My pal MMA, awoowe shax-shax. Living Dubai and working in Abu Dhabi. Life is good. Family is with me. Awoowe AlxamduLilaah. Awoowe ma guursatay mise wali ishaa falato baa ku jidhaa. Hal carabiyad ah ma kuu habeeyaa David is thoughful political commentator. He is Republican -- liberal wing of Gran Ole Party (GOP). Good read I wanna share with you folks.

Intractable conflict – No end in sight By Inna-Warmoog, dispatching from Abu Dhabi, UAE Waa-Siday-Tahay Gazzete Somali conflict still rages on unabated. The intensity of factional gamesmanship has reached to new heights. Unlike the days when there were two major groupings, fragile but nevertheless united groupings, vying for power in the south, today political settlement requires participation of numerous sub-factions. These sub factions do not fit to the familiar categories, however. They are neither political party nor religious in their practices nor clannish enough to serve the interest of their base constituents. Yet these disoriented sub factions hold the key to the transition path everyone wishes to embark on in order to reach the elusive but desirable political settlement. On the one side of the table sits TFG – a transitional arrangement that has no control over one single village, township, city, or province. Like its predecessor transitional institutions, it’s mired with political bickering and clannish triangulation. With no unity of purpose and no path forward, sadly the TFG, since its inception, has never formulated a winning strategy. Yet this is the only arrangement the so called international community is willing to support – sort of! On the other side of the table sits numerous groups with varying military strength. Their strength is in the courage of their conviction. Their strength is also, in part, in the numbers. They control large swaths of land. They are daring in their attacks and most cases winning battles. In their public pronouncements, they loudly claim that their objective is to pacify the country from foreign infidels and their poodles and install Islamic government. Yet when the other side agrees to their demands in principle they do not reciprocate the gesture. Sometimes they turn against each other for no apparent reason – unless one gives consideration to tribal calculus. Somalis are hoping against hope that this seemingly confused and entangled contest and these numerous non-uniformed teams reach semifinals and then finals very soon so that a winner can be declared -- whoever that may be.

Two Theories of Change By DAVID BROOKS When I was in college I took a course in the Enlightenment. In those days, when people spoke of the Enlightenment, they usually meant the French Enlightenment — thinkers like Descartes, Rousseau, Voltaire and Condorcet. These were philosophers who confronted a world of superstition and feudalism and sought to expose it to the clarifying light of reason. Inspired by the scientific revolution, they had great faith in the power of individual reason to detect error and logically arrive at universal truth. Their great model was Descartes. He aimed to begin human understanding anew. He’d discard the accumulated prejudices of the past and build from the ground up, erecting one logical certainty upon another. What Descartes was doing for knowledge, others would do for politics: sweep away the old precedents and write new constitutions based on reason. This was the aim of the French Revolution. But there wasn’t just one Enlightenment, headquartered in France. There was another, headquartered in Scotland and Britain and led by David Hume, Adam Smith and Edmund Burke. As Gertrude Himmelfarb wrote in her 2004 book, “The Roads to Modernity,” if the members of the French Enlightenment focused on the power of reason, members of the British Enlightenment emphasized its limits. They put more emphasis on our sentiments. People are born with natural desires to be admired and to be worthy of admiration. They are born with moral emotions, a sense of fair play and benevolence. They are also born with darker passions, like self-love and tribalism, which mar rationalist enterprises. We are emotional creatures first and foremost, and politics should not forget that. These two views of human nature produced different attitudes toward political change, articulated most brilliantly by Thomas Paine and Edmund Burke. Their views are the subject of a superb dissertation by Yuval Levin at the University of Chicago called “The Great Law of Change.” As Levin shows, Paine believed that societies exist in an “eternal now.” That something has existed for ages tells us nothing about its value. The past is dead and the living should use their powers of analysis to sweep away existing arrangements when necessary, and begin the world anew. He even suggested that laws should expire after 30 years so each new generation could begin again. Paine saw the American and French Revolutions as models for his sort of radical change. In each country, he felt, the revolutionaries deduced certain universal truths about the rights of man and then designed a new society to fit them. Burke, a participant in the British Enlightenment, had a different vision of change. He believed that each generation is a small part of a long chain of history. We serve as trustees for the wisdom of the ages and are obliged to pass it down, a little improved, to our descendents. That wisdom fills the gaps in our own reason, as age-old institutions implicitly contain more wisdom than any individual could have. Burke was horrified at the thought that individuals would use abstract reason to sweep away arrangements that had stood the test of time. He believed in continual reform, but reform is not novelty. You don’t try to change the fundamental substance of an institution. You try to modify from within, keeping the good parts and adjusting the parts that aren’t working. If you try to re-engineer society on the basis of abstract plans, Burke argued, you’ll end up causing all sorts of fresh difficulties, because the social organism is more complicated than you can possibly know. We could never get things right from scratch. Burke also supported the American Revolution, but saw it in a different light than Paine. He believed the British Parliament had recklessly trampled upon the ancient liberties the colonists had come to enjoy. The Americans were seeking to preserve what they had. We Americans have never figured out whether we are children of the French or the British Enlightenment. Was our founding a radical departure or an act of preservation? This was a bone of contention between Jefferson and Hamilton, and it’s a bone of contention today, both between parties and within each one. Today, if you look around American politics you see self-described conservative radicals who seek to sweep away 100 years of history and return government to its preindustrial role. You see self-confident Democratic technocrats who have tremendous faith in the power of government officials to use reason to control and reorganize complex systems. You see polemicists of the left and right practicing a highly abstract and ideological Jacobin style of politics. The children of the British Enlightenment are in retreat. Yet there is the stubborn fact of human nature. The Scots were right, and the French were wrong. And out of that truth grows a style of change, a style that emphasizes modesty, gradualism and balance.

He was in Dubai during the weekend. I did not go there myself but I saw folks who came from the meeting. I have learnt something about Somali politicking during my stay in Dubai. Folks take it from me IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY. Very unfortunate. There are shrewd Qurbojoog (well-educated) who are out for money. No tribalism -- no sir. Partners in some of the projects are from folks who are opposite sides of the conflict.

Risky move but nevertheless the right thing to do. Faroole is spot on in reforming this much tainted and illegal foreign mercenary group. Kudos to the man.

Adduun I wonder what Iqbal makes of the latest events in SSC region where the process he adores so much as he claims is put to use once again. Would he ignore -- through omission of course -- this “bottom approach” driven by the “clan elites” (quotes are his not mine) that runs counter to the secession he so incessantly promotes. Would he have the courage to set the record straight and state the fact that secession is one-sided top-down approach pushed by urban clan elites. Of course not! Mr. Jhazbhay’s fixation in finding ways and means to dismember Somalia is really unfortunate. Why -- one might wonder out loud! Here you have a South African “academic” of Asian origin who wants to spearhead the noble campaign of good governance and conflict resolution in Africa. In so doing, he picks the much troubled Horn Africa as a case study. Unlike your typical academic – impartial researcher with no agenda – he finds very hard to balance his biases (he is secessionist sympathizer and advisor of the breakaway recovery zone leadership) with the multidimensional clan dynamics that underpins the core issues of Somali conflict. On the one hand he praises traditional role and falls in love with the traditional mediation and reconciliation process and urges other Somali to follow suit and use the Somaliland’s experience as a role model. On the other hand he fails to stay true in his conviction and exhort the same line and urge Somalis to use the same model and traditional process in creating internal unity to resurrect democratic and united Somali State. It seems as if he support the traditional process blended with democratic governance and the so-called “bottom approach” only when it suits his agenda. Go figure!

Very unfortunate event. PIS is very dangerous mercenary gangs who would sell their own if the price is right. Very regretful event. Who are you referring to when you say they? And who is Inna Macallin?

Abaaba Apparently ruling several KM of Benadir -- the national seat -- gets you this kind of reception in London. Southern Somalia might be a hellhole but folks like Gordon and Clinton understand where the real center of gravity of Somalia that once existed is. Sh. Sharif whatever you make of him is regarded as part and parcel of the Islamist and having him stay within the fold divides that movement hence why folks like Gordon court with the man. Who would have thought Like it or not Mogadishu is the power center of Somalia. Secessionists will explain away -- I'm sure -- why TFG is accorded with such importance and their wailing of being ex-colonial subjects of her majesty are ignored but facts are what they are What a heartache this photo opp brings to some what a heartache...addduunyo

This will only result another round of civilian casualties. Opposition forces will melt away when the going gets tough and come out when the momentum of the foreign-backed forces wanes. Poor families in Benadir will pay highest prices yet gain. The same old song! Not a wise move.

This will only result another round of civilian casualties. Opposition forces will melt away when the going gets tough and come out when the momentum of the foreign-backed forces wanes. Poor families in Benadir will pay highest prices yet gain. The same old song! Not a wise move.

This will only result another round of civilian casualties. Opposition forces will melt away when the going gets tough and come out when the momentum of the foreign-backed forces wanes. Poor families in Benadir will pay highest prices yet gain. The same old song! Not a wise move.

Puntland leadership must address PIS question if they really want this corner of Somalia to move ahead and stay true to its recovery zone characterization. Is PIS a provincial government organ, foreign-backed intelligence mercenary, or clan militia? The leadership may survive but this recovering area will lose its stability if PIS left unchecked! I understand the difficulty associated with balancing clan considerations and administering a provincial umbrella that’s part of chaotic Somalia. It’s not easy task to execute. However, there are fundamental issues that one must address in order to preserve the token stability this part of Somalia has attained. Before tackling corruption, pirate and other pressing issues Inna Farroole is well advised to put this screaming toddler to bed. As to the establishing Justice organ for the state I say that’s positive step in the right direction. With all its shortcomings still one has to crawl and learn to take baby steps before one fully utilizes one’s legs. Keep it up boys.

Kelligii Muslim Kashafa has no legs to stand. His support for Islamic governance if genuine is admirable to say the least. His opposition against foreign interference if sincere is agreeable. But his never ending exhortations – enumerated on this board -- for Muslim on Muslim blood bath are neither necessary nor desirable. His cyber personality is a sad reminder of how difficult the Somali question has become. You now have fragmented Mujahidin warlords – for lack of better phrase – and deeply held tribal grievances that has no easy way to settle.

Cidda Qarranimadii Somalia burburisay waa la yaqaan. Hal hayb, gobol, ama xaafad ma ahayn. Hawl mar qudha dhacdayna ma ahayn. Waxa ku tuntay xaafado uu loolan siyaasadeed u dhaxeeyay iyo nin dawladda dukaan nin leeyahay mooday oo si gaara isagga sheegtay iyo xaafado badan oo ku taageeray. Iyo kuwo ku qabsaday oo yirri iiga kac kursiga annagaa kaa mudan ama kaaga haboon e! Diin iyo mabda' laguma dirririn. Ayaan darro nagu dhacday oo aannu naqaan halka ay gunta ku heyso weeye awoowe. Doodu yaaney noqon Cantuuga jiilaal canba can buu bidaa!

A misplaced request! Inna Cali Samatar is sued by CJA representing Somali natives not secessionist operatives. The fact that secessionist would want to highlight their political case in this highly visible legal case is understandable though But believe me awoowe this case is way beyond Inna Cali Samatar and his accusers. The case is about TVPA vs. FSIA and by extension a proxy legal wrangling between Neocons as well as Zionists who would want to avoid persecution against Israeli officials and American military personnel that commit torture and other inhumane acts in the name of "war against terrorism" AND liberal movements and Human Rights' groups. Inna Ducaale should know better. This drama is outside his usual class Awoowe the man is punching above his weight as they say in boxing match lol The province he represents is a recovery zone within Somali proper. It’s stating the obvious I know but probably worth repeating: awoowe in the absence of legitimate and inclusive central government, international community and regional actors encourage existing recovery zones and struggling TFG weaklings to discharge essential state duties. That’s all! It is in this capacity that Inna Ducaale and his likes including TFG representatives meet foreign officials and are welcomed in national capitals. He is in no position to make requests of this magnitude. Moving on.. The case against Inna Cali Samatar brought by -- Somali natives now naturalized American citizens – is an interesting and probably legitimate case for sure. Interesting because the amount of excitement the case generated and the far reaching implication the verdict will have on American policy makers is enormous. Legitimate because victims with this much courage to go this distance must have suffered and should have their day in court. After all he is the highest ranking member of the military junta that ruled Somalia during the civil unrest they can find and sue. He was second in command – no small matter. His safest path to win the case is to argue that the accusers belonged to rebel movement waging a proxy war from enemy state’s territory in a bid to destabilize Somali state and they were dealt with as such with caveats such as I don’t know the specifics of their case and I have not ordered any torture against any Somali subject. Since there is no circumstantial evidence incriminating him the case will probably rest on domestic considerations that have nothing to do with the justice the victims are seeking. The case is supported by: Human Rights Watch Amnesty International Darfur Groups Holocaust Survivors Democratic Party’s liberal wing The case is opposed by: Neocons Republican conservatives American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists US Government’s solicitor general argues that the decision of what to do with these kinds of cases should be left to Executive Branch – read State Department should have flexibility to disguise the apparent double standards it exercises when it comes to cases against Israeli and American transgressions. I for one want victims to win this case so that Gaza, Guantanamo as well as Abu Ghureib victims can have the legal tools to prosecute their tormentors.

Waryee Northern where have you been lately? I am getting laid off pretty soon. My year is up pretty soon and I am not getting along with these French Canadians I have the misfortune to work with. We gotta catch up soon -- over cup of chai perhaps.

I am not sure if this one has already been posted. You may wanna check this one out. Impressive Chimamanda Adichie gives a thought provoking lecture about stereotypes and the danger of reducing others into one-dimensional caricatures. Oh! I’m in love with her inner beauty and intelligence Such a pretty lady! Very powerful presentation. How's SOL crowd doing? All is well, I hope. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

I am all for the freedom fighters. I am rooting for them all the way down the line! Somalis have this proverb: Nin tiisa daryeela tu kalena ku dara. Somali state disappeared. Somalis disintegrated into quearreling clans and recovering fiefdoms. They are not in a position to pull themselves out of the bottomless pit they have fallen in let alone lend a helping hand to others in need. The best thing they could do for the freedom fighters in Somali region in Ethiopia is to end the civil war in a dirrin and mend the fences.

Hope they have an accountant.

Can't help you there buddy. I've been there about a month (in a hotel) but I moved out of AD. Pretty nice city. If you make it to AD awoowe make sure you visit Al-Ain. It is such a beauty.

Beware the job insecurity in projects. Projects -- which is what UAE has in most cases -- will always end. It is a big decision that should not be made lightly. The other thing is this place is expensive. Take that into account. You might also end up living away from where Somali live!! Feeling lonely all of that. On the brighter side the money is good, free accommodation, no taxes, transportation provided, etc. Good deal overall. But it will end on project completion. By the way, I met this guy who got laid off. They gave him one month notice. Did you got the picture. It is not all shax-shax.

The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson. Educating and informative. Try it you would love it.

Hambalyo awoowe. I know the feeling. Bundle of joy. Allah yaziidka.

Share the wealth marwo Cool Cat. Save some of the money you make and beware the habit of spending money you don't have on things you don't need. Hambalyo

^Ayaan darro