Xiin, now awoowe tell me what's wrong with having clan reps airing their grievances. Note my criticism on how this congress is not tackling the political issues and how the TFG is acting as a moderator of the conference.

Is that so? Well good luck awoowe I sure hope that is the case. Laakiin I know how deep the feeling Habar Fulaan vs. Habar Fulaan runs in the vain of qurbaha folks. Hek! waxaan xaadir u ahaa rag isugu gacan qaaday Sahro Ahmed analog tape. Both uni students.

Duke it's all good that odayaasha are airing their grievances but at the end of the day when all is said and done there will be no tangible results on real estate, on disarmament, on federal arrangement question, on Puntalnd/Somaliland regional border dispute, on constitution, on Habasha troops, on forming inclusive transitional institutions, on revising federal charter, and so on. These are political questions that need political solutions. To solve it you neeed TFG and opposing forces ironing out their differences. Once that sort of dialogue between opposing forces takes place, the Ethiopian question will naturally be solved as there will be consensus on disarmament which will lead to improved security in all areas of concern. From there, progress will be made on all other sticking issues. I for one support this conference not that it is perfect no sire and certainly not that it is inclusive but because it is the right step to the right direction. Let the calaalcal give way to the real talk, where rebel parliamentarians (they represent their constituents I take it) and UIC, and other wing of H tribe participate, takes place. Again this one is good but not nearly enough. Mark my word the international political and donor support will not be forthcoming till outstanding issues are put to bed or at least concrete effort toward that direction takes place. Allow ma irir

Insha'Allah. Ciil badanaa waaba xabash ha ku gumaysto! War halkee nalaga habaaray talow?

War ka daa Ngonge Ahem! Fundraising activities have one thing in common and that is they are all about collecting money. Now whether one man attempts to collect green or an organization throws a blak tie event doesn't matter...well it matters a bit but at the end of the day money is what is collected. Why do I have the feeling that you have beef with nomads' style of collecting money ? As to presideny Yussuf ahem what you don't know is the man gives away money nowadays War ninkaa nin war hayaba ma aha.

^And some other die hard secessionist will scream even louder if we ask changes of the tender note that Somaliland is and say Hadraawi is Habar Shiish not Habar Kuuleey Awoowe naga daa bahasha ha nagu sarifin e yeysan senti taano gaarine! Xiinoow siyaasada meesha taalaa mid la dhex gali karo ma aha. As Ngonge would say nimanku waa barya tageen

Originally posted by Spadez: I’d say this is not isolated incident, it has become routine for so called officials to carry begging bowls across the western world , all in the name of helping Somalis. Some would say that the officials and/or the clan chiefs are acting as fund-raisers seeking financial support for a cause. It is all about seeing things for what they are. Yes there is an element of corruption but by and large hospitals, schools, and what have you, have benefited the very fund raising activities you seem to be dismissing as being carrying a begging bowl. As to the young Garaad since when he become responsible for the political mishaps? I don't know him personally but I find the accusations leveled against him unsubstantiated.

Tragic indeed. Ciil oo way oo hadana ciil oo way! That's what happens when one ethnic group gets the upper hand and the other group loses all the help and protection it has from its friends. Somalia that once existed used to provide the political representation the people of region are in need of today.

Mr. Oodweyne, The heart of the argument is arguably the security. And here you have chicken-egg sort of a situation. AU and UN want to see tangible political progress in Benadir before they deploy their troops in Somalia. UIC and one side of H tribe wants Ethiopians to vacate Benadir prior reaching deal on the political front. TFG wants to have its security guaranteed in the event Ethiopians vacate Benadir. This is not an easy problem to tackle. Another problem is sinister machination of both sides of the conflict. One wing of H tribe has lost the control of large swath of the South including Benadir. It is no secret that they would rather have no progress in any area be reconciliation, security, and political front until their political fortunes improve one way or another. Inclusive government of national unity means nothing to them without economic and political base to bargain with. Remember these are clans who have sacrificed so much in blood in order to claim stake in fertile land. Likewise, TFG wants to present itself as the locus where each and every clan is represented while the truth is that TFG is essentially a vehicle for two influential clans who made a pact to help themselves emerge as political power houses in the post conflict era. These two clans have suffered at the hands of the other side and they are not in the mood of relinquishing power to their nemesis. In addition to these undercurrents you have clans who are sitting on the fence. They endorse TFG in principle but they are not helping in its effort to finish off the opposition. On top of that all international political and donor support are conditioned on making progress in political front. Given the complicated situation on the ground and the numerous layers of interests, one has to consider the big picture and what failure means to the future of Somalia and Somalis. After all developments in this year will arguably shape the course of events in the coming years. It is stalemate. While the ongoing conference won't tackle the political issues of importance, it will serve as an ice-breaker kind of start. There is no harm in having tribal representative talking about clan grievances. It is beyond me why would one object to that. Moreover, at the conclusion of this convention, the political questions will remain unaddressed and hence the status quo will be where it is at today. That's not good for the TFG and it will lose face with international actors who bought the line that few spoilers with terrorist leaning will not stop the masses' desire to have government restoring normalcy. With that background let me answer some of your questions. First of the agenda. Awoowe you won't have an agreed document where every T is crossed and I is dotted. As to guarantor that have teeth to implement whatever is agreed that would be the AMISOM/UN and its mandate is limited to provide security; nonetheless that mandate can be expanded by the participants. As regard to mediators, this is supposed to be a process owned by Somalis so in that sense there will be no third party unless one or both of the contesting side demand it. The venue can be negotiated and its not a big deal even though it would be perfect to hold it in Benadir for historical reasons. You have to concede that an agreement can't be reached on the four points you've listed unless the parties start talking in preliminary meetings before official congress convenes.

Super. Two more nomads I would love to read their considered opinion are Castro and Nur. Having read their posts on the subject, it is safe to say that had they shared their two cents, they too would have made the case against the gathering on the grounds that a national reconciliation moderated by one side of the conflict, guarded by Habasha/TFG forces, and attended by clan representatives who have no militia to command, no authority to exercise, and no power to force a change in direction or purpose will not achieve the desirable goal. Therefore, I concluded that Xiin, Liqaye, Oodweyne, Castro, and Ngonge are somewhat on the same page as far as the outcome of this particular gathering is concerned. On the other hand, Samurai seems to be residing at the end of the spectrum. It is not clear to me if he is of the opinion that the outcome of this conference in its present format will make any difference in the political situation of the country. Samurai is clear however, and Ngonge seems to agree, that from the big picture perspective the TFG as coherent political institution (somewhat) is a force to reckon with; with no counterweight on the horizon. Now I am sure if the discussion proceeds forward a la akhyaar style (ahem! perhaps our resident Burcaawi my cyber pal Mr. Oodweyne can be persuaded to go easy on marqaan and focus on the ball and not on the players. Awoowe will make sure that all participants get their fill of caffeine. No dopamine is available in this dirrin...kaftan aan turxaan lahayn uga har awoowe) As I was saying if discussion proceeds in that direction and if making flawed logic is avoided (check ur line of reasoning before posting plz) I bet we'll reach the same conclusion and that is the outcome of this congress (in its present format) will be inconclusive and in the end nothing good will come out of it. Hence, I suggest we safe time and energy on this score as I agree with whoever makes that point. Likewise, the TFG's intention to see itself standing in the post-conflict era as a potent political force is crystal clear. Let us give a pass on that one as well. Instead, let us see if we can agree on four basic points (will list in a minute), and once we assure ourselves that we are on the same wavelength on the basics, then and only then will I put my cards on the table. I will try to explain myself to the best of my abilities and if anyone of you finds holes in my line of thought, I will readily concede. If we do that, I think we will have contributed something valuable to this forum. I will warn you ahead of time if that were to happen, namely several nomads with different background, with different tribal affiliation adhering to different political persuasions and leading separate lives in the Second Life on the virtual jungle, my monthly magazine Waa Siday Tahay will sport a big bold headline: There's hope for Somalis - in Qurbaha! Not to mention the right wing gossipy Waxa-la-Yiri news will editorialize this discussion along the lines: Islamists, Nationalists, Unionists, Separatists, Tribalists, Detached and Cynics have made a temporary pact to lend their ear to each other! Waa tahay. Let me table four basic premises for your consideration. 1) National level dialogue is the only way out of this prolonged conflict. I will add to that the rigidity of 'no-negotiation' attitude a la 'no negotiating with daba-dhilifs; no-negotiating with terrorists' will only serve as an obstacle to systematic exploration of how best to conduct a neutral and inclusive national-level negotiation. 2) Contestants: opposing wing of H tribe leaders with UIC leaders, Coalition of diverse clans that this TFG is believed to be made up, Gedo clan, clans that are sitting on the fence waiting the outcome of the current contest between the first two, and recovery zones up north must be willing to compromise on their stated goals so that the chance of them becoming constructive interlocutors is high. I will add to that the violence we have heard through the news does not advance the ball and in a sense is a perverted form of self-realization. 3) The leaders representing different sides at the dirrin must be able to control its rank and file. 4) Foreign intervention must not interfere in the reconciliation dialogue. Let me hear if what I outlined in the above paragraph is practical benchmarks that can be used to determine both the credibility of participants and the neutrality of the congress. Despite my criticism of how the gathering has been organized, managed, and the fact that parties that matter are not at the dirrin, still I support the current gathering for I have different perspective on the big picture! I also said this gathering is extremely important to the opposition!! Well I still stand by that statement and I bet once I spell out my reasoning of making that statement, most of you will come around and join me in supporting this process. Now I am not going to reveal my hand until we agree on the basics I have outlined above (I'm open for modifications). I have to note that the need for some sort of government however imperfect is absolutely necessary - period. Before I ran out of ink let me remind all of us what the outcome of any successful national-level reconciliation should look like. At the conclusion of the gathering, the following will have happened: 1. TFG and other political forces are reconciled. 2. Parties agree what just and inclusive government with broad domestic support will look like. 3. The newly formed government gets real and tangible donor and international political support. 4. Inclusive and independent committee takes on the difficult task of disarmament. 5. Security in Benadir improves significantly. 6. The newly formed government endorses the deployment of AMISOM and/or UN forces (minus Ethiopians). 7. Troop contributions and funding are sufficient for it to be effective. 8. Congress announces a firm date for Ethiopian forces' withdrawal. 9. Congress agrees to bring in Islamists in drafting a permanent constitution. 10. Congress makes a progress in putting Somaliland/Puntland dispute to bed. 11. The new TFG, Puntland and Somaliland make progress in agreeing a practical federal arrangement. 12. Somalis move to post-conflict era Ku durduria!

^Toilet papers are in order *smile* Ahem! North awoowe they told us they being the internet xaafado that Burcaawiis are league of their own. Qof tagay halkaas oo aan la soo daqrin waa yaryahay baa waxa-la-yiri news ku qorneyd. Bal arrinkaa naga hubi. Are the southerners safe buddy?

Haye raggu ma bigeys baa mise waa chai latte *smile* Spill the beans Xiin and you Jimcaale as well. Are you guys saying this one is a farce? is that what I'm hearing from you? Will explain my take on this in a minute but gotta get the sequences right first! Just to throw you off what I'm saying is this one is extremely important for the opposition. Don't get preplexed I will put my cards on the table but before I do that tell me this: assuming that you are for dialogue to settle the conflict, where would be a neutral place for the gathering? Simple question!

Kool Marwo, you see yaa bilcaan...you can't have it both ways so make up your mind at once: you despise old sugar dadies without exception or even you vocal marwo have ur exception lists! If u have ur exception list (Clooney or this other six pack oday in that other movie) why not let other bilcaans draw up their own exception list? Doob venting some heat aside, has any1 thought about the thesis this modern philosopher is advancing! I thought the piece was a thought-provoking writeup but unfortunately ýou all went tangent...

Waa shaash *smile*

^Ma dhicin! How is it? Lil summary will do my friend. Not long ago there have been reports that SNM birth place is leaning blue!! Any credible actuality on the ground that supports such reports? As to the topic well Cilmi is a legend and of course he is from Berbera and I bet when bahashu sarifanto in inta habar ee xaafadaas in bakoorad laysla dhacaayo oo dee ninku mid habraha ka mid ah uun buu ku dhamaan. Aminaay aan sarifno boqolka shilin ee diyaar ma tahay. Ganni ganni marka laga dhigo koox badan baa daaqada ka bixi ee ogaada. Anniga iyo addiga walee banaanka yaa la inoo tuuri - awoowe annaa ku iri ha ku laaban.

Ha la hubsado. Nowadays any1 can make claims. It's time for the media to ring Asmara and ask who is doing what and why! You never know what Sherrif or Adow would say. I bet they will dismiss it and condemn such heinous crimes in toto.

SW and Xiin, truth to be told the old Col. Yusuf has been missed in that corner. Whatever you make of him the Col. was not a crook. Fleecing of national resources has become a rat race for the top brass in that recovery zone. My verdict is prof is right on.

Xiin as you u know I just get back from the states after brief break. As usual I checked CSPAN so I can get primary sources straight without having media filter the news to digestable tid bits. I gotta tell ya Uncle Sam is undegoing serious political soul searching. Oh! I really amazed how Lugar changed the beltway game with three paragraphs. Truth is powerful when it comes out from the mouths of power brokers. At last the heat is coming from gool ol GOP. Patrick has nothing on Lugar, Warner, and that ol senator from West Virginia...powerfull statesman. That said Patrick will find friends in his conservative party bosses.

My boy Kashafa tell me how we can get to the promised land. Can we get there without making: 1. Significant improvements in security 2. Notable steps towards reconciliation, 3. Cease-fire agreements and plans for disarmament, 4. Demobilization and reintegration. TFG, Somaliland, Puntland, UIC et al are all playing the game. TFG wants to see itself standing as we move toward the post-conflict era. Somaliland knows very well that it has to sit down with the South and make an arrangement with whoever emerges from Benadir. Puntland made its move long time ago and claims stake in Somaliland and demand regional autonomy from the South admin's central government, and UIC is positioning itself as a political entity with wide cross-community appeal. It runs on Islamic platform and wants to constitute Islamic state over the ashes of the Somalia that once existed. You see none will realize their goals so long the core Somalis problems are left unresolved. Each can pitch their brand after the country is stablized. How and under what terms are legit questions laakiin addigu bal aashaada oo cagaha dhulka dhig boowe. Question to Kashafa: do you have a patent on piety? I will spill some ink on your answer awoowe. Don't go awol on me now.

At issue is the clan congress currently under way in Benadir. I advocated for convening such gathering. Some nomads dismissed it as TFG scheme to secure legitimacy. I don't have the agenda and I heard, through grapevine of course, that the two main rivals are not even part of the dialogue. I'm back at it and I would like to engage a discussion with all of you. I would like to prove you wrong and show you why this gathering is very important. Where is Xiin, Castro, Oodweyne et al? I assume you are all of the opinion that this conference is a farce. Come out and challenge me fellaz. Shah is on me I know y'all stingy so no worries it is free. Anyone?

As a parent, I'm fuming with anger! How could he? If this is true (and if is the operative word), I want that sucker serve his time? Adduunyo!! Talk about falling from grace!!!!! Ilaahoow khatumada ha na seejin.

What can one do to prevent a total eclipse of the heart? Maxaa lagu daweeyaa qasawatul qalbi?

True that. Few drops of tears, out of emotion, is ok I guess. It is another day in QurboLand for me. I dunno why that is the case. I do understand its significance though and I do appreciate the efforts of those fallen heros who spared no effort to break free from the shakels of colonialists. Awoowe xoogaa qasaawatul qalbi (eclipse of the heart) baa iska jirta ee in Allah khatumada na waafajiyo ducada aamiin dheh.

Kool marwo, qallanjo what if every 22ish chic who falls for an older man considers him as her G. Clooney of the world? Yaa Cara, qallanjo ya won the "dood" awoowe Attend to Zafir at once plz. He wants ur attention

'Close the rank' groupthink mentality huh! All of that in the name of womenhood Rahima, maxay awoowe ka rabaan?