Arabs, were placed in a special category, just a notch above the Africans. read it here

Postman – my dear boy, public school in England I hear is doing quite all right though my young brother keeps telling me the sta^e of is i^ rather appalling, inn’t it mate! (note the cockney flip at the end). Nonetheless, it is a^righ. Reading law, are you mate? I gave up on corporate law long time ago mate, but must admit do miss the case analysis and constructing arguments with view of dismantling defence councils’ at glance – all in the class room mind you. Fun I found it, but no more! Keep it up mate; surely we could do with more solicitors and barristers in the impending century - Alas, the 21st had almost lapsed with nothing added to the treasury. Catch you la^er, Cheers.

Baashi – Old boy, I’ve not had the pleasure to catch 60 minutes, but read portions of the transcript in relation to this matter, and I must admit this French frog is on to something. Notice how he challenges the dominant perspective that once condemned by the US and its allies, one is presumed to be guilty, albeit the appellant might be less culpable more so than the defence barrister might argue in the legal proceedings. Mr Frog needless to say is shrewd, far more cleverer than he’s given credit for, yet is ill-reputed at the first stroke for questioning the lynching mob ala Sharon; and unless one embraces Judo-Christian beliefs, or one subscribes to the new world order theorem courtesy of Dubya, one's views hardly matter - check the Muslim world along with developing countries with not so readily exploitable resources. It is no more than intellectual workout for the Europeans, they be in mainland Europe or in the North America, thusly matters not whether Saddam is seemingly brought to trial or not. Saddam’s daughters and imbecile Muslims surely will have fallen for his charm coughing up million of dollars in defence, Saddam will be sent to the gallows to be made of an example, and more power will have gone to the ruling families of Caucasia. See where I am going with this? Perhaps one would have been tempted to make further elucidation had the gathering flock attributed minute sense of urgency to this grave matter. Shall leave there for there day, Until then, so long old bud,

SERVES THEM BLOODY RIGHT! Democracy: the American style delivered in IRAQ and in due process throughout the Muslim world! Lynching – the KKK style, or is it the good Lord Christ’s grandeur. GUN TO HEAD: The terrified suspect cowers as a gun is placed at his head - then the rifle barrel was forced into his mouth http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/mirror/may2004/1/2/0009DF21-4C67-1093-953F80BFB6FA0000.jpg BUTT IN GROIN: A rifle is cruelly jabbed in the young man's groin as his eight-hour nightmare goes on [ May 02, 2004, 10:14 AM: Message edited by: J11 ]

Somali-girl – ooooohjjjj, easy lassy - that was one ‘ell of a below the belt uppercut mi Lady - come on, do not you reckon I am a tad bit too mellow for “showing off” as you put. Tom who? Schooling mi Lady was the courtesy of Her Majesty. And welcome to our humble lair, mi Lady – mind the gap though you might get devoured if not stomp circumspectly with a bit of agility and cagily slant. Cheers.

I thought the issue was debated and put to rest a while back. Whilst the gridlock and indeterminate status of the peace conference is being accounted, no wide spread discourse, implied or otherwise concerning Puntland’s desire to secede had been put forth amongst Somalis in Puntland, at least to the best of my knowledge - with the exception of allpuntland's of course. The intellectuals might have entertained the matter, but the leadership along with the general populace are unwaveringly obstinate in their political convictions which derive impetus from the principal nationalistic ardour that is not easily dislodged. Whilst people of Puntland fully embrace the Somali nationalism fervour, surprised I would not be had the hypothesis of throwing in the towel, so to speak, had been assessed judging from the situation in Mogadishu. Further, I am yet to come across anyone from that part of Somalia insinuating any such conception, god only knows the Somali case is as much frustrating as it is intriguing, thusly would remain receptive to all ideas at this juncture. Cheers.

And one more time here he is with Somali intellectuals in London. Are Angel and Ayoub still kidding themselves into believing that the old man indeed was never in London? Interesting enough, word has it he is on his way to Italy, where he shall remain for a few days, en route to Dubai and back to the heart of the land of Punt, Lascaanod in particular. pictures Cheers.

Here again is Puntland's leader meeting with Somali ladies in London– more pictures

Postman - to the contrary old chap, your critique was received rather well as noted in the opening line of the post I congenially scripted as in “pleasure mate”. Rigid, taxing, lacking flexibility –dear bruv are all subjective and opinions one quite rightly could behold. Relinquishing or depriving you of your right to critique, that I am not. Certain I am however, Ms Maggie, my O’level English teacher, would have subjected your point to a protracted dialogue, but would have contested your clause-related query finding no ill in the adopted penship herein, and with respect to the question of comprehensibility. Receptive I too am on similar terms to thou point in the most genial fashion. Simplicity in writing was raised to lend support, add value to the adaptation of the preferred academic, technical style over the widely in use tabloid mode, and to mock or deride your critique NOT my fellow countryman. You wrote “ I suggest you set a norm of simple sentences--subject, verb and object--and use other grammatical forms and more complex constructions to produce calculated effect, don't just aim for variety ” In Montessori perhaps, or in undergraduate where one masters the art of crossing one’s Js and Rs in stride, but not in academia where scholastic, ingenious styles are highly encouraged, thusly subject, verb and object matter not in such instances with substance and material of value demanded. Nonetheless, chill old chap, write as you will, with élan and panache should such is desired, and perceive diversity, ingenuity of various genres in all as you trot along. Best of luck, Cheers.

That is more like it - Xabad Joojin Laascaanood! more on the ceasefire [ April 20, 2004, 05:05 PM: Message edited by: Admin ]

Caramel_kisses – “what happened to the Muslims?” - good question dear. Wish I knew. Trouble in my opinion is pseudoMuslims are in the mindset that they are still roaming on the arch, eating dates in the desert awaiting Noah to svae the day. Muslims if you will are Muslims by name. Period. None of the tenets of Islam or its doctrine are being observed nor adhered to. And there lies the dilemma. Perhaps Muslims should await Issa’s return, and till then commit themselves to a life of slavery to the Bushes and Blairs of this world. That would suit more fittingly from the look of it. I am less convinced by the day that Allah will be with the pseudoMuslims of this world. Strongly am of the belief they are dogged herein, and shall be holed up in the hereafter. The brain cells and finer veins in the body ache as if rheumatic at the mere thought of the state of Muslims of all locales and creed. Cheers. ............ More on the story .... Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward It's hard to know what is more disturbing. That George W. Bush misled the public by stating in the months before the Iraq war that he was seriously pursuing a diplomatic resolution when he was not. That he didn't bother to ask aides to present the case against going to war. That he may have violated the U.S. Constitution by spending hundreds of millions of dollars secretly to prepare for the invasion of Iraq without notifying Congress. That he was misinformed by the CIA director about one of the most critical issues of the day and demanded no accountability. Or that he doesn't care if he got it wrong on the weapons of mass destruction. Analysis

Geeljire – how about this mate? “Aalaaba shu’un maanka xiisa gelisa, mudan munaaqasho fac weyn lehna dalabkeeda, bu’da iyo nuxurkeeduna yahay hanasho kulmiso manfac u leh ardaaga iyo xertiisa, si kama dambaysta turxaan bixin afkaareed loo dhaxlo, ayaa laysla soo qaadaa” Sophist – what happened to the rest of that verse? Postman – pleasure mate. Technical prose in my line of business is associated with substance; thusly very little attention is paid to the simplistic style of writing for various reasons (discussion is beyond the scope herein, hence shan't bore you with it). Now, do you notice anything difference in the following lines when in Somali as opposed to the referenced in English? “Aalaaba shu’un maanka xiisa gelisa, mudan munaaqasho fac weyn lehna dalabkeeda, bu’da iyo nuxurkeeduna yahay hanasho kulmiso manfac u leh ardaaga iyo xertiisa, si kama dambaysta turxaan bixin afkaareed loo dhaxlo, ayaa laysla soo qaadaa” Cheers.

Angel dear – I am under the impression the photos were taken on Sat 17/Apr. Perhaps Kenadiid could confirm that for us since he had the pleasure. Better yet, get in touch with the webmaster of allpuntland to verify the exact date of the photos. Best of luck, Cheers.