Ooh Ayoub_S – you might want to talk to the girls as I think they are a little bit more pragmatic than you are. In case their pleas did not quite catch on, theirs was a call for a truce, and there you go again stirring the pot. Give it a rest, will you? Surprisingly, even when an issue of genuine concern has been raised you come running with your gobs wide open with preconceived notions of prejudice without a moment’s thought. Then, when your pleas had been noted, you go back running to the mud house tossing spoonful of dirt. And when challenged you tuck tail and disappear into the woods for weeks as though scolded for wrongdoing. Astonishingly bewildering! If there is anything you consider worthy of dialogue, please table it, and you shall be indulged. Other than that Mind the Gap old boy!

“A good constitution isn’t enough – the will [for peace] mustn’t be confined to paper. It also has to take hold of people’s minds.” Albert Kagabo of Burundi. http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=111&sid=4284227 Federalism offers strong salve for ethnic conflict The threat of ethnic conflict hangs over many multicultural societies. The extent to which federalism can point the way to peaceful coexistence has been one of the main themes at the international conference on federalism in St Gallen. http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=111&sid=1305606

Ladies, it is a tough game we, blokes, play in the politics forum. Does not mean odium and abhorrence is felt for one another though you seem convinced otherwise. It is a simple training ground that has been there for the male species since the beginning – a sinister tough affection if you will. If you wish to partake, find where knots meet the tandem on the fibre. Leave the emotions aside. Come prepared with facts and opinions, right or otherwise to share and/or refute, and vice versa. Surely, an attempt to squash one’s ego, and not massaged will be made for such are the rule of the game. Now, I do not know whether you (Africa & Rahma) are suffering form relapses of selective memory, or if you are being beguiled by own intolerance, but your agreed, unanimous I may add, settlement that no single person here posts anything negative about his/her regions while nothing positive about other regions leaves much to be desired. Let us start with Puntland re: not so pleasant articles I was able to fetch in the following – Political squabbling in Puntland Unfair business practices in Puntland As for good news and issues of concern about Somaliland, I was able to find in the following - Commendable activities of the mayor of Burco Warning of rogue personalities to represent Somaliland Please tell me why you failed to note these news articles? How many more posted by other could there be, many. A case of the blind wanting to bear the torch for the seeing, eh! Clapping for one another therefore, without much digestion of what is being said is not only a symbol of short-sightedness on your part but a not so good approach of which one ought to stay well clear. You see, when one brings in young emotions in lieu of well thought rationale hinging upon clear thinking in the political discourse requiring seasoned, mature processing along with 3 layer-deep, thick hide to absorb divergence in opinion, dialogue loses any significance it might have had sustained, thus others are left with bitter taste in the mouth and a feeling of remorse of ever associating with such individuals. So long as there are people dancing to the tunes of Ina Waraabe (spreading animosity) vicariously, and Ms Edna (spreading fallacious) unequivocally for the benefit of a minority group (less than 1/3 of Somalis) at the expense of the majority (more than 2/3 of Somalia) without much consideration of their ulterior motives, or checking facts before committing oneself, genteel applications of language and courteous practices shall remain suspended. Best of luck, Cheers.

Dear Libaax-Sankataabte, I concur that we should be debating economic, social and political matters of interest, celebrating our successes whilst discussing issues of concern in all regions of Somalia which could only come about if, and a big one at that, we [in the Diaspora] were honest with ourselves not haplessly conjuring up Blair style bamboozlement of lower scale. I see that not on the horizon, and as such perhaps taking a virtual swing [figuratively speaking], sorry to say at times below the belt, at one another from time to time is not so bad after all considering. Reality is not a commodity that is widely traded amongst Somalis rather fictitious malevolence is at large in many corners. Affordability Mujahid has never been the case though God only knows resources to run a republic are as scarce in Somalia of all as the litter of petrol is in Moscow post laissez-faire market economy of the old communist giant. And your remark “ … should be blamed for the problem is NOT Somaliland but rather it is those so called UN reps who dine and wine in Niarobi's expensive game park hotels" of shifting the blame as always in the case of the disappointingly trained African mind says it all. Why Oh Why Does one think along these lines. It is your life. Your country. Your survival. Your future. The future of your children. Take responsibility for once in your life and clean your house rather than expecting the maid to alight the candle in the darkness. Dear O Dear I am out.

Halimo7- That feeling of love I trust is mutual amongst nomads my dear. Question for you love, how far out of Hargeysa have you been able to travel? And if any, what has been your experience? And by the way, last time as I recall you were going to take us on tour. What has become of that? Are we still on hold? Perhaps you could be our imbedded journalist and tell us as to what seems to be the matter with the airport? Best of luck, Enjoy your stay. Cheers.

Rahima – there is an old saying which sprang to mind as I read your note. I do not suppose you are by any chance acquainted with the saying “ ama afeef hore lahow, ama adkaysin dambe yeelo” . How did it begin, and why perhaps should have been the question? Sure there is a neighbourly rivalry between the two regions which began mind you when our friends from the northwest region started a life long mission on the part of the administration in Hargeysa (for instance, Ms Edna’s outbursts every second she opens her gob; Ina Waraabe’s continuous animalistic rubbishing who goes as far as to have been quoted as saying that the child in Hargeysa shares more (feels the pain) with the baby in Adis Ababa than that of Mogadishu or Bosaso; ) to tarnish what was left of the marred image of Somalia accompanied by an online campaign spearheaded by their chieftains in the Diaspora by way of the mouse who are only too delighted to dance to the good old tune without deliberation of the facts, nor care for the rest of Somalia. The result unfortunately is what you see. It is neither hating nor sneering at the misery felt by the ordinary person, and the colossal corruption in the administration concerned. It is a mere wake-up-call, or a reality check if you will for the ill-advised youngsters in the Diaspora whose only understanding of the issues is one of imaginary by proxy. Bitter. Sure. Distasteful. Indeed. Preventable. Of course. Frankly speaking my dear, I do not consider anyone to have been more disconcerted by this piece of news than I were. It’s the appalling ambivalence and incompetence on the part of the administration along with the egotism by the likes of Oodweyne of constantly speaking ill of others as far as calling Somalis from the South as being primate Baboons that is being redressed here. Do I like it? Not the least bit. Does it make me unpatriotic? Never. Is my nationalistic perspective blurred? Not in a million years.

How is it that a country that desires to establish itself as a going concern can not allocate a mere 150K to rescue one of its primary sources of income? Perhaps Mr Oodweyne and his secessionist friends could answer that for me? SOMALIA: Hargeisa airport averts closure NAIROBI, 26 Sep 2003 (IRIN) - The imminent threat of closure to Hargeisa airport in the self-declared republic of Somaliland has been averted for now after urgently-needed funds were found for vital rehabilitation work, the UN said on Friday. According to a statement by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the airport will remain operational for another six months, after UNDP and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) provided US $150,000 to proceed with emergency patchwork. “This is not a long term solution,” ICAO Chief Technical Adviser Joe Brunswig said. “The emergency patchwork will deal with the immediate safety concerns and avert the closure of the airport for now, but the fact of the matter is that the landing strip needs to be completely re-carpeted.” Hargeisa airport is crucial to the humanitarian, developmental and commercial work that goes on in the region serving approximately 4,000 passengers per month from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and the Middle East. The airport was built in 1973 to cater for the much smaller sized aircraft of the time. It was closed during the civil war in the early '90s and reopened in 1997. "Over time, erosion and heavier aircraft than it was built for have broken up the surface of the landing strip," the UNDP statement said. “UNDP is particularly concerned about the Hargeisa airport,” Country Director El-Balla Hagona added. “This is not just about humanitarian flights, the airport is also a business stimulant. The more facilities that Somalis themselves have, the higher the chances of their own developmental initiatives bearing fruit.”

Goorma Ayay Dhacayaan Doorashooyinkii Dowladaha Hoose? - 18 September 2003 , 18:38 Waraysi aanu la yeelanay Wasiirka Dowladaha hoose ee Puntland Wasiirka Wasaaradda Dowladaha Hoose iyo Horumarinta reer Miyiga Cali Cabdi Awaare, ayaa xalay waraysi uu siiyay wargayska Yamayska iyo Idaacadda Gaalkacyo wuxuu uga hadlay arimo kala duwan oo u badan doorashooyinka la sugayo ee dowladaha hoose ee Puntland. Waraysiga ayaa wuxuu u dhacay sidan: Su’aal: maxay tahay ujeedada rasmiga ee aad u timaadeen Gaalkacyo? Awaare: ujeedada rasimiga ah ee aanu u nimid magaalada Gaalkacyo aniga iyo wasiirada igu weheliya safarkan, waxaa weeye, u kuurgalidda howlaha maamulka gobolka iyo dar-dargalinta ama kicinta maamullada degmooyinka qaarkood oo aanu ka hirgalin howlaha maamul-hoosaadka ama dowladaha hoose, taas ayay hayd arimaha noogu muhiimsan, waxaa kaloo noo weheliyay arimaha nabadgalyada ama xoojinta amniga, arimahaas ayay ahaayeen kuwaan u soconay. Su’aal: ilaa hadda degmooyinka Gaalkacyo iyo Goldogob ayaad tagteen, maxaad kala kulanteen? Awaare: waxaan tagnay Galdogob runtii aad baa naloo ku soo dhaweeyey, waxaanan kala kulanay odoyaashii, cuqaashii iyo wax garadkii dagaanka Galdogob. Arimahaan ka wadahadalnay dhamaan waanu isla fahamnay. Waxaanuna ku xoojinay sidii hawlahaas uun loo kicin lahaa, maamuladii, waxanu la socodsiinay in wakhti dhow ay jiridoonaan kicinta counciladii (Guddiyadii) loo dhisi lahaa degmooyinka oo wakhti dhow laga howl galin doono iyo sidii ay ugu diyaar garoobi lahaayeen taasoo guddiyo loo soo diri doono. sidaas si le’eg, waxaan magaaladaan Gaalkacyo kula kulanay odayaashii, cuqaashii iyo wax garadkii deegaanka, runtii waanu wada hadalnay, guud ahaan waxyaalihii aanu ka wada hadalnayna aad baanu isugu afgaranay. Su’aal: Waxaa si wayn loo hadal hayaa dhismaha golayaasha degmooyinka iyo doorashooyinka duqayda degmooyinka Puntland, arimahaasi xagee marayaan? Awaare: Arintaas baarlamaanka Puntland way ansixiyeen, faafinta rasmiga ah ayayna ku soo baxday, bishaan labaatankeeda waxaan fadhi isugu yeernay dhamaan Mayerada (Duqayda) degmooyinka Puntland, kulan ilaa sadex maalmood qaadan doona, taas oo lagaga hadli doono arimahaas iyo arimo kale oo quseeya soo kicinta maamulada. Su’aal: Goormay dhacayaan doorashooyinka golayaasha degmooyinku? Awaare: waxaa weeye horta, waxaan filayaa bisha Oktoobar waxaa loo howl gali doonaa, waxaa jiraya guddiyo ku soo wareegaya dhamaan degmooyinka Puntland. Guddiyadaas oo samayn doona wacyi galinta dadka si loo faham siiyo, waxa golaha degaanku faa’iido u leeyahay iyo waxtarka uu u leeyahay iyo habka ay u dooranayaan, waxaanan ku rajo way nahay in bisha November bartameheeda bilowno guda- galidda dhismaha golayaasha degmooyinka Puntland. Su’aal: Sidee loo soo dooranayaa golaha degaanka? Awaare: waxaa lagu soo dooranayaa, waxaa weeye dagmo walba waxay ka kooban tahay dagaan, deegaankaas oo ah inta tuulo ee la xiriirta degmadaas, beelaha daggan deegaankaas, waxay soo xulan doonaan gole ka kooban tirada habda ay hesho – magaalo madaxyadu waxay yeelan doonaan tiro dhan 25 xubnood, sida Gaalkacyo, Garoowe, Laascaano, Buuhoodle, Baran iyo Boosaaso. Degmooyinka kalana waxay yeelanayaan 17 xubnood oo noqon doona golaha degaanka. Golaha degaanku waxa uu iska dooranayaa guddoomiyaha golaha degaanka iyo ku xigeenkiisa, marka ay doortaan waxay ayaguna xuli doonaan oo dooran dooran doonaan duqa magaalada iyo ku xigeenkiisa oo noqon doona kuwo ama bannaanka ay ka soo doortaan oo aan ka mid ahayn golaha shacabka amaba xubno kamid ah golahaas laftiisa oo ayagu isu sharaxa ama dad bannaanka ka ah oo danaynaya taas oo shuruudo uun baa jiri doona oo lagu xiri doono ninka is sharaxaya. Su’aal: waa sidee habka doorashadu u dhacayso – hab beeleed mise cod bixin dadwayne? Awaare: Arinkaasi guddiga ayaa koley ka fariisan doona, waxaana ay noqon doontaa koley sida loo dooranayo in qofka lagu doorto aqoontiisa, wax qabadkiisa iyadoo marka horeeto aan laga tagi doonin, qaab beeleedka deegaankaasi wax u qabsadaan, dabadeedna xubnaha beelkastaa soo xulato baa koley matalaysa, waxayna noqon doontaa si guud in shacabku u xusho Su’aal: marka aad leedahay in si guud shacabku ku xusho, ma codad sanaatiikh lagu bixinayaa jiri doon – qof iyo cod? Awaare: marka hore qaybta guud waxay noqonaysaa in hab-beeleed lagu qaybsado... cidii iska sharaxda xubnahaas beelaha ka yimid ayaa dadwayanuhu kala dooranayaa oo u codaynayaan (one man one vote). Su’aal: Wakhtigii doorashooyinka waxaa ka haray sida aad sheegtay muddo labo bilood ku siman, walina tiro koob lama samayn, sidee taasi suurto gal ku tahay in cod-bixin dadweyne la sameeyo? Awaare: waa la bilaabay howshii tiro koobka, guddi ayaana loo saaray, waa lagu guda jiraa, meelaha qaarkoodna waa laga bilaabay Su’aal: Illaa hadda waxaa jira musharixiin isu soo taagay doorashooyinka, goormaa la bilaabayaa ololaha doorashooyinka? Awaare: wax badan baa ka sokeeya, waxaa weeye marka la doorto golaha deegaanka. Golaha deegaanka ama golaha shacabka ayaa asagu wuxuu iska dhex dooran doonaa, guddoomiyaha golaha shacabka (degaaanka) iyo guddoomiye ku xigeenkiisa, markaas kadib ayay imaan doonaan cidda danaynaysa duqa magaalda iyo ku xigeenkiisa oo ay noqon doonta mid ay u codeeyaan goalaha shacabka ee degmadaas. Su’aal: waxaa jira tuhumooyin la xiriira in ayba haatan qoran yihiin xubnihii golaha degmooyinka qaarkood oo doorashadu noqon doonto mid magac u yaal ah, marka sidee ku xaqiijinaysaan in xulasho iyo doorasho xalaal ahi dhacaan? Awaare: Guddi heer wasaaradeeda ayaa jiri doona oo dhamaan dagmooyinka Puntland soo marayaan, waxaa jiraya guddi heer dowladeed ah oo ayaguna goob joog ka noqon doona habka doorashad golayaasha.

Oooh, Mr Oodweyne – in case you are still in your usual hallucinatory mode, and I am hoping this will have reached you in a sober state well before your daily ration of the caraq has gotten the better of you, here is a piece of news that should disprove your “ ….. Humpty-Dumpty of a conference is about to hit the buffer-zone with more walkouts than your average Parisian's fashion seasoned Catwalks …" Makes one wonder how oblivious you are to the realities on the ground. Not even your hero A/Qassim, or was it Yalahow will have had a chance in hell. And by the way, did you hear the latest from your hero – Aw A/Qassim: - That he must be given some 7 million euros to pay off businessmen in Mogadishu, - That he should be granted amnesty from all crimes, and recognised a statesman. And if agreed, he would support the outcome of the national peace process. Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC September 22, 2003 The United States commends the ongoing work of Somali leaders and civil society representatives to achieve reconciliation through the Somalia Reconciliation Conference hosted by the Kenyan government. Events over the past week have demonstrated that Somali leaders have the ability to work through their differences and achieve workable compromises. Much more remains to be done to develop a lasting peace and sustainable government, but reconciliation at this time will ensure the development of a representative parliament as a critical step in the process. The United States urges all parties to continue advancing the reconciliation process in a real and meaningful way. The United States further urges all participants to ensure those critical activities in the process, especially the selection of members of parliament, be carried out in a transparent manner. [End] Released on September 22, 2003

Hay'adda Norweyjiyaanka ah ee NPA oo ceelal biyo macaan ah ka baadhaysa deegaannada Sool, iyo Cayn :-, Monday, Sept 22, 2003 Laascaanood,(Somalicity):-Hay'adda samafalka ah ee dalka Norwey ee marka la soo gaabiyo loo yaqaano (NPA) ayaa shaaca ka qaaday inay haadatan ku hawlantahay baadhitaan ay ku raadinayso ceelal biyo macaan oo cabbitaanka ku haboon, arrintaas oo ay hadda wadaan Injineero ku xeeldheer raadinta biyaha, waxayna intaasi ku dareen inay goobo badan oo ka tirsan Buuhoodle iyo Laascaanood ay baadhitaan ku soo sameeyeen ,rajo fiicanna ka qabaan inay dhawaan ku guulaystaan. Waxa kale oo ay sheegtay hay'adda NPA inay keentay qalab casri ah oo lagu horu marinaya qalabka qallitaanka ee Cusbataalka, Qalabkan ayey hay'adu ugu deeqday Cisbitaalka guud magaallada Laascaanood, laguna qalabayn doono qol dhawaan loo dhisay in lagu sameeyo qalitaanka deg dega ah, waxayna sheegtay hay'addu in uu qolkaasi dhawaan hawl gelidoono. Hay'adda NPA ayaa iyaddu ah hay'adda kaliya ee ka hawl gasha Gobollada Sool iyo Cayn, hasa yeeshee waxqabad la taaban karo kama aysan muujin deegaanka, oo ay ka hawlgalaysay muddo aad u dheer, waxaana lagu qiyaasaa sannad walba inay gobolladan ka fuliso mashaariic lagu qiyaasay malaayiin doollar. Assad Caddaani (Somalicity), Soomaaliya

Qiimaha Isgaadhsiinta ee Magaalada Laascaanood oo Markale aad hoos ugu dhacay , Friday, Sept 19, 2003 Laascaanood, (Somalicity):-Magaalada Laascaanood ayaa waxa haatan aad ugu soo badanaya adeegsiga qalabka internetka , kadib markii laga furay goobo badan oo laga dheegto ama laga isticmaalo internetka ,ee loo yaqaano internet cafe. Waxaadna arkaysaa dadweynaha magaalada gaar ahaan dhalinyarada oo aad u adeegsanay internetka , isaga oo u fududeeyey sidii ay ula xidhiidhilahaayeen eheladooda daafaha aduunka ku kala nool, waxa kale oo qayb weyn ka qaatay qiimaha internetka Laascaanood oo aad u jaban marka loo eego Gobolada kale ee Soomaaliya, saacadiin waxaa lagu kireeyaa hal doolar. Waxaana arrintan aad u hir gelisay in ay dadku ku soo jabaan adeegsiga qalabka internetka tartanka u dhexeeya shirkadaha isgaadhsiinta ee Gobolka oo gaadhaya afar shirka dood, tartakan shirkadaha ayaa waxa kale oo ka dhashay in uu jabo telefoonada dibada lagula xidhiidho oo haatan gaadhay daqiiqadii 0.50$ oo u dhiganta toban kun oo sh.s ah. Waxa kale oo qiimahoodu hoos u dhacay gelinta telefoonada guryaha oo markii hore lagu gelin jirayy 50$, oo hada maraya in ay lacag la'aan guryaha ku geliyaan shirkaduhu(bilaash) , bishiina kiro ahaan 5$, markii horena waxay kiradu ahaan jirtay bishii 10$. Assad Caddaani (Somalicity), Soomaaliya

Gass Hotel in Bosaso

Koox Dalxiisayaal ah oo shalay Boosaaso soo gaaray - Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 06:56 Bosaaso, (MOL) - Waxaa shalay markii u horaysay soo gaaray magaalada boosaaso dalxiisayaal reer Sweden ah oo ka koobnaa shan qof oo ka socday xarumo dalxiis oo ku yaal dalkaasi, waxyna ku soo degeen huteelka ugu bilicda wacan magaalada boosaaso international village oo ku yaal meel wax yar ka baxsan magaalada. Waxaa kooxdaasi dalxiisayaasha ah kaga hortegay garoonka diyaardaha boosaaso C/raxmaan budul oo ah agaasimaha hay'ada Sofiha oo ah NGO sweden ah oo inta badan u ololeeya arimaha nabada. Kooxdaasi dalxiisayaasha ah ayaa ah kuwii ugu horeeyey ee uyimaada dalka soomaaliya arimo la xiriira dalxiis intii ay dhacday dawladii kali taliska ahayd ee Siyaad Barre waxayna shegeen inay imaan doonaan degaanka puntland dalxiisayaal kala jinsiyado ah asbuucyadaan soo socda madaama ay ku caanbaxeen dal nabad ah. Aagaasimha haya'da Sofiha Mr Budul ayaa isina sheegay in imaatinka ragaani ay ka danbaysey war bixino ay siisay haya'adu wadanka ay dadkaasi ka yimadeen una sheegeen in dalkaani yahay nabad, waxuu kaloo sheegay in ay hada qoraalo badan oo ka hadlaya nabada goboladaan Puntland u dirtay haya'adiisu meelo badan oo caalamka ah. waxuu intaasi ku daray in waftigaan dalxiisayaasha ah ay mari doonan meelo badan oo dalka ah arinkaan imaatinka dalxiisayaasha ayaa waa cusub u ah dadka reer punland madaama nabadii ay u guntadeen inta badan ay maantay noqoto meel loo soo hirto, waxaa kaloo iyana jira wafuud la filaayo in ay soo garaan asbuucaan boosaaso kana kala socda dalalka reer yurub iyo Ameerika. Waftiga dalxiisayaasha ayaa iminka waxuu ku nasanayaa Huteelka quruxda badan ee international village oo ah goob ay u soo hiloobayaan dadka u dhashay degaandaan iyo ajanabiguba wax weyna ka geysan doona soo jeedashada dad dalxiisayaal badan.

My dear Mr Oodweyne, How disappointing! For a moment there I thought you were going to have an Einstein moment to offer critical contribution to the subject matter, and then to my disappointment I see as usual you mananged to circumvent virtuous raison d'être by trivialising the dialogue, display proficiency in the art of beguiling and dodging issues at stake, begin banging on about domestic political oratory ala Ina Waraabe, or shall I say clan rhetoric ala Ina Sh. Madar of which only rhythm enthrals the Hargeysa [operative term] crowd, and reiterate your distasteful habit of reaching for the mulch shuffle one last time to defile anyone who subscribes not to your Manchurian interpretation of Somali politics. This uniquely abominable trend noticeable in your posts which attempts to portray anything south of the Togdheer swamps as an inhabitable, horrid environment whilst painting rosy oils ala De Vinci, metaphorically speaking of course, of anything to the north could perhaps be explained by the less enchanting, distraughtly worrisome reports coming out of the northwest regions of Somalia. Observed I might also add in your narrative, neither systematic nor methodical, is a trend to regurgitate tattles in various formats with local twist, yet never offering academically illustrious insight into, and as to why the intellectual poverty, social wretchedness and hindrance, communal deprivation, political ambivalence and uncertainty, and why things have turned out the way they did. As well as could be expected, the ten year-old Somali could do the honours in narrating, eloquently I might add the events of pre as well as post-civil war far better than a dozen pseudo social and political scholars segregated in their respective seats of learnings in quest for a escapism from the grimy pages of the texts devoured which are neither pertinent nor applicable in an ever so embryonic environment. But when the pretensions elitist scholars confine their illogical situational analysis to narrative telltales of regionalist proclivity, who at times hurriedly offer prescriptions for complex social and political matters they hardly digest, then their quagmire in no different from that of the bogus doctorship practised in the poverty-ridden sub-continental regions of Asia. Now, you seem to be digressing from the point of discussion to areas for which you seem to show very little, if any comprehension i.e. the true stakeholders in the land of Somalis. It is laughable how you consider the myopic A/Qassim, Yalahow and Hiiraale alliance in a position to offer tangible perspective as to the blight of the residents in Mogadishu let alone other regions, or challenge of substance to any future government. Perhaps once you have accepted the embryonic political structure in place, then we shall have engaged in meaningful discussions with respect to the local politics in southern regions. Until then, keep the dream of the untenable alive. Let us keep it short here, shall we? See if you could stay with me. It is Ms Enda’s qualification as a foreign minister (nominal mind you) that is being questioned. Not her person. Not her family’s. Nor her qualities as a midwive. Does she, or does she not is the question? Unfortunately the answer is, not quite. What is disturbing is how you find it acceptable, and even go as far as to praise Ms Edna to call 15 regions of Somalia as terrorist training ground some of which she could not even point to on the map, yet you find the activities of the PIF (Puntland intelligence) organisation which rightly monitors activities of foreign nationals in the region unacceptable. How do you reconcile those? Now, recognition – I see you are as ever very much in line with Ms Edna in yet prophesying when the Messiah will be have been reincarnated, (I am sure my Christian colleagues will be delighted to learn that) in other words, have a hand in the upcoming unknown factor. How, I wonder? You must be either listening to the Genie, or worse yet consulting the Wichi board, or perhaps as in your case spinning the rosary one last time, to be privy to the indefinite, read minds to be so certain as to tenement of the highly desired object. Perhaps Mr Oodwayne, or better yet Ms Edna could be good enough as to tell us what the winning numbers are for the lottery jackpot as we would be forever indebted to you. Or is it hereditary I wonder? And may I also add that I would be the first one to congratulate you and your folks if and when the highly sought recognition of a clan republic has been attained for the Hargeysa – Burco strip. Islands like Taiwan have both political (for china – supreme economy, huge market and potential superpower) and economic significance for the western governments. What does Hargeysa offer in return, did you ever ask yourself that questions? If so, enlighten me. As for federalism – in case it has not dawned on you mate, federalism simply attempts to recognise units (administrations and regions) presently in place, pragmatic if you will, and not reinventing the wheel of the colonial legacy as the case might be for northwest, and not repeating the state gaffes of the military regime as A/Qassim et al seem to view as the resolution. I guess you are not well read in any of these even though here lies the core of the political quandary of Somalia. Or have you not gone past the surface yet? What would you like to debate now - see if you could pick a subject area: - The lack of credible leadership on sight in Hargeysa other than Riyaale and remnants of the old regime which compounds the aggravation felt by the average person so tired of the lies, corruption in unseen proportions, public service being non-existent, meagre handouts from donor nations being misappropriated, and worse of all the one-city style administration on its final leg loosing momentum. Whilst on one hand the public sees through the ill-fated mission aborted, sporting rather elitist ideologies there sipping the lukewarm caraq are the likes of Mr Oodwayne whose entire existence depends upon preaching the Bible drafted, endorsed by the old empire which bears neither relevance to the grievances of the deprived locals, nor to the trodden leadership in political turmoil. - An inherent breakdown within the political structure in Northwest, morally and ethically corrupt, split right in the hump with the federalist proponents (traditional elders and political leaders –kulmiye leadership and supporters, majority mind you) en route to Nairobi, - The dream of Federalism slowly but surely becoming a reality which strike quite a blow to the egotistical secessionist camp, - Maandeeq [irmaan&lammaan] on its way home, - Better yet, do you wish to discuss the local politics of Puntland. Here is where your argument lacks basis and genuine direction. And note here old chap I am only indulging you as you seem to have lost the plot once you have branded Puntland as the Bamboozeland (I see you have borrowed a line from the books of the Samatar brothers, eh). Refusing to accept reality and denying the existence of the administration in Puntland is indicative of your lack of grasp for the very issues you wish to debate. Case of devouring the broth, but not wanting to touch the animal, would not you say mate? Perhaps once you have gone past that line, you and I could engage in a meaningful dialogue, until then tata old chum. - Here, read this, and tell me if the picture you portray of Puntland resonates with the one described here in the news article http://allpuntland.com/news1/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=912 what is wrong with the picture? You tell me Mr Oodwayne.

Ameenah – walaalo mine was simply to set the stage for an informed dialogue, not to lecture you on the politics of Puntland. It was for all as some exhibited total lack of grasp of the subject matter. And by the way, I always thought Puntland, its politics, and Puntland banner waving nomads were very much the same camp. Could I be wrong? I like how you chewed and spitted my screen name. Nice one.

Dear Nasteexo, I must thank you for your genuine desire to seek future Somalia different from that of the present day. Having said that, whilst I meet not the prerequisite membership criterion put in place for the envisaged noble union (SYUD), I wish to share an observation for academic exercise if nothing more. And whilst I could derive the vision of the desired organisation, its long-term objectives and a resolute instrument, mission if you will, to implement its guiding principles are not quite conspicuous to the probing eye, thus perhaps you could share with the qualifying nomads as to what those entail. Commendable endeavour I see it as such, but what then is the penetrating question. And despite its scantly definite features, is it: A political union willing to challenge the stagnant political structure of Somalia? If so, how and with what? Or is it a mere union borne out of despondency with view of attracting like-minded personnel purely for intellectual stimulus, A social union engaging neglected communal concerns i.e. dilemmas experienced by the once close-knit strict Somali family unit that is no more, Somali youths disorientated with uniquely defined social strife ranging from identity crisis to poverty to social segregation to lack of resource to self-doubt to bleak future and so forth, or elders caught up in an unfriendly world of hard rock and tumultuously turbulent waters etc.,? Or is it one birthed as a result of a mind-depleting boredom with the desire to create socially engaging environment for generation X, An academic circle for scholarly discourse of subjects of interest primarily in the aforementioned fields, and of variant where perhaps men and women of principle and character, hence of leadership qualities, are cultivated to benefit generation X, By seeking to attract people of 18-30 (how many educated could there be in this age group), within the said union a void there would be of historical account and perspective, and point of reference, thus could neither be political nor social for any recourse of either discipline would require clear understanding of history so as to make sense of the herein and plan for the henceforth whilst simultaneously needing a resolve - a driving impetus without which it would seep out steam in small trickles prior to its take-off, or at the first bell. Nonetheless, I would encourage you to pursue your line of thinking except perhaps adopt an alternative way of viewing the clan structure in its social and political makeup in Somalia, and hope for the best. I am of this opinion, and yet to find anyone with an informed analysis on the matter and its intrinsic values, for I see not the problems of Somalia to solely rest on clan structure and politics – in fact when implemented fittingly in its application it works quite nicely. Studying Somalia and its nuances and avoid the clan structure, wraps and all, is not quite Somalia in my opinion. Prescribing amphetamine to cure sleep deprivation when kidney failure is the catalytic culprit is an analogy that spring to mind. Again points of discussion to chew on perhaps in your forthcoming cyber-meetings or in-person gathering, and best of luck, Cheers.

Points of interest .... "As foreign minister, Edna clearly lacks even a rudimentary understanding of international politics and diplomacy in this twenty first century. If anything, there is the female sympathy that the South African Foreign Minister (or is it the vice- minister?) has for her female counterpart in Somaliland, and no more. Needless to say female sympathies never led to recognition of states in history. " Mowliid Abdillahi http://www.jamhuuriya.info/index.php?art_id=1133&categ=4&expand=4&file=view_article.tp Edna’s Foreign Ministry: Any changes or business as usual? On the morning of augus t15, the premise of the ministry of foreign affairs of Somaliland was a busy place indeed. A dozen or so ‘senior diplomats, ministers and parliamentarians’ met in the Ministry, to ostensibly analyze the ‘foreign policy’ of the republic. Analyzing the foreign policy of a country assumes, however, the existence of such a policy in the first place, which, in turn, begs the question what is the ‘foreign policy’ of Somaliland at its present condition of non-recognition from the international community? It is obvious that Somaliland’s’ foreign policy currently focuses on securing international recognition. It is equally obvious that this does not require the bringing together of a dozen or so ex-diplomats of the defunct regime of Siad Barre, to point the way ahead. The confusion following the exercise was epitomized by Edna’s angry rebuke of one of the reporters of Jamhuuriya newspaper, when the reporter asked Edna how her ministry could reconcile the foreign policies of the Somali state, which the diplomats who met in the ministry long espoused, and the current ‘foreign policy’ of Somaliland. Edna retorted to the reporter ‘ do not ask me that. If you [the reporter] are looking for an information, I gave you all that I had, otherwise go and write whatever you want to write in your paper’. This latest exploit by miss Edna is anything but another of Edna’s emotional travails, which characterized her style of politics, since her nomination for the key post of the foreign ministry. After her nomination for the foreign portfolio, many people argued, including me, that Edna was misplaced and that, as a British trained nurse, Edna could have done as well with the ministry of health and labor. However, this was not to question Edna’s talents, her strict work ethic, her mastery of several foreign languages and her humanitarian activities. Since her appointment, Edna rehabilitated and painted the former NSS building of the ministry (She painted it with a white a color; a color Edna has it painted also on her private Maternity Hospital in Hargiesa). The ministry also received some personal computers form donors. However, no attempt was made to evaluate the 36 or so employees, including those in the liaison offices abroad. And as there is no much to do in the offices, many of the employees in the ministry come to office only at the end of the month, to collect the meager salary. Nor are the employees in the liaison offices abroad appointed in any way on the basis of merit, experience or education. Rather they are appointed on the basis of their tribal affiliations to the president or to the ministries. Recently, for instance, Dahir Riyale appointed, to the amusement of many, a Gadabursi relative as an agricultural attaché to the Somaliland Liaison office in Ethiopia!! As foreign minister, Edna clearly lacks even a rudimentary understanding of international politics and diplomacy in this twenty first century. In an IRIN interview on July this year, Edna undiplomatically declared that Somaliland is going to be recognized before the year is out. By speaking in this bold manner, Edna unforgivably put her credit on the line. The high level delegation to Ethiopia led by Riyale in August, which also included Edna, was a diplomatic disaster in terms. While the delegation was still in the Ethiopian capital, the Ethiopian minister of information, in an interview with IRIN, said that ‘Ethiopia’s interests lie in unifying the war ravaged state’. In diplomatic terms, this was a clear humiliation for the delegation and a complete U-turn of Ethiopian foreign policy towards Somaliland, that is, if there was such a separate policy in the first place. Recently, there were speculations to the effect that South Africa is going to recognize Somaliland. As a student of international relations, I highly doubt that South Africa can even afford to contemplate such a controversial step in African diplomacy. If anything, there is the female sympathy that the South African Foreign Minister (or is it the vice- minister?) has for her female counterpart in Somaliland, and no more. Needless to say female sympathies never led to recognition of states in history. Any changes? Not much to speak of, I am afraid. It is almost business as usual in the ministry. Mowliid Abdillahi

This might be of interest and relevant to the topic of discussion. Vote for Asha - a rather interesting CV

MMA – could you be good enough as to provide us with your understanding of what “nationalism” entails please? Perhaps then, we shall have been in a better position to engage in a healthy discourse. I ask the question for it appears we might possess understanding of variant linear with regards to the notion of “nationalism”. “…. I don't support any group with any cause of lamentation with any separation of any kind of degree to my beloved nation--imagined {in this thread} or real threats {as of in some regions}” Do you really think you have an option? Am I correct in assuming that the granularity of the name (Somalia) which perhaps bears subconsciously obligatory infancy meaning of sort appeals to you more than the people (Somalis) themselves? Illumination - It is a united Somalis (people) under Somalia of a different kind (it be states (as desired by Puntland), regional administrations (spoken of, yet to be determined as to how), or even republics (as favoured by Somaliland)) for which is being advocated, not the precariously heinous Machiavellian military junta of the 70s and 80s. Are you able to relate to that mate? This equates Somali nationalism as it promotes over anything else the welfare, wellbeing and yearnings of the peoples of Somali origin. Notice very little emphasis is being placed on “the territories” which only carry meaning should the “people” in the said territories define it as such. Cheers.

Well my dear – One must remain true to oneself in order to see austere reality as it stares and relates to ones’ realm. Hey, if you get the chance, see if you could post some pictures. And by the way sis – will your tour extend as far as to the south as Burco? Or is that not part of your planned trip for the moment? About Puntland of the present, you would be surprised as to how speedily and positively promising in all sectors, developmental or otherwise, things are moving along in my beloved Puntland state of Somalia as I along with other federalists await the outcome of the peace process. Stay in from the cold as the winter season lurks round the corner, Best of luck!

Halimo7 - Good of you for the note from the beautiful city of Hargeysa. Why not take us a tour around from Sh Madar to Goljano to Shacab area to Guryasamo to Dumbuluskh to Ganad to Daami to Daruuraha to Isha Borma (and add all the new names to the list) – and please stay away from Ina Waraabe’s area of residence. See if you could give me a picture of what Radio Hargeysa, the Oriental, Yassir and MarodiJeex (I understand it sports a rather trendy name now) look like, if you could? I would ask you to tell me how my ventures are doing, but then that would be telling, would not it? Best of luck and remember to bring back authentic home-made “muqmad” ala Hargeysa – not the DoqonMaWaaye replicas. n/b: I see you still view Puntland as a problem even after you have been to the old country? And by the way, the info you shared about Puntland is outdated for at least 12 months. Perhaps I should contact my mates in Lascaanod and in Bosaso to see if they could give you a tour of the state. Cheers.

Indeed this would have made a brilliant talking point studying the root cause(s) as to why Somali women have been absent from the political scene, but unfortunately the discussion seems to have been hijacked by trivial, personlised stone-throwing exercise amongst individuals that it has lost its impetus. The discussion I trust would have been informative and indispensable as this forum hosts some of the finest minds in the Somali female congregation as well as male throng. Nonetheless, issues to study perhaps would include: Social – customary and conventional norms do not quite prepare women for predominant male roles including that of becoming a politician, Ethical – women being morally superior and ethically enhanced and more refined than their male counterparts struggle with the culture of lying, deceiving, conniving, scoring points at any cost, and above all assassinating worthy adversaries if need may arise - whistle-blowing and women’s role in Enron and BCI come to mind, Religion – Islam of which provisions award women more rights and protection than any other religion or faith entrust women with roles socially far too important, vital, and imperative than that of running for a public office – motherhood, Culture – does not promote women’s participation in politics, in fact discourages to the point of it being viewed at some corner as a misdeed at par with immoral deeds in developing countries, with the Pacific Rim being the exception, Nature – nature of the Somali politik which is rather crude and antagonistic, thus would not be suitable to the fine, emotional ridden debonair of the ladies, Dominance – male dominance of all political platforms, Low literacy rate – which deters women from entering the political arena, Education/training – an introductory mechanism inducting women into the political discourse so as to encourage with view of empowering women in the former never developed, whereas the latter was almost non-existent, Multi-roles – not only mothers – the fabric that binds our society together, but also breadwinners post-civil war Somalia as rightly pointed out by Bari_Nomad both abroad and in the old country (perhaps 99% in the latter case), Class – the Somali middle class which managed to produce a handful number of women eligible and adequately primed for a political role has been stamped out by the military regime, And more ….. Mind you, it has never been like this – simply observe the role of women around the time of SYL and the 77 war with Ethiopia, and you will note that women had played a significant role in the Somali politics. Shall leave it there for a good lass or a chap to run with it, Best of luck, Cheers.

MMA – You have every right to hold that presumption. Perhaps it would have been better to address the matter under its appropriate thread. Or are you in the quest for additional information to formulate afresh opinion on the matter? “:…. blaming any political pin that drops to TNG, the Carta group” You reckon? I am assuming that by disagreeing with my take on the Somali politics of the past 3 years, you have an opinion of own. If so, perhaps you would care to share it? Brave – are not you a little bit paranoid mate? Perhaps you want to re-visit the post under normal conditions for your response appears to have been aimed at the wrong target, way off mark and off beam, if you will. SmithNW – good to see you mate - thanks for the observation as I thought I was the only one to notice that our friends MMA went in for the kill, the Arte style. Cheers.

There are reports though not widely received that delegates comprising of traditional elders including the “Boqor” of Togdheer and politicians representing the opposition parties, Kulmiye mainly with its leadership in the know, but not on the scene, are to reach Nairobi, Kenya to represent Somaliland in the Somali Peace Process. As much as I desire to see Somaliland as a state within Somalia, thus my wish for a federal republic of Somalia, hence my being fiercely against secession, I am very much opposed to any act(s) or initiatives that would harm its stability and existence. This truly is a matter of concern for I see a repetition of sort with the intent of destabilising peaceful regions, Somaliland in this case, which draws parallel with what the Arte project did to stable regions including Puntland and Southwest in 2000. I am of the belief that if anyone is to represent any region(s), it ought to be those in the leadership, and not self-styled personalities perhaps meaning well in their simplistic fashion, but could lead to unprecedented chaos of unseen proportions. It indeed infuriated me then as I could foresee the troubles in the horizon, and do not wish to relive it now. Somaliland of today is so weak in its leadership that it lacks the stamina, experience, coalition, and endurance that Egal had in his hey days, and politically divided as regions outside Hargeysa cannot quite identify with the state machinery in Hargeysa, and the fact that the political parties (Kulmiye with huge constituencies) feel to have been cheated of victory, swindled of opportunities, and constituency rights abused all of which worsens matters. Be tragic as it may, people are dismayed as they find themselves at cross-roads losing faith in the leadership with none of the promised offerings and contributions of supposed recognition ensuing elections fading away and not materialising. This effort proposed by IGAD, encouraged by the EU, which bears both the advisory and financing influence behind the scene, and blessed by the UN – the David Stevens format – has been accepted by a number of highly influential politicians in the Diaspora. Our colleagues in the know perhaps could stir and knock on doors instead of rambling on to the wrong direction, or worse yet practising the good old culture of silence – ostrich style.