Hats off to President Shariff. I didn't know he had it in him. Edit: Is Abdiqasim attending the prayer in Mogadishu?

Inna Lilaahi wa inna Ileyhi raajicuun. Allah yarxama inna Yussuf. Ehalladii uu ka geeryoodeyna samir iyo iimaan baanu leenahay.

There is oil to be explored, wells to be dug, refineries to be built, storage facilities to be put in place, port to be revovated, and on and on. President Farole wants to manage this industry and fend off federal involvement in the state affairs Faroole is a GOP republican Puntlanders are tea party activist if all goes well : Carafaar ileyn nin hawsha la socda ma aha

AS and AMISOM duking it out in the middle of urban centers is something that pains me a great deal. When Ethiopia insist on unilateral surrender and does so with the support of the West, that speaks volumes of what the priorities are for the interest groups. From Somalis prespective, AS is them (local boys who think they are fighting in Allh's cause). If there is a way to convince them to lay down their weapons and bring them from the cold Somalis would naturally want to have that option for that's in line with their interests. I hope they ignore Zenawis's dictats and proceed implementing whatever they feel will bring peace and security to their fellow Somalis. That said what's to come in August is a change worth trying. We'll take anything at this point. Desperation force you to consider other alternatives. As to if what's transpired means the end of secession drive. No. Unless or until mutual agreement is reached there will be elements within that part of Somalia who will push the secession. Other Somalis have to offer them a reasonable concessions. The time is ripe for dialogue. The wise among them understand that Somaliland itself is divisible. One thing the civil war taught us is no clan can defeat other clan even if armed by neighboring states. The unionists have to change their tone and stay away from namecalling. Calling them secessionists or separtists is a fair game as secession is what they are after.

Interest Groups shake things up at London Conference. Foreign Powers: Regional states pushed the “African” solution prescription and asked the wealthy interest groups to underwrite their plan in stabilizing Somalia. Uganda lectured the participants how Africans do business. Uganda strongman recanted the goat and its byproduct business model and how that trade brought his village people and civilized baganda tribe in Kampala closer. His point -- villages should submit to Benadir and find a similar trade arrangement that works . That’s the extent Mousaveni seems to know about Somali conflict!! Scary! Ethiopia focused on “terrorists” threat at their backyard and made clear that negotiating with the “terrorists” is unacceptable. Hillary was delighted to hear Zenawi's commitment to war againts terrorism Zenawi pitched benevolent Ethiopia working with its proxies “liberating” parts of the south as the way forward to defeat AS. No room for negotiation short of unilateral surrender. Ain't that something Unbelievable! Muslim countries pushed a reconciliation route. Turkey in particular said it does not want to see a de facto authorities at the periphery operating outside the fold of national center at Mogadishu. Qatar’s tone echoed Turkey’s concerns. European block led by UK -- mindful of the sizable Somali population in London and the upcoming Olympics -- focused on security and piracy. Europeans want to give up centralized state for now and push a cantonal arrangement of six regions or more working with yet to be defined decentralized and weak federal umbrella. The local cantons will depend on the generosity of donors to jumpstart their local institutions and the bravery and sacrifice of regional states for their security. Uncle Sam wielded his big stick and issued a stern warning to would-be spoilers against post transitional government. America will enforce whatever the Roadmap process produces. Big America wants to maintain unitary arrangement (weakened and divided along tribal purity masquerading regions) as it helps take care of their interests. The grownups at the table in London Conference appoint themselves to be the guardians and made a pledge that they will babysit the handicapped Somalia for a while. Happily ever-arguing Somalis: Somalis -- suspicious of each other pretty much focused on local interest to the detriment of national interest and lobbied for their clan interests. They don’t seem too much concerned about their country. Or put it differently they don’t understand how weak and vulnerable their state would become to both internal strive and outside threats if they allow clan and foreign interests supersede the vital national interest of Somalis in the region. The Somali leaders had their eyes fixated on the local politics (tribal) and post transitional politicking after August 12 deadline. President Sharif thanked his host and named his accomplishment during his tenure pretty much taking credit of what others have done for the TFG. Puntland, Somaliland, Galmudug, and ASWJ listened in. That’s about it. Behind the scene I can imagine a humiliating pleas of “me against my brother” style going on and on to nauseating length. Secessionists leadership and their fellow barking buffoons get hang up on the seating arrangement. The fact that Silanyo requested to be seated away from his fellow brethren and host granting his wish was taken out of proportion and many die hard secessionist preached chapter and verse on the issue and how mere seating arrangement is indicative of what’s to come soon. Unbelievable! Next stop for the Roadmap: Off to Istanbul. Turkey will collect pledges on behalf of Somalis. Somalis will vehemently compete against each other and advance their demise and institutionalize federal decentralized (each clan on its own remedy) weak state to the delight of regional powers (90/40 million - ethnically diverse - strong). Awoowe taariikh ba qori far waaweyn! Five months to go -- Clock is ticking tik tok tik tok

Wait and see folks. War jiraaba cakaaruu iman.

Xiin, Awoowe we are in the middle of the so-called "silly season" -- election year 2012. With GOP presidential hopefuls stepping on each other's toes with contraceptive, Obama's theology, and Michigan's trees being the "right height, Iran's manuevers, Israel's threat to strike Iran, gas price rising, UK PM's preoccupation in a galaxy far away in eastern Africa has no room for the crowded belletin board. That said, don't forget to tune into GOP debate in Arizona 2night 8 ET. Newt will be provacative and when Newt tries to be provacative his adverbs will make a splash -- watch the adverbs in each sentence he utters. Other political junkies will tune in for sure Somalia may come up...you never know.

Statement by the United States Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador James Swan Briefing for African Media Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The United States takes a comprehensive approach to Somalia – one that reflects the inter-related security, political, and humanitarian/development issues. Improving security, stability, and governance in Somalia is central to addressing many related concerns – including piracy, terrorism, human rights abuses, and underdevelopment. The United States’ approach places Somalis and Africans in the lead, and looks to regional organizations such as the African Union as a guide. Security Security must remain a priority to create conditions for political progress and improved humanitarian access. Recent progress against al-Shabaab in Mogadishu and areas of western Somalia rests on the extraordinary courage, professionalism, and commitment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), along with Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces and their allies. In compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions, the international community must assist the TFG's National Security Forces (NSF) in developing a more efficient and capable security sector to withstand the security challenges that face Somalia every day. Since 2007, the United States has obligated more than $106 million to support the NSF – including payment of salary stipends to TFG troops, and train and equip programs. We remain committed to this effort. It is also time to build upon AMISOM’s successes. AMISOM now has the opportunity to contribute to a multi-front operation to stabilize the situation in Somalia, help end al-Shabaab’s imposition of draconian social control on subject populations, and overturn its ban on the delivery of vital humanitarian relief. To this end, we support in principle an expansion of AMISOM’s mandate and a commensurate increase in its force levels, along with force enablers. The United States has been a steadfast supporter of AMISOM since its inception. Since 2007, the United States has obligated nearly $340 million in voluntary assistance to AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), and provided approximately $150 million for its share of assessed costs for the UN Support Office for the AU Mission in Somalia (UNSOA). The cost of an expanded AMISOM mission, augmented troop levels and associated logistics included, will significantly increase the assessed costs for all UN Member States. Furthermore, with the proposed troop increase, the donor community will be faced with tens of millions in additional bilateral costs to train and equip the new forces. Hence, we must be realistic about the costs of an expanded AMISOM – and about the urgent need for new, significant donors to help cover these expenses. Political The political track is also showing some encouraging signs of progress. The United States very much welcomes the results of the Garowe II constitutional conference, held in Garowe, Puntland, Feb. 15-17. This meeting was a continuation of the Djibouti Peace Process, as further shaped by the June 2011 Kampala Accord, the September 2011 Roadmap to end the Transition, and the December 2011 Garowe Principles. The Garowe II meeting helpfully broadened participation to included additional civil society representatives, and enshrined their role in selection of the Independent Interim Electoral Commission, and in the new Constituent Assembly and Parliament. The Somali Roadmap signatories and the international community are unified in the view that the transition must end on August 20, 2012. Garowe offers valuable focus and precision to guide completion of the most important Roadmap tasks necessary to end the transition on schedule. The road ahead is clear and both Somalis and the international community must now roll up our sleeves to ensure that agreed steps are implemented. That means supporting efforts by the TFG and UN to continue to expand political dialogue to include local leaders. It also means sending a clear signal that the international community will not tolerate spoilers. Humanitarian The protracted humanitarian crisis in Somalia – highlighted by the famine in summer 2011 – underscores the urgent need for capable governance for the benefit of the people that can only come from improved security and a stable political settlement. The announcement of the end of the famine – as technically defined – reflects a massive international humanitarian response, as well as the good fortune of an exceptionally good short rainy season. Nonetheless, millions of Somalis remain in fragile conditions of food insecurity. Al-Shabaab’s expulsion of relief agencies from areas it controls further contributes to the suffering of the people. Continued international support will be required. The United States has provided approximately $210 million in humanitarian assistance for Somali since early 2011. We remain committed to additional assistance to respond to needs, and to bridging quickly to recovery, reconstruction, and development. Local Administration and Stabilization The United States believes a key priority that straddles security, politics, and recovery is how to govern and assist in areas recaptured from al-Shabaab. These include locations in the outskirts of Mogadishu, as well as new locations in western and southern Somalia. It is urgent to avoid a security and governance vacuum in these locations, and to provide a rapid recovery where al-Shabaab has left. We welcome the TFG’s strategy for reconciliation and stabilization in south and central Somalia, especially its emphasis on both “bottom up” grassroots governance as well as the need for links back to the central government. We recognize as well that this work should be integrated with other efforts to encourage inclusive governance in Somalia’s regions, including IGAD initiatives. No matter how detailed these plans are, their success will be far from certain if local administrators are unable to provide law and order and deliver a rapid “peace dividend.” The United States is contributing to this effort through its “Transition Initiatives for Stabilization” program, which supports community development projects in Mogadishu’s Benadir Region, Somaliland, Gedo, and Puntland. But much more needs to be done – and quickly. London Conference Finally, the United States welcomes the February 23 London Conference as an occasion to galvanize high-level international attention for Somalia at this moment of opportunity. London will be anchored in processes led by the region and the African Union, and coordinated by the United Nations with strong support from international partners. We support the agenda to address key issues including: support for AMISOM and TFG security forces; political reforms to end the transition; local administration and stabilization programs; improved transparency and accountability; enhancement of counter-terrorism and counter-piracy measures; a reaffirmed commitment to humanitarian response; and refinement of international architecture to guide our future collective efforts on Somalia. As with all international meetings, post-conference action will be the true test of success in London – and we are fully committed to the hard work that will follow. ((END)) http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/pr_20120221.html

Good strategy. Leave AS with their own devices. Deny AS their rallying cry of "infidels" and "foreign interference" and force them to govern and deliver services. It will be "show me the money" moment. If they fail to deliver the goods the locals will get rid of them. If this report turns out to be the real deal, it will lessen Ethiopia's influence in Somalia to a tolerable level. We'll wait and see.

Geek + Nerd - talent.

Mac fanboys rejoice Coming this summer. Apple’s Mountain Lion makes the Mac more like the iPad -- NYT reports. Most popular iOS apps come to the Mac. Remainders iMessages (free by the way -- cuz it is over wifi not on ATT, Verizon, T-mobile, etc) Notification Center Airplay Mirroring (all ur movies in external HD will be on ur HDTV -- no wires, nada. PLEX, XBMC, Boxee will rule with their neat interfaces huraaaaaaaa!) http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/16/apples-mountain-lion-makes-the-mac-more-like-the-ipad/?hp http://www.macworld.com/article/165407/2012/02/hands_on_with_apples_new_os_x_mountain_lion.html

The airline is taking a huge risk, paying a higher insurance premium, and puting its assets on the line in deciding to provide this much needed service to Somalis. In business terms, the decision to go to Mogadishu twice a week does not make economic sense. Turkey has done us humongoes favor if we can capitalize on it.

That's it. Folks like these who create wealth for themselves and employ local folks in the process are our ticket back to normalcy. Give them security and decent justice system that works first and Somalis entrepreneurship spirit will be released from the genie bottle it's been locked up in the lost decades. Looking good awoowe.

At least he did get folks putting on their magnifying glasses and looking into the ONLF the movement, the cause it's fighting for, the top brass who are leading the charge, and the constituents in whose name they're fighting for. That's good discussion to have methinks.

No. It is not a mutiny. Sherrif does not own the country. These citizens have every right to assemble, form a political party and contest the leadership election in post conflict Somalia. Come to think of it, you should welcome it for the political landscape is transforming from clan-centered, militia dependent pseudo political groupings to a bigger tent sort of political platform that transcends clan lines. Wherever outcome London Conference produces, there is a near certainty that the new post conflict government will be formed by a new line up or even recycled lineup. So why not start the campaigning now and put your ducks in a raw in preparation of the new political arrangement?

Nonsense. No one hates Puntland awoowe. It’s all in your head. What you mistaken for hate could be an unintelligible, incoherent, badly composed, and poorly presented criticism. Puntland is an imperfect place recovering from a prolonged statelessness. PL region like many other war-torn areas ravaged by a prolonged conflict is trying to rebuild its provincial institutions. It is marginally succeeding in some areas and often coming short in other areas. Folks will comment on both areas. If and when they do criticize, don’t take it personal. Folks like you who find it necessary to brag about most basic human activity like completion of NGO funded two-story building are inviting others to say something about your pedantic spin. Make no mistake this attitude of look at my my tuulo, it has nice buildings and look at your tuulo it’s lacking this and that is counter productive and it does not serve any purpose. If you read a nomad criticizing PL’s reason d’être, its leadership or even judging the merits and faults of say its policies toward “disputed areas” or toward TFG, in a coherent and an intelligible way not matter who voices it, treat their post as criticism not a hate speech. You will always find folks who voice criticism without thinking or folks who do not see beyond their nose. They don not mean harm. It is just that they are not sharp enough to see the bigger picture or experienced/knowledgeable enough to the encompassing larger context under which events in Somalia are occurring. Enough for the unsolicited waano!

I will give Ina Cumar Ali Gas the benefit of doubt for he is privy to inside info. There will be funds allocated for Somalia’s reconstruction for sure but London is not the venue for setting up a Trust Fund of the scale the PM is dreaming of. I gotta give to him though for one makes ones needs known to all and see what it is offered. After all, this is a handout and not an obligation the Contact Group had to meet. This gathering is primarily a security conference. Obviously one cannot attain a secure and peaceful Somalia without addressing the underlying causes of the civil strife that engulfed the country. To put his ducks in a row, David understandably swallowed Djibouti Process (slightly modified by Garowe Principles) as a whole. Rumors abound that powers that be want to adopt “attack, clear, and hold” military strategy against AS. First advanced and later implemented in Iraq and Afghanistan by General David Petraeus. West is not putting its young men in harms way, IGAD is. IGAD modeled after South African Development Community (SADC) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) wants to extend its profile and solidify its position as a full-fledged regional political, economic, development, trade and security cooperation. The current roadmap envisioned in Djibouti “compromise and backed by Kampala Accord is expected to clear the way for sustainable post-conflict political solution for Somalia. UK in consultation with Contact Group will present a precooked plan in the presence of all segment of Somalis minus AS, Contact Group will pledge money for the Trust Fund Turkey is said to be setting up, and AMISOM will pick up the security mantle spearheading Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process. Not that different from ECOMOG in Sierra Leone conflict. Only Allah can help Somalia. Listening to my fellow nomads, I sometimes throw up both my hands up in the air and curse them. Somalis I knew had pride and dignity streak in them. Clan is important I get it but what about your sovereignty as a nation. Don't you have any sense of love of country?

Puntland has its challenges for sure and the creation of six body stakeholders committe to steer the ship of state (within four months) has many clans preoccupied. That tidbit is true. What's not true is that the confusion the Roadmap injected in the clan-based Somali politik is sufficient to bring the house of PL down. The only game changer in town is Khatumo State. Kahtumo is taking control over an area designated as a "disputed" area. In that sense, Khatumo State creates political problems in Hargeisa than it does in Garowe for it poses a fundamental challenge to the secession project in a way no other Somali constituent can...

Xiin, The trouble with these countries is they are incapable of doing the minimum -- they can not get AS big shots off the terror list. This is first order of business in these types of negotiation. The good thing is we have a precedent in this and that is ARS. Once ARS came around and said yes West promptly arranged a political solution and implemented their demands -- share in TFG and withdrawal of Ethios out of Somalia. Cuurent crop of AS leadership are no Sharif and Cadow. That's the other issue. Sharif had Cadow. Mansoor and Godane don't have Cadow -- a respectable pragmatic cleric.

A_Khadar, that may be the case. But Khatumo will have to learn the craft of shaping the narrative. TV Universal needs you as much as you need them. Get an interesting content suitable for their programming line up and I guarrantee you they will air it. HD recording in places that matter, balanced reporting, known big wigs interviews -- and you will be on in no time. It is the nature of the business. Remember all Somali-speaking media covered Taleex conference extensively (in some fashion). Also Galeydh is a valuable asset for Khatumo folks. He is a newsmaker and anything he says will be covered.

We need to find someone in good standing to pursuade AS leadership to stand down and come to the table. TFG and other regional authorities should agree in principle to talk to AS and find a way out of this dangerous stalemate. Somalis have vested interest to listen to, understand, and take their concerns into account. Military solution alone won't work.

Waaq island? Where is that, ya BOB? Ma ka guudhay UK? Raula qallanjo Dinkytown ma joogtidee naga daa Dinkytown waxan tagay 2010. Minneapolis waa beled baan ku iri Seattle korontadaa ka maqan -- gloomy, cloudy, rainy, windy...the place is absolutely depressing. Other than that it's all good

^ . Not bad. Not bad at all.

Gaacuur, please post the source of the article as well.

Boby, it's all good AlhamduLilaah. Back to the states. Planning to go back to ME for xamaali. Sida kale, shax shax Raula, qallanjo ii waran. All is shax shax with you, I hope. Politics yaan u badanahay. Qallanjo waa halkee, ma Dinkytown baa, mise waad digo rogatay