Originally posted by Oodweyne: Thankful , I am sorry, but, your argument are as silly as they come, indeed. For, as I have said to you, there is no comparison to be had in here with what the said SSC is to Somaliland on one hand, and what the likes of Mr. Atom and his teeming insurgents in the mountain are about to pirate-land. For one is about political differences that others may have with Somaliland (in the case of SSC); and, the other is about a chapter and a verse that is straight out of the Al-Shabaab play book. But, I guess that sort of "qualitative differences" is very much of a large argument, in which you will find a mighty difficult to wrap your flimsy brains around it, indeed, isn't, my friend ?. As for the "road-side bombers" and whatnot in which Somaliland may have suffered is concern, again, one can say perhaps you should find out the meaning of "insurgents" and how they operate; and then compare it the occasional road-side bombers. In other words; one (in the case of insurgents) defines an active military operation mounted by a group of armed men on a sustained basis; and the other (in the case of the occasional road-side bombers) is an opportunistic criminal activity that has the bend of terror-stricken dimension to it, whereby others on a cell-based manner do so, indeed. Hence, the two are not even in the same category; much less to be be thought of to be equal in their political significance, indeed. But, be that as it may, I would still venture in here to say that you have deep difficulty in understanding things that are as simple as daylight. Hence, why it's beyond hopeless to keep educating you in here about matters of this kind, indeed. Regards, Oodweyne. I know it is pointless trying to shed some light on an issue to you because no matter what, you see things one way and have no problem with continuously fabricating things. Are the SSC similar to Al Shabaab, I personally do not believe it. However your own government says that they are one in the same, not only your government but also the Ethiopian government has made this allegation!! You see my friend, although you feel the need to insult someone’s intelligence because they don't agree with you, I refuse to resort to that childish and immature defense mechanism. I will simply state my opinion and evidence to support it and regardless of what yours is I will respect it! No group has yet claimed responsibility but local authority suspects al-shabab backed SSC might have carried out the attack on the leader. In the past, Somaliland forces arrested a number of clerics who back the militant who pledged their allegiance to al-Shabab in the past. NWSomaliapress Read this article and you will see that according to the authorities from your region the SSC are no different then Atam! You see, both our governments claim that the groups they are fighting are being backed by Al Shabaab. So you can go against what your own authorities have said numerous times and say that the SSC vs NW Somalia is politically motivated, where as Atam, is "about a chapter and a verse that is straight out of the Al-Shabaab play book." But you are the mistaken! Especially when you try and say those absurd comments like “Al Shabaab can never come to our region like they did in Puntland” or “We would destroy them.” You see Oodweyne….Al Shabaab according to your government and the Ethiopians is already in your region. Do you think after endless acquisitions from your enclave of the SSC being allied with Al Shabaab, you can actually now come forward and say that unlike Puntland an Atam incident can not happen, they must resort to hit and run tactics? The SSC your government claims is backed by Al Shabaab sits safely in Buhoodle where they have contiously attacked you - and nothing is being done to them! When compared to Puntland and ATam, I believe in fact it is far worse, because the SSC has not only used land mines, thrown grenades and assassinations. They actually attack surrounding towns from their base which you have never even attempted to attack. Foreign journalists have interviewed them because they have no fear of your authorities. Mr Gulled told local reporters the clashes happened in the Widwid village in Buhodle region at around 12 p.m. when his men came under attack from SSC militia and the two sides exchanged fire for several hours. Mr Gulled added the militants have being dispersed, with most disappearing into the wilds in the Buhodle town direction. He said the army has since tightened security in and around Widwid village and are now in hot pursuit. These men attacked in broad daylight for several hours and then went back to their base in Buhoodle! Which is a town based in the area you claim falls in your borders! So unlike you said: That is way I still hold that they will only resort to a "suicide-bombers" and other sneaky assault of the kind that Kampala incident was the whole-mark of it, indeed. But a military engagement of the kind that they are involved in at the moment in much of the southern theatre (or even in pirate-land in recent weeks) will really be the "complete annihilation" for them against Somaliland. And, they, themselves, know that, indeed. So let me repeat what I said, the SSC is alleged by your government to be backed by Al Shabaab, they have attacked you numerous times, they even allegedly killed an electorate official and banned any ballot boxes from coming to their region. Atam and the SSC are no different according to our two regional governments! So stop the hypocrisy when you make comments on how a Puntland vs Atam (Al Shabaab) incident couldn’t happen to you; because you already have NW Somalia vs SSC (Al Shabaab). If there is one thing that gets me is people who make comments like you did about another region and how it can’t happen in yours, when in actuality you have an almost identical situation in your region if not worse because the group you are fighting is not on the run!!

No disgruntled communities huh? Is there not a group named the SSC? Look I am pointing out that your typical hypocrisy is the real gibberish. Puntland is dealing with and armed group and is engaged it a mission to defeat them. Similarly there is an armed group within the borders you claim your region occupies. Your region accuses this group of planting roadside bombs and other activities that would be defined as terrorist. Either they don't fall in your borders or you are wrong when you say there are no disgruntled groups. So just like we are dealing with an armed group (who hide in the mountains). Your region is also dealing with an armed group. That are in the open and have attacked your militias. Next time you talk about how a gagala conflict could never happen to your enclave. Remember the SSC.

Originally posted by Oodweyne: Given, that, unlike Pirate-land, there is no "teeming sleeper cells" in Somaliland that take their orders from some miserable misfits in the mountains of Asia Minor, indeed. Regards, Oodweyne. Well let’s be reasonable (which I don’t expect a secessionist to be), in Puntland there are two borders to defend against. Al Shabaab's home base is in the south and to get to NW Somalia they have to go through Puntland. Many of our resources must ensure that Gaalkayo and surrounding area's are well protected from Al Shabaab threats. Unlike NW Somalia who does not have to worry about Djibouti or Ethiopian borders! If you saw in Burco a couple months back Al Shabaab was able to find a safe house for its members. It's reasonable to assume there are more!! The Gagala conflict was a brazen and foolish attack that proved Puntlands military capabilities as well as it political maneuvers, by getting the people of these areas’s to support them and not join the criminals. Something NW Somalia has failed itself in Sool! Where the newly selected president has not been to Lascaanod and more then likely will never bother to venture.

General Duke, he is talking about the "SSDF" being defeated, but the men leading the attack are from Sool and Sanaag.

The federal government moved to deport Ali after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the July 2007 beating of a legally blind woman in downtown Ottawa. The victim was kicked and punched so badly that she had to undergo brain surgery. This is one of the most disgusting things I have read in a while! He deserves to be in jail for long time and then deported!

Originally posted by NGONGE: [out the whole point of his role (and of PL). However, you yourself are talking nonesense in reply when you use the diaspora argument, saaxib. Correct me if I am wrong but are you not a diaspora Puntlander? Was Faroole not one himself? What makes your (and his) opinion more valid than someone hailing from Maakhir? To use the diaspora excuse discredits your own position, saaxib. Everyone that is everyone is from the diaspora these days. War even Sheikh Sharif is trying hard to become one. The Diaspora is an essential part of rebuilding our nation. They are also essential in ending the suffering the people are facing. The Diaspora right now sends some of the most remittance back home per capita then anywhere in the world. Don't get me wrong, the Diaspora is very important if it is used in a meaningful way. It is the RADICAL Diaspora that is the problem, the ones that hope for problems, they make websites that promote their hatred for certain groups. Many haven't been home for many many years yet they are so opinionated. It's not only Somalia, this is found among many Diaspora communities around the world, for instance every year during the Australian tennis open the Croatians and the Serbians fans fight at the tennis stadium over stuff that happened decades ago in their home countries yet back in Europe the two countries get along fine, or if you look at Israel the most radical elements are the settlers many of whom were raised in countries like the U.S. We have a few of these radical elements on SOL, who use their websites as tools to try and promote their agenda. I personally do not consider myself a radical. I do not wish my own side success and see things as qabiil vs qabiil! Every city I visited in Puntland had a diverse mixture of Somalis from all over. Especially the bigger ones like Bosasso, Garowe and Gaalkayo. Even Qardho had many people from Sool and Sanaag living there, who have been there for generations. The reason I am saying some on here are radicals is because Atam is a man that went on radio and we know what he said. He was defeated easily and sent deeper into the mountains, do you see anyone from those area's that are from his tribe taking up arms and coming to his defense? Are they saying this is about oil and minerals, lets go defend? No!! Back home people have remained quiet, they live in Bosasso and the surrounding area's, are we hearing them protest? Remember like I said before it is Atam that is on the run and can’t find sanctuary, and it’s the Puntland government that is touring his former base. All this clan vs clan, this is about oil, Atam is not a terrorist comes from Somalis that are living outside, these articles we are reading are also from these people.

Originally posted by The Zack: So xudeedi loves ilka jir more than faroole and thanksful loves cadde more than faroole? Fair enough. The thing is that Cadde is retired; he is no longer in politics, so yes I supportED him once. Now, I focus on the current Puntland leadership. I hope that someone from Maakhir becomes president next; I think that every single group in Puntland should have the opportunity to lead. If they feel that they are being marginalized, then it must be addressed. Ilka-Jiir came in second for the presidency which says something. His supporters have something to work with to ensure he wins next time. I have been to Puntland many times, the people there want peace and when there are violent incidents they resolve it and forget about it very quickly. It is our Diaspora that instigates a lot of the problems, instead of focusing on developing the nation and helping the many poor families, they want to make up stories about oil exploration and civilian deaths. They actually brag about skirmishes and how their side won. But, do you think they would be that happy if they were on the ground while it was occurring? No one in Western Bari or Eastern Sanaag is attacking the Puntland government, the people have remained silent. They know what Atam is - they heard him on the radio. But it's the Diaspora that are writing these nonsense articles and using sites like Somali Public Radio to cause problems for their amusement.

The problem is that the West may not be clueless but they have already implicated Atam of suspicion of terrorist involvement and have written many reports about him, his assests have been frozen according to another report. Articles like this thread are written by radical Somali diaspora memebers, with no facts to support their claims, their g-mail accounts show how amateur they are. Faroole has travelled to Western countries, Atam would never be able to!

Wow, so this is the guy in the mountains. I am going to ask around to confirm this.

We have our threads still saved, we can go back and see who is being a hypocrite! I was critical when a neutral UN report came out, when the times UK had an interview with a pirate chief arragned by Faroole's son...and so on. Every one of these incidents you never said a word about, nor the other allegations like the VOA reporter, but all of a sudden now you are! I support Puntland's Admin and yes Faroole's actions right now, but what you don't understand is that Ilka-Jiir your heavyweight politician is also supporting these actions, so do the people of these area's who have not took up arms. This is about Atam and his support of Al Shabaab. Many back home are rallying against him, even the apparent leader your elders nominated (ilka-jiir)! There are times to criticize the government for wrong actions, and there are times to side with them. This time Atam(Al Shabaab) is the criminal and is in the wrong!

Zack why are you not concerned when he said "QABIILISTE", that's not a personal attack?

Good report, I think it was a fair analysis. Calling Puntland weak and other critiques were the opinions of Rashid Abdi, a man that has always been negatively opinionated when it comes to Puntland. He is Somali Kenyan that was deported from the country back in 2008 for his alleged bias reporting. But this article was fair; I believe it gave a good picture of Al Shabaab and Atam's link. By referencing the UN report it gives a lot of credibility to Puntlands justifications for attacking him. Also, it shows that Faroole tried dialogue and negotiations to try and resolve this problem, but it did not work. All in all, it was a good piece. I think it makes the Puntland government look good, even if Rashid Abdi said what he did. At the very least it will bring more attention to Puntland's security concerns and insha'Allah bring a lot more aid, so we can battle this criminal.

It's funny that you two are now bashing Faroole. Back when there was overwhelming evidence against him and Ilka-Jiir you completely ignored the source and called it unreliable, you never said anything negative about either one. Now that they are doing soemthing that you don't agree with, all of a sudden he is public enemy number 1 in your books. He has been accused of arresting numerous reporters, and you guys remained silent! The UN Report, you guys remained silent! ONLF suspects, silent, Piracy, silent...etc...etc.. You were the admin's biggest defenders and now since July and the whole Gagala thing, you are trying to pretend you were always critical of him! The fact remains that Atam is a bigger threat to Puntland, he is a man that is on a terror watch list, the audio tape confirmed it. In this case, the Puntland Gov't vs Atam and Alshabaab, it's the government that is right. So I support it's actions. But please, don't start posting negative stuff like this thread. Because when he shut down the VOA and arrested the reporter, you never said a word. You couldn't careless a few months ago if it was others being arrested, so don't act like you care about the Horseednet reporter.

Originally posted by Libaahe*: Atam having supporters in burco? wishful thinking. Why are you so surprised Libaahe? Remember this post just a couple of months ago?? link Just getting the news. The fighting started after the police raided a house where Alshabab elements were hiding. Then the police faced resistance from the terrorists. Stay Tuned for More Info So if Al Shabaab can actually find a house and live in Burco, isn't it possible that this story today may be true? Atam supporters may have other people in Burco, like the last group did.

There are certain things that get Oodweyne's, blood boiling. One of those things is any positive news coming out of Puntland. When news concerning development of this nature is announced, it means that Puntland is not like the South and that it does have relative peace. For secessionists that is news they can't hear, because part of their agenda is to say "we are different then them, see we are peaceful." Oodweyne, since you are so interested and opinionated about Puntland Oil Deal, maybe we can hire you as a consultant.

Editorials can be signed or unsigned. Dhaharonline almost always has the person name at the end. But this one didn't !! ****UPDATE*** Hey the article now includes the individuals name. Which is Mohamed A. Elmi!!! Well done!!*** You want to say that "yeah there are mistakes, but ignore them and believe the rest." It doesn't work that way. Anyways, the article is better now, it's the E.Sanaag and W.Bari's diaspora's opinion, which I dont agree with but I will respect. I personally see the pictures of Ilka-Jiir and the Vice President as proof of who the people living in these area's really support. The radical diaspora can write as many articles as they want but the Puntland government has Atam recorded talking about a terrorist organization, as well they produce pictures of them freely roaming his former base, deep in western bari. The articles you and Dhaharonline write, cannot match concrete evidence like this!

Nevertheless, he was oblivious to the responsibilities and leadership requirements that came with such great power. After two years in his tenure as the interior minister of Puntland, he has yet to create a viable administration in Sanaag, Haylan (Highland), and Western Bari. Dhahar correction I see you decided to change what was on Dhahar! However he hasn't even finished 2 years yet, he accepted the post in January 2009! So it would to be appropriate to say after "ALMOST." Anyways, I guess for Dhaharonline the facts don't have to be spot on and this is good enough. Next time you should post it on here first and let us fact check your information.

Originally posted by Xudeedi: . This is a very well written editorial from an outlet with a reputation of promoting the General. Dhahar.com is an independent outlet that operates with respect to international media guidelines in relevance to the community it services. This was my issue with the poorly written and referenced article. It's how Xudeedi called it "very well written" and how it "operates with respect to international media guidelines." How can you possibly say this was very well written with the mistakes that you have been shown! Stop exaggerating stuff!

I think we all know who wrote this "Editorial"! In fact it's obvious for anyone that has read his style of writing before on SOL. It's sad though that the facts are so weak and when you point out mistakes they start to use the clan defense! If someone points out a clear and valid discrepancy, don't take it presonal. Libaahe* , It's the never ending contradictions of their Radical Diaspora! They dont believe a place called Eastern Sanaag exists, but there is a place called Western Bari.

Xudeedi, don't attack me or point out my lack knowledge of things when you realize you can't defend against the matter. I am just someone writing on a forum. I am not the owner or creator of a website that write editorals that can't even get facts straight. Do you agree it was an error to say "After 3 years in his tenure?" Or will you avoid answering that question??

As usual you avoid obvious and blantant error that Sakhar_The has shown! Stick with that and explain it! I said many times that E.Sanaag and W. Bari's radical Diaspora (who wrote this piece and own Dhaharonline) are very vocal in criticizing. Yet they are ill-informed or intend to lie about the truth, which is why they don't even know how many years Ilka-Jiir has held his post! I simply say, look at what is going on. Ilka-Jiir is touring Gagala and other area's of Western Bari. It is Atam who had to retreat and hide in the mountains. There are many villages and towns that are the same tribe as these men in W.Bari. Yet they are not coming to Atam's defense in any way. They let him get chased out and they let Ilka-Jiir and Vice President of Puntland tour the area without attacking him. This article proves that the radical diaspora from this region have a different motive as they sit safetly in their foreign lands. They write articles that make blantant errors.

Originally posted by Xudeedi: To those who bash the site for clan purposes, I challenge you to show a competing outlet that can match this profound editorial. Are you serious? This editorial, just said after 3 years as interior minister!!!! The man hasn't even finished his second year yet. But you will as usual, avoid this clear proof of how wrong this article is with the facts, and you will just say we are doing this for clan reason’s. Which is an easy scapegoat when you are confronted with something you can’t defend against? Plus, you call this profound? Well maybe profoundly unprofessional. There are news sites that get laugh at for spelling mistakes. Yet, this ridiculous editorial can't even get the facts even right. Which is 10 times worse! After three years in his tenure as the interior minister of Puntland, he has yet to create a viable administration in Sanaag, Haylan (Highland), and Western Bari. Just one mistake like this destroys the credibilty of the whole article and even the site for posting it. See, it’s one thing if they write an opinion that people don’t agree with, or if there are errors in spelling like I mentioned earlier. But to say “After three years in his tenure”, is inexcusable, if the person can’t even get that right than they obviously don’t know what they are talking about and everything else they wrote cannot be believed! No wonder they didn’t write their name!

Thanks for the input, we know you secessionists are always very neutral when it comes to your thoughts on Puntland.

Originally posted by Oblivion: ^^^ Asha ,in her interview, spoke for her voiceless constituency. She blamed the man in charge and not his subordinates. I hope parliamentarian Asha is safe and unharmed in these exchanges .. (( What are you talking about, because according to this artice she said: Col. Abdisamad Ali is Faroole's deputy and the perpetrator of the attacks that displaced so many people. "The area has no presence of humanitarian organizations and the wounded civilians have no where to go,” Asha Abdalla said. She was selective in who she blamed, making sure that the one man from her region who is on the Puntland Government side, was not criticized! (Don't get me wrong her words may have been taken out of context or the people that wrote these artices dilberately made this interview up.)

Xudeedi, give it a rest. Asha specifically mentions the vice president but never mention the interior minister. If she cared so much about justice she would not be so selective in her criticisms. In most situations people would be even harsher to those they consider relatives and who are working for the other side. Someone like Ilka-Jiir you would think, would be the person you are must upset with since, in a sense he is a traitor. But noooooo, we will just insult the government but not members that come from E.Sanaag and W.Bari. If 25,000 people have been displaced as you alleged and other crimes are occuring, then why wouldn't she also call out ilka-Jiir? Is it because he is just following Faroole's orders? If that’s the case why call out Abdisamid the vice president? This article makes one thing clear, that regardless of the side someone is fighting on, E.Sanaag and W.Bari will not speak negatively of someone from their region. Whether it is Atam or Ilka-Jiir.