Xiin, Correction buddy: the point I was trying to make is that majority of the philosophers mentioned in Mutakalim’s piece didn't die for the cause of free thought. They died in natural death! Therefore the title, at minimum, is a misnomer unless we are expected to read this post into things that are not clearly stated by the author. I’m staying true to the philosophical tradition by holding statements made by Mutakalim to a higher standards of pure Muran backed by an endless circular reasoning! The task for Mutakalim is to find holes in my argument. I’m expecting him to weigh my rubbish by employing the art of logic and show all the nomads how my assertions don’t add up! If he fails my argument stands unscathed and I expect him to retract the straw man statement just like true gentleman would do . Ngonge, I read your last piece and I couldn't find any holes! dang! It pains me to say that I agree with you on the assertion that ultimately the faithful have some reason to belief in what they profess to belief including Islam. Even though this was not the topic Mutakalim initially posted nevertheless you wanted to defend him and you've now veered the topic into different direction in order to state the obvious! Reasoning my friend is an innate human faculty and it's only natural that we make use of it! I have no problem with reasoning (not circular reasoning mind you) provided that we understand the human limitations and the fact that our reasoning can stop before "impregnable walls". I have problem with Philosophy as the means in which we reach the ultimate truth. My problem with speculative philosophy and its tools is when people use it as "the" ultimate standard to weigh in belief systems. For speculative philosophy come with different shades and colors. Almost all ideologies in existence today owe their existence to speculative philosophy. Atheism, Rationalism, Relativism, Empiricism, Existentialism, Secularism, Materialism, Communism, and so many other -isms. The authors of these ideologies all make use of logic and reasoning but somehow reach different conclusions! That led me to believe that it's impossible that all these different shades of speculative philosophy with their mutually contradictory beliefs can simultaneously be true. Which means that logic, a human invention, is not a fool proof standard that we can always rely on. Here is where faith comes in. Sane, rational, intelligent, and reasonable Joe can take a look at Hinduism and find the inner piece and spiritual fulfillment he so desires in its tenets. That doesn't mean Hinduism is not impeachable! All it means is this belief system has answers that's perfectly reasonable to this particular Joe just like another rational John would be contented in believing in Judaism as a true belief system. I happen to belief in Islam and someday (judgment day) we'll all find out which all these belief systems is the right one. Fidhra, if not corrupted by the speculative philosophers and other false belief systems, can distinguish the distinction between genuine revealed truth and persuasive, human speculation. There is something about Islam that I can't quite put my finger on that leads me to belief that it is the only true religion. It doesn't deny the existence of other Monotheistic religions. It gives our life a purpose. It exhorts us to practice justice. It is universal. It demarcates limits for acceptable human behavior. Having said, I don't insist others to use something called logic to see its truthfulness. I would, however, expect them to ponder on its tenets and contemplate and reason on their own way and see if they can be persuaded. The little child you mentioned is of course subject to the competing indoctrination propagated by the state institutions and parents. Yes he would make use of his cognitive abilities to weigh in the dogmatic teaching he's subjected to but I doubt that he will find solace in logic and speculative philosophy.

Someone is reading too much into that post! I concur . Someone is somehow bringing back forgotten exchanges of the past! Someone is pointing the finger instead of the moon! Who’s that? Mutakalim, Don’t let me down buddy . I want you to stand by your first post and embrace my challenge posted in the previous post. Or we can let it slide and start a new post where you clearly state what is it that you want to talk about be it Logic vs. Faith or what have you. I promise I’ll be there and I sure will give a run for your preferred subject . Fair enough eh!

Sometimes not always mind u but sometimes divorce is a solution. For whatever reason if the marriage is not working or if there are irreconcilable differences btw the couples, divorce is good halal way to end the union. The best interest of the children must be taken into the account in the unfortunate event that divorce becomes necessary. If couples had kids in the marriage and for some reason they had to part ways, one thing that gets lost in the events that lead up to the breakup is the fact that the couples’ relationship won’t disappear completely.

^ No wonder Somalis say doob dareen baa dilay. Raxmah, Emarald, and Besbaaso...I'm not surprized a bit

Wind talker, hear me out for once will you? This looter turned out Sheikh is naturally reacting to the recent political developments. He won’t be able to keep the loot if and when the TFG establishes itself in Isha city. The rational is why wait the inevitable when you can disrupt the whole plan in its nascent stage! I don’t blame him for taking the preemptive move. Wind sxb u must see through the smoke for power, to paraphrase F. Douglas, does not concede without demand. In this case, a new transitional government has been established and it intends to replace an already existing power (in its various forms and locations) inside the country. TFG is demanding this transfer to be swift, it plans to employ foreign troops for that purpose alone and the powers that exist mainly in Mogadishu and in the South do not intend to relinquish whatever power they possess not to Inna Yussuf. That’s the crux of the matter! Everything else is ways and means employed by all contenders, as Bob Marley had it, to prevail. Sxb if you have high hopes for peace with justice taking root inside the country I say brace yourself this one has violated one of the basic tenets of anarchism: Don't corner somethin' that you know is meaner than you

^Not really!!!! Let’s take off the gloves and see if ur argument holds water. Notice I’ve accepted (for the sake of argument) the connotation of “the†word (martyr). Still ur post has many holes. Here is what I come up just so u know that mine is no straw man argument. Argument: 1. Contracting contagious deceases (syphilis, cold, AIDS, etc). 2. Shear (and unnecessary) negligence of one’s wellbeing or health. 3. Accidents. 4. Facing justice (Murderer who killed his wife, for instance). 5. Fascist sympathizers. Assertion #1 Folks who experience 1 through 5 DO NOT rise to “martyrs of thought†level. Assertion #2 There is no distinction between philosophers who experience 1 tthrough 5 and ANYONE else who go through the same ordeal. Basis of the argument: Suffering hardship not related directly to thinkers work cannot and should not be counted toward the making of martyr. Note: The reasoning for the sake of reasoning (or the lack thereof ) should get ur heart racing and adrenaline pumping I await an impressive to-the-point comeback.

The point of the post reads like this: these folks were thinkers who stood up and advocated for their core beliefs, therefore they’re martyrs irrespective of the cause of their death. One would think that martyrs die for their beliefs at the hand of opponents, enemy, or authority. They’re martyrs (if we use Ngonge’s understanding of the word) not because they died nor because they were great philosophers but merely because they were killed by agents who deemed their ideas wrong. Excluding Socrates here is the logic of Mutakalims post: folks whose deaths are result of car accidents, suicides, and natural deaths (illness) = Martyrs. Awesome!

“Maxaa la yiri†Desk Newswires The war of words between the two factions of the newly elected TFG is in its highest pitch. Both sides have their own spin masters and they’ve taken opposite positions on the most important political question of the day. The president-elect and other pro-TFG officials, the rumor has it, have now faced big political dilemma. To go or not to go to inside Somalia is the question! According to Deep throat, plans to relocate the government to Isha city have been halted indefinitely. The star of the day Mr. Xaabsade (Mr. take it all) has been thinking for quite sometime now. He had second thoughts about sharing his city with unpredictable man all along. Our suspicions have been confirmed by the events that transpired during last two weeks. It seems as if the pro-TFG faction have been losing ground (in the country) as time goes by. Outside the country, the president-elect looks, talks, and walks like president. His actions are nothing but presidential! Receptions in presidential places, photo ops with presidents, regional meetings, etc he has been busy making the case why he needs sizable military divisions to “pacify†Mogadishu from his own ministers and their followers. The host presidents (some are secretly hoping to be the statesman that brought the peace to Somalia) have been listening attentively, the “Maxaad la yiri†journalist who has been traveling with the president-elect reported. Handful of ministers that have sizable armed following in Mogadishu and the southern regions of the country have been convening meetings, consultations, and press releases. They made clear in no ambiguous term their dislike of FTs in general and Ethiopians in particular. They said the presence of foreign soldiers in the capital city of Somalia is a disgrace they cannot possibly take. They explained to the folks in Mogadishu and Somalis in general how Ethiopia had been the historical enemy of Somalia and how its inclusion as part of the proposed FTs compromises the sovereignty of the country. They act and talk as if they are decorated patriots who are deeply concerned with the wellbeing of Somalis and the sovereignty of their country. About seven weeks ago, a hero has put his neck on the line, partisan media have reported, for his beloved country. Against all odds in a distant land called Puntland not friendly with patriots, he used James Bond like tricks to steal sinister plans drawn by the enemy to invade the country. Allied with the Mogadishu TFG factions are “Maxkamadaha†who have adopted noval ways to survive in the anarchy without compromising their core Islamic beliefs. They command militias. They manage properties, farms, madarasa, and even a whole region. “Maxaa la yiri†journalist who has looked into this enterprise concluded that the leaders seemed to be silent about the transgressions of their legions. They seem to speak out against selected politicians (as reported by national media), they side with not-so-distinguished politicians against another not-so-distinguished group. They took part of the civil war too many a times! They often vow to fight Inna Yussuf if he sets his foot in Mogadishu soil all the while they were known to tolerate with equally other Ethiopian lackeys in the city. In the name of Islam, Maxkamadah are the side of Caato, Yalaxow, Qanyare, and other ministers that make up Mogadishu TFG faction. In the name of preventive healthcare, they come out against the proposed FTs because of AIDS! Up in the Northwest, after several nights of serious Qayilaad, Riyaale and his not-so-deep opponents are said to make up their differences. He got more seats allocated for his not-so-big province more than Sool or Sanaag. Elections are to be held in eastern region the news said and politicians seem to be successful to sell whatever they so desire to folks up in the North in the name of secession. Drums of war are still rumbling in the background. Southern part of the country serves as convenient scapegoat for these secessionist politicians. Folks seem to be patient and listening for fifteen years and somehow oblivious or rather ignorant of the recent political development of the South and its far-reaching implication for all Somalis. Sool once again is the center of the drama and this week Vice president of Northeastern region has been visiting there. Strange as it may seem, as our insider Mr. Deep throat has confided to us, there is some understanding between the leadership of these two recovery zones. The nature of this new understanding has not yet been disclosed to our â€Maxaa la yiri†crew. As it happens good morning program will be back after these messages. Courtesy of “Maxaa la yiri†Desk Newswires.

Warkaasu war xun ma aha Awoowe shaarkeygii baad igu heysataa ee sidee u heshiinaa Oo waliba addigaa dadka iigu soo hor mara waayadan oo misana waxaad rabtaa inaad buugii kacaanka inta ii akhrisid inaad i tiraahdo shaarka waa wada leenahay Waa cilmiyada la garan waayey. Waxaadse ogaataa xaafadaha kale dooduudu waa kaa shisheeysaa oo waxayba taagan yihiin aryaa dhulkaan dhul "Irir" waaye waana la sifee haa!!!! Only Inna Hiiraale thinks he can use Inna Booy!

^Don't plz Danbi ma lihid Horn adeer...waxaan ka hadlayo iyo halkaad la aaday yaan ka gartay in aanney suurto gal ahayn in aannu ka munaaqashoono mawduuca Kismaayo. Awoowe nin rag ah baad tahay ee iska dhici nimankaan safka kale ka soo jeestay Hawshuba ha fududaatee rag tolka ah safkaada ku soo biiri oo hadde meel uga soo har oo taariikhda Guul wadayaasha iyo tii askartii Ilko yarta Kismaayo si waafi ah uga haqab tir Waa ku kaa adeer. Yaab! hadhow baa waxa la leeyahay maxay Somali isku leyneysaa! Farda Jaan, On gardaro... Gardarriyo is yeel yeel baa ninkii gudani diidaaye, Geeridu xisaab ma leh hadii gobi colowdaaye, Gablan wiil la’aaneed rag badan waa wada galayaa e, Mise ina Yussuf hawshiisu waa tii Inna Abdille Hassan ee uu lahaa: Godobteydu waa jidhaa goonyahoo idile, Gashi nimaan ku leeyahay waa daba galayaaye, Annigu waxaan goosan karo waa gurubsanaayaa!

looooooooooooooooooooooool @ Nuune ger caddaale, guunyo badane, gaajo gooye, kuu garaabe, ku garab taagne, gef ka dheere, garoor ma daadshe, gaawe carafle, gaari farasle, gaarka haaye, deris gargaare Gar madoobe, geed walwaale, garruun weyne, gujo kulule, gunta ku geeye, kuna gufeeye, gidaarra jeexe, gurxan badane, gebagebeeye, gacan sarreeye, gam’i waaye Alla ninyahow xikmad badanidaa intaa waxaan ka keentay sxb. Ilaahoow yaan miisaan nala saarin

Cawo, xaafadeyada dhuubo dhex yar baa dhaantada loogu tumi jiray oo waxaa la yiri dhexda suun bey ku adkeyn jireen si aysan u fidin. Nuune, Sxb wax falan baad tahay Awal waxaan doonayay inta aan is barano in aan aqalkeyga kugu martigaliyo oo sidii xaal-gobeed kuu sooro. Mar hadaad ragga naagahooda damac kaaga jiro oo marba haday qurux badan tahay ay hawshaadu tahay "ka rido" hadde warku waa cad yahay oo candhuufta baan dib u liqay Waa sida e awoowe i dhageyso. War ninyahaw nuune la yiraahdo laguu waran. Awoowe quruxda tan muuqata iyo tan dahsoon waxaa ku leh tan dahsoon. Annigu waxaan ahay nin muddo badan soo joogay oo waayahu ay wax bareen. Macnayaal badan baan wax ka aqaan. Kuma lihi wax walba waan aqaan laakiin wax yar oo aan hubiyey baan kuu sheegayaa. Awoowe bilcaamaha, haweenka, xaawaleyda, dumarka, amaba hablaha hadba kaad u taqaan waa sida ragga. Wax yaala badan baa lagu qiimeeyaa dabcan quruxdu waa ka mid laakiin kartida, aqoonta, rag-yaqaanimida, qoyskeeda, gaarinimada, kalsoonida, anshaxa, akhlaaqda, iyo iimaankeedu baa ka sii qiimo badan quruxda muuqata. Sideedana marka baashaalka iyo xiisaha hore ay dhamaadaan waxa reerka isku haya waa qeymaha iyo dadnimada labada qof ee quruxdu muuqataa waa laga xiisa dhigaa oo waxaa suura ah in mid ka qurux badan oo horjoogsiga ka sidata inaad is barataan. Allow ma u sheegay

^ I’ve always spoken for Kismayo locals in person. You can go back and double check my posts. Kismayo is where I’m from. It’s my city. That fact is no secret in this forum my friend. It’s very telling that you felt necessary to say aloud that I belong to a some camp. Sure! I’m from somewhere...Kismayo Awoowe waxa aan dadka kale u sheegno yeynaannu innagu isu sheegin. Inna Hiiraale co-manages Kismayo with the very folks who occupy Booli Qarran! Marka and Kismayo are the two ports that feed Mogadishu’s other half. Last time the skirmishes of Kismayo port occurred it was between the two occupying militias and I, and I suspect, you know what it was all about and how that gets resolved Reer Gedo have shown their bravery and valor when the fight wass about Kismayo????? May I remind you Booli Qaran have better looking Villas than my humble looking living quarters in Kismayo! Every now and then one of our cousin sub-clans runs to Mogadishu looters and spearhead a campaign of driving us out from this city and its immediate environs. Yesterday was Col. Jees! Today is Col. Hiiraale! Surely, some sub-clan is there on the ground that necessitates coalitions and alliances to form. Ever wondered why the locals don’t run to Mogadishu and cut a deal? Were they defending from Ethiopians as Abdiqasim would have us believed Food for thought... Come back plz when u got the time...

Naag intaa isku darsatay walli nuunoow addigu ma aragtay? Naag cududaha u weyn? Halkaas wuu qatifay ninka qoray...ma igu raacday. Suxul-baruur cududo waaweeyn intee la geenaa Maansha naagtu ku lagaday

Farda jaan kaama harin Inna Yussuf has 5 years to make it happen! The other side is determined to entertain him with political plays full of drama until his time expires. He blundered his first quest to ensure Ethiopian inclusion in the coming FTs. He nevertheless secured the FTs necessity to secure the anarchic city from the top dogs, Sheikh wannabess, and freelance thugs. The other side has been encouraged by the latest parliament stint they pulled off the other day, US ambassador in Kenya, and ICG damning report on the frontline troops deployment in Somalia. What’s next move relative to the Mogadishu question?

Horn, Funny how you turn the clock back and bring pre-election campaign maneuvers into this as it happens analysis. Friend that was that and it’s over now. As things stand now, a line has been drawn in the sand. What you don’t understand perhaps is the basis of these groupings. To be considered as an effective warlord, leader, or politician one has to meet several criteria: 1) territorial claim 2) armed militia 3) loyal sub-clan and 4) political capital. I’m terribly sorry sxb...you just don’t have a point in bringing Caasha and Jini-Boqor into the ring where dinosaurs dance and wrestle. Hope now you see the basis of my informal analysis. On RRA, well to my knowledge there are three armed wings in this organization. Shaatiguduud, Madoobe, and Xaabsade. These men are the ones who command the troops on the ground. Two out of three are in Group 1 column. These two make up (in my estimation) the majority of RRA. As to Hiiraale the prince of Kismayo and the so-called strategist...well what can I say! From where I sit, I consider him the fool incarnate and facilitator of Abdiqasim grand plan. If you only knew who utilizes the port without paying taxes (not even a penny)! If you only knew reer Gedo in Kismayo are battle-hardened militia ready to kill their cousins not businessmen engaged in export and import trade mind you! Jar coal trade, farmland real estate acquisition from Jamaame, kamsuuma to the Mugabe rice fields are gone to Abdiqasim sub-clan column (from the locals) and Barre Hiiraale sub-clan are not getting into the action for themselves (beyond the city perimeter) but just facilitating the loot because they can’t sustain the occupation of Kismayo without the logistical supply from Muqdishu and mechanized-technical reinforcement from the JVA senior partners. Ninbaa waxa la yiri waxuu ku faanay sida reerihiisu uga adkaadeen oo u baacsadeen qolo markaa lays hayay. Nin ehul xikam ahaa oo markaa garanahayey sida xaal yahay iyo hawshu inaaney sidaa sii ahaan doonin baa gabay Somali gudaheeda caan ka ah qeymo badana u leh inta garaneysa ninkaa halka uu doodiisa ku saleeyey mariyay. Waxaa ka mid ahaa: Godobta ay naga galeen rageer guul ka dhiganaaya, .... Halkaasuu la maray Hadaad I fahmina I weydii sabab nazuulka gabayga iyo xikmada ka danbeysa...I shall decipher the content for u

^It's fairy tale people and yeah I've been rejected too many times. That gave me the experience I needed to hunt and successfully catch the jewel of my life. Remember MJ had missed 50.6% and he was the start of all stars. OG-Girl, Hambalyo qalanjo. Curdanka yaa ku xarootay and that's as good as it gets. If it doesn't work out(Allah forbid) you would always have 2nd, and even 3rd chance waiting in ur prime time. Hambalyo iyo guur wacan again awoowe.

Xiin Faniin aka fardo jaan I wanna hear ur take on the Mogadishu question. Duke the Islaan, Hiiraan is multi-clan region and anything is possible but as of now they are in Group 1 column. But if and when the going gets tough and the tough gets going don’t count on them. The only thing u can count on is two important things money (a lot of it) and supply of armament and logistics. These two can give you the upper hand. Politiking, intrigue and calculation, understanding the nature of the clan system, sizable loyal clans are very important but not effective without the two I mentioned above. Horn, Abaadir ha is xijin friend . That being said I completely agree with you on the posts being opinion from not-so-partial posters. Weigh in, look it from all possible angles, check ur facts and then and only then refute the thesis if there is any. In any event I say good for u buddy for finally making that important leap. Foruming is fun when taken it easy...take it from me sxb. Spear-wielding cyber warrior, Right on!

On Happiness and Politics By Nick Fram Opinions Columnist Wednesday, March 2, 2005 Despite popular opinion, writing these columns is never easy. There is so much going on, both here in the bubble and outside of it (or so they tell me) that finding the perfect thing to write about -- well, it never happens. This can be very frustrating. If I was the perfectionist I was in third grade, I would become sullen and endlessly beat myself up inside. But that's no way to live. How many times do we have to be reminded that nobody's perfect? It's how we deal with not being perfect that's important. For this, we have two options. The first I call the apathy approach, which basically involves not trying. Why should I put endless effort into endeavors that are not guaranteed to turn out perfectly? Why should I invest my time in class or sports or life if there's a chance, in some arenas a big chance, that I'll end up disappointed? This approach hinges on the notion that avoiding this disappointment would make me better off than having engaged myself in the first place. Wouldn't it be easier to just sit at home, watch TV and embark upon an extended period of elegant decline? Yes, this would be easier. Would this make you happier? The second approach I call the human approach -- because this is what has gotten us this far as a civilization. It involves putting in the effort and dealing with the imperfection. If you realize that all the time and effort you put into something will not guarantee perfection, you are liable to be much happier than if this realization comes after your efforts, or not at all. Not being able to attain perfection should never be an excuse for not trying. It would be very easy, after the last election in which the G.O.P strengthened its hold on power, for those who lean left to fade into the first approach. Of course the apathy approach all of a sudden looks much more attractive to those dedicated campaigners who took time off work to go to Ohio and walk precincts or monitor polls in New Mexico -- only to leave empty-handed. There are some who say that there is nothing more invigorating than working for a losing cause. These people have obviously never won. Trust me, winning is much better. The apathy approach will not make you happier. It clashes with the fundamental basic human needs of achievement and self-actualization that Abraham Maslow hypothesized 50 years ago (look him up, he's brilliant). Don't believe me? Sit on the couch for a week, then a month, maybe even a year. Then, if you can remember how to walk, get up and go get a job for a week, see if you can hold it for a month and stretch that into a year. Then write and tell me which made you happier. The underlying point here is that even once you realize that all of your efforts may be in vain, you will still be better off having tried. Michael Jordan once said that you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. Well, in reality, even the maestro himself missed 50.3 percent of the shots that he did take. Do you think he would have been better off staying at home? Whatever your political creed, do not let losing be an excuse for giving up. The system is designed for there to be a winner and a loser, and sometimes the winner is just not going to be you. This message is often lost in the Stanford world where "win or else," more often than not, is the motto. The day we give up is the day that we start the long devolution back to from whence we came. And if you've read as many history books as I have, I'm not sure that's a place we want to go. On a completely separate note, if you're sick of groups on thefacebook.com too, e-mail Nick at ndfram@stanford.edu.

Nowwww, I don't want you to think...well you know!! Buttt it is a "TRUE" fairy tale!! Once upon a time a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?" She said "No"..... And the guy lived happily ever after. The End.

Abaadir, part of Gedo is endowed with natural resources - that much is true bro. That’s not the point though! Getting into the action in anarchic Somalia one needs a source of income, political end game, loyal clan (organized afar-jeeblayaal, nabadoono, businessmen, ex-military officers all pulling the rope for the clan leader), militia muscle, logistical armament, educated clannish class in the Diaspora, and above all unity. Clan system has become effective political enterprise and in some corners criminal one. You can hate, abhor, or curse it, but you can deny its existence. If one wants to comment on Somali politics, one has to take into account all the factors in this business. Therefore, in my humble opinion, Gedo (same is true with Afmadow-Bu’aale sub-clans) lacks several ingredients that can put them in advantageous position. It’s no accident that they are part of JVA coalition of convenience (formed to defeat their cousins to drive them out from the precious real estate) and it’s is no surprise they are fighting to get part of the Kismayo’s pie. I’ll leave it there. Now Caaqil, well look who’s talking here and what incoherent bubble you spewed into this page. FYI what I’m on is a hardball politiking and in this game only folks with militia muscle, political capital, and territorial claim matter more than the ones with former formal titles or mere name recognition or outspoken personalities. From this perspective, the two groups are the ones in the ring. There are opportunistic personalities that shift from one position to another and it will be difficult to pin their loyalty to one side. As it happens... The stage is uncharacteristically quite today but the maneuvers continue in full speed behind the scene.

Amazing networking site worth taking a look! www.linkedin.com Good for to keep up with your professional contacts, trusted friends, ex-classmates, etc. This is how it works: if you sign up without invitation you become the center of your own network (you have to build it from scratch). If you are invited you become a link of an existing network depending on the size of the network you are linked in, you may have a well positioned network buddies. This site has 2.1 million professional networks from all over the world. The person who invited me, for instance, has 156 professionals (in my industry) under him (think of it as a tree with branches - your link is a matter of X degree of separation). Through this, I found 13 colleagues in my company, 1 former classmate, and 15 professionals within my zip code all part of this network I’m linked in. For instance, if I need help with introductions, my network buddies can recommend me and put me in touch with say Engineering hiring manager of Intel in our network. My sponsor knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows that hiring manager. So it’s 4-degree separation. Therefore, I would have to start (if the need arise) contacting my buddy and through the network I will be able to have a direct conversation with that gentleman hence increasing my employment prospect. Note of caution: Beware of people you invite. You have to know them very well and trust them to represent you. It’s very important that you don’t invite friends, acquaintances, or family members for their names will become part of the network. This is about building network for business, professionals, and entrepreneurs and having credentials helps a lot.

Topic: Somali politiking Type: opinion/commentary Theatre: South Players: Group 1. Coalition of Puntland (it’s entirety), RRA (majority), North Mogadishu sub-clans, and collection of opportunistic sub-clans. VS. Group 2. Central Somalia sub-clans, Mogadishu lords, criminal entrepreneurs, one RRA malcontent warlord, nervous and confused JVA junior partners, and clannish militia wrapped with noble Islamic garb. Price: Political power and the control of Somalia’s breadbasket (South Mogadishu-Kismayo corridor) - the future of the Somali state and the wellbeing of 8 million Somalis. Backstage players: Arab league, AU and IGAD, West through EU. Onlookers: Several sub clans namely Gedo and West Galgaduud (internal weakness and poverty), Upper-lower Juba and middle Juba sub clans (unorganized entity), Somaliland sub clans (at crossroads wrestling with huge political dilemma - e.g internal clannish tension and unmanageable ambitious electoral process). Happiest referee in the world: So-called frontline states bordering Somalia. Scoreboard: Group 1 Strength: Won the leadership battle in transparent internationally supervised election. Have unprecedented political intrigue and calculation, money, friends and the support of the so-called frontline states. Convinced the South Africa, Nigeria, and Arab league the need of FTs securing Mogadishu from the warlords. Weakness: Squandered an opportunity of being the first post-conflict Somali interim government that has all significant armed figures of the country in its rank. Uttered unnecessary rhetoric that served no purpose. Insisted the inclusion of Ethiopia for no obvious reason. Inadvertently united its mortal enemy and gave them excellent opportunity, an issue, and rhetorical speeches that they can use to rally their troops @ grass root level. No full recognition from the powers that matter! Group 2 Strength: Successfully changed the headlines from Mogadishu security, government relocation, and reconciliation process into nationalistic rhetoric - Ethiopians are coming! Used the democratic process to stop the FTs forcing IGAD and international observers to take an unambiguous stand on the issue. Made sympathetic friends from US embassy and ICG. Forced the TFG leadership to fumble nervously the aftermath of the parliamentarian vote. Weakness: Demonstrated the need of FTs by sabotaging the TFG’s intensions. Internal weakness. The lack of unified political resolution to the Mogadishu question. Unable to open the much needed ports or coming up some sort of city administration. Talking and acting as if the governance and the rule of law is problem. Playing opposite roles ministers of TFG and warlords. Lack of understanding of how decisions are made in the government (cabinet branch). Unintended consequences: Letting loose cannons seize the opportunity and start civil war possibly drawing Ethiopians into the Southern war theatre.

Righ on hommie! Keep it up the good work buddy. You certainly know where you are going and how to get there. That is what makes world round sxb. Still I want you to have the education if you can as they say good businessman will do much better with education. You know if and when you want to persuade investors (assuming you get to that level), having credentials can make a world of difference. I’m very proud of you sxb. Make sure it’s Halal.

^Doob dareen baa dilay! Her it is my contribution: Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.