Also, Said Mohamed Rage came back. I'm not sure why.

The security needed major adjusting and I think that picking Yusuf Ahmed Khayr was a terrible choose. Between the two of them Abdullahi Said Samatar would have been better. I would like to have seen a new person named.

Sophist Why would they be?

David Rawson, the U.S. deputy chief of mission in Somalia from 1986 to 1988, says he has been puzzled why Samantar, of all Somali officials of that era, is the one being sued. Real power, he says, was concentrated in President Siad Barre and a small group of his clan members. "Samantar was so far out of the decision-making loop," Rawson says. "But Samantar comes from a small clan. There's no political cost to going after someone vulnerable like that, as opposed to going after someone who comes from a significant family or important clan." Samantar's clan, the Tumaal, is one of a handful of small clans considered outcasts. It's what I was saying too! This man is a neutral person who has no reason to to defend him! He was there during the time as well! I came across this right now when it was posted on Hiiraan! Hopefully others will realize that i'm not the only person who is puzzled why Samatar is being sued, that his minority clan probably plays a part and that Siad was the one calling the shots!

Washington Post At 74, Fairfax resident, a former Somali prime minister, may face war-crimes lawsuit The case has divided courts. A federal judge in Alexandria ruled that even if the immunity law does not mention individuals, such protection is the "practical equivalent" of immunity offered to a state. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond overturned the lower court, pointing to the law's silence on individual immunity. Samantar's attorney, Michael Carvin, says that a decision against Samantar would open U.S. officials to lawsuits in other countries. The accusers' attorney, Patricia Millet, says that Congress and the executive branch "have expressly determined that" it is in the United States' interest to deny "foreign officials who engage in torture and killing a safe haven within the United States." A hero or a criminal? Talk to Somalis about Mohamed Ali Samantar and the lawsuit, or cruise through Somali chat rooms on the Internet, and you will find vehement, dizzyingly divergent opinions. Samantar's a war criminal who should be brought to justice, or he's a nationalist hero being scapegoated. He's a demon. He's an Abraham Lincoln. Mohamed Ali Samantar, whose name will be brought before the Supreme Court this week as that of a war criminal in his native Somalia, has a hard time getting up from the couch in his tidy split-level home in Fairfax City. Dressed in a pressed charcoal-colored suit for his first interview in many years, Samantar, 74, stiffly hauls himself halfway up from the threadbare brocade sofa. Some of his 13 sons and daughters rush in to help. He stays them with a single gruff word. Slowly, the man who was defense minister and prime minister of the last functioning regime in Somalia stands up on his own. His five accusers in a civil lawsuit call him a war criminal, a monster living out his golden years with impunity in a quiet suburban neighborhood. This man, they say, was responsible for the unjust torture that they or members of their families suffered in the 1980s. They say Samantar administered a regime of repeated rape, abduction, summary execution and years-long imprisonment in solitary confinement. The accusers want someone, finally, to be held accountable for the well-documented human rights atrocities of that era. Samantar waves his hand impatiently. The accusations, he says in a deep, throaty voice, are "baseless allegations, with no foundation in truth." They come from a time when the country was in the midst of the first of many brutal civil wars, pitting north against south, clan against clan. A time when no one's hands were clean. "I served the people rightly and justly," he says. "I always respected the rule of law. I am no monster. I am not going to eat anyone." With that, his 3-year-old granddaughter, one of the many grandchildren screeching gleefully throughout the house for their traditional Sunday dinner, comes up and kisses him on the lips. The case before the justices is not about whether Samantar is a war criminal, but whether his accusers, with no viable legal alternatives in their homeland, can sue to make him answer their allegations. The question to be decided, which has potentially powerful policy implications for the United States and its foreign relations, centers on immunity. Samantar says he has immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act, which protects foreign states from lawsuits. His lawyers argue that, although that law does not mention individuals, it protects his official actions just the same. His accusers, in a suit first filed in federal district court in Virginia in 2004 by the San Francisco-based Center for Justice and Accountability, say the law does not shield individuals, especially those who've been out of office for years. To understand that divide, Somalis say, you must know a Somali's clan and how that clan fared when Samantar and the brutal regime of Mohamed Siad Barre were in power -- from 1969, when the generals took over a weak and corrupt government in a bloodless coup, to 1991, when they fled and the country devolved into the violent anarchy that has reigned since. To understand the lawsuit, Somali experts say, one must understand the history, from the 19th-century colonial division of the country into northern and southern pieces ruled by Britain and Italy, to the 20th-century Cold War dynamic, in which superpowers propping up friendly regimes averted their glance from human rights abuses. In 1977, Somalia went to war with Ethiopia seeking to annex an area where a Somali clan called the ****** lived. When thousands of ****** refugees fleeing that conflict poured into Somalia's north, the clan living in that region, the *****, responded to the influx and what they viewed as harsh government policies. With help from Ethiopia, the ***** began an armed rebellion. Members of the ***** clan, such as Bashe Yousuf, one of Samantar's five accusers, see him as the last remnant of a regime bent on destroying not only the rebels but the entire clan. Yousuf and the others say that even though Samantar didn't perpetrate torture directly, he should be held responsible. "He is the highest-ranking person of that regime," says Yousuf, who spent six years in solitary confinement and is a U.S. citizen living near Atlanta. "He gave the commands." Aziz Mohamed Deria, another of the plaintiffs, holds Samantar responsible for the day in 1988 when the Somali military burst into his family home and took his father, younger brother and cousin, who were never seen again. "The ones who took them, I don't know where they live, their names," says Deria, now a U.S. citizen and commodities broker in Portland, Ore. "What I know is that Mr. Samantar . . . was in charge of what was happening. If I know the big fish and I know where he lives, why go after the small ones?" Samantar makes no apologies for the army and its conduct during the civil war. "The people bringing these allegations were, by their own admission, part of a movement that came as invaders from another country and wanted to secede," Samantar says in Somali as one of his sons translates. "In the army, your primary function is to defend the nation from foreign invaders. The army did what it was meant to do -- protect the nation from splitting in two." The plaintiffs deny they were part of the rebellion. After the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, the ***** in the north declared independence and sought to establish the nation of Somaliland, dividing the country in two. Building a new life Samantar barely escaped Somalia with his life in 1991. Armed bandits, he said, shot his young daughter in the back four times and his 15-year-old son in the legs as they raced to the border. A bullet grazed the back of Samantar's skull. He lived in Rome with three of his children until 1997, when his wife, who had come to the United States earlier with their four youngest children and then received political asylum, sponsored him. Since then, he says, he has lived in Fairfax "in relative peace." The living room is adorned with family photos, an elaborate Arabic embroidery of the 99 names of Allah in gold, and a black-and-white photo of a much younger Samantar shaking hands with Margaret Thatcher. He is a private man, friends and family say, who plays chess, has a warm sense of humor and prays regularly. He is supported, he says, by his 13 children. David Rawson, the U.S. deputy chief of mission in Somalia from 1986 to 1988, says he has been puzzled why Samantar, of all Somali officials of that era, is the one being sued. Real power, he says, was concentrated in President Siad Barre and a small group of his clan members. "Samantar was so far out of the decision-making loop," Rawson says. "But Samantar comes from a small clan. There's no political cost to going after someone vulnerable like that, as opposed to going after someone who comes from a significant family or important clan." Samantar's clan, the Tumaal, is one of a handful of small clans considered outcasts. Asked whether he feels remorse for the brutality of his era in power, Samantar's answer is abrupt. "It's in the past," he says, pouring Splenda from a yellow packet to sweeten his bitter chai tea. Staff writer Robert Barnes and staff researcher Meg Smith contributed to this report.

The Zack I didn't realize you hated Puntland so much.

This Moalim character is for the seperation of Somalia Zack! You might like him because you think he did it against Puntland but he did it against all Somalis.

Originally posted by The Zack: ^The better question would be maxey ka qaadi karaan, neither Wetang’ula nor another bribe-taking Kenyan can do anything to Farah. He is an elected official, not appointed one. Waxu waa iska sheeko. What does being elected have to do with anything? That is exactly what the word impeach means! Def->"Impeachment is a formal process in which an elected official is accused of unlawful activity, and which may or may not lead to the removal of that official from office." I agree he is mostly likely wont be getting kicked out for this. But he will certainly learn a lesson to stay in his place next time.He went against his own governments position on the unity of Somalia. He'll know better next time!

xiinfaniin, I don't think Faroole is dealing with any significant bad legacy. There is certain things that previous admin can be blamed for, but the levels of assasination and violence that has gone on has never occured in our history. Assasinatoins Ministers, Judge, Governor, Parliamentarians. Mostly by fellow Puntlanders and countless other civilians. Never before, even during the time the ICU was most powerful and the problems with Jama ali Jama and Abdullahi Yusuf, we have never seen such a lack of respect for government officals(from our own puntland population). If the PIS is at fault than the blame lays with the government for not changing it yet, it could have done it a long time ago! Maybe they dont want to so they can have someone to take the heat??? There is incidents that have happened that no other government has ever experienced, which is a high level of Puntland on Puntland violence.

Originally posted by Che -Guevara: ^I don't know if there's Somali faction influential enough to have the Kenyan government such unprecedented action against high ranking official. President Faroole through his website Garoweonline made a quick statement that rejected this Deputy Speakers visit to the area. And that he was out of line when he spoke about NW Somalia as a seperate entity and visited a disputed area. The cause is key speeches he is alleged to have made that reportedly promoted separatism in Somalia and fostered ethnic disharmony between Somaliland and Puntland. From the fact that Puntland was named I would bet it was us that put forward this complaint. Through it is possibly political motivated against him, he was wrong to get invovled in the way he did, especially when the government he works for has a different policy! Farah Maalim made a mistake that his political enemies are capitalizing on!

On a side note, Puntland(and the rest of Somalia) are in kind of a bind. Because when I visited the country several times, I always heard people make comment about how the diaspora are coming and taking all the best jobs, forcing the ones that never left the state to work under them. By no means am I saying that it is only happening under this administration. The thing is that there is a subtle tension brewing; people are getting annoyed by the heavy Diaspora presence at the highest levels of our government. They know however that the money the Diaspora sends back and invests in the nation is arguably the most important part of their economy and vitally needed. They also know that they don't have the access to education like we do and that people who worked for the Somalia government when it was fully functioning are also valuable logistical tool. With more Puntland born and raised students graduating from schools in Malaysia and Sudan and other places we need to make sure that they are included in the high levels of government and not just those from Europe, N America and Australia.

Yusuf Ahmed Khayr had this position under the last administration and was let go. I would have like to have seen a new face with fresh idea's come into the picture and not just recycling the same people. Hopefully these changes will help better the state.

How about we wait until the Supreme Court rules on whether he is immune or not? One thing is for certain no one from NW Somali admin in Hargeysa is going to the International Criminal Court in the Hague! They aren't reporting the alleged Butcher of Hargeysa, Samatar or anyone else. After 20 years they want to forget about that! Because they know what both sides did! They know the SNM left the mountains and entered civilian cities with little regard to the civilians; which is a war crime, also many were part of the repressive regime! Come on, if Morgan hasn't been reported after all that has been said about him. There is either no evidence or people don't want to be implicated!

You alshabab supporters are hard to figure out!

I think the majority of us are better then childish name calling!

You want justice against only those outside of your enclave. Because the ones in yours are all innocent!

“..And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves..” (al-Fath, 29) I can't believe some people will interpret things in a way to justify their own sick desires! The Prophet (PBUH) was the most merciful, Abu Talib or any other were never persecuted. Violence was always in self defense against those harming you! What is going on with this forum and these nuts that have invaded!

Originally posted by Castro: quote:Originally posted by Juje: The blood on his t-shirt proofs the bloody buffons have already hit him - nacalad ba ku taale. The guy is advocating worshiping the dead. He deserves to be beaten (or eaten) then stoned to death. There's no room for religious tolerance in Somalia. Either you're a Muslim (a la the Shabaab) or you're dead. I thought you were slightly not normal! But this is without a doubt the WORST thing I have ever read on SOL; after all my years posting. I didnt know people with your disgusting views existed! You Sir are need of a mental health evaluation. Do you think the Prophet (phuh) and his companions would advocate the violence you just condoned, especially to an elderly man? I'm certain that you are just trying to get attention or start an argument with such provocative comments. If you want to questioned the authenticity of this video, than by all means do so. But to justify it is despicable. If this is a joke it was not funny. If you are serious than you should be reported!

Originally posted by Peacenow: So what if it is. Such hypocrisy. Why are you living in the West then?? The West is not Christian! They have seperated themselves from religion!

Originally posted by Qudhac: cowke trucks belonging to puntland business men can just as easily be rounded up, remember that. if you believe holding few trucks thats somaliland will release give in to these criminals then you will be waiting very long time. remember somalidu wey is yaqaanaan cidii wax geysataa waa la yaqaanaa sida reerkooda loo helo. plus if push comes to shove somaliland has the millitary to hurt puntland and i doubt puntland wants to escalate things. I think that, they will definitely 100% give in, you'll see. Or they wont see those men again. It's a sad thing, but that's how Somalia works. I dont agree with it, but pretty soon, the families of the men kidnapped in Puntland will pressure Riyaale. NW Somalia's army is of no concern to Puntland. Dont think this is Habsaade switching sides! I knew that when Riyaale sentenced alleged pirates after just 1 week.....I mean how can a trial last that long, when some of the men say they are not guilty?

Suldaanka, From the article it says that the pirates are demanding their colleagues be released. I am saying that maybe thi sis the same colleagues that JB reported were sentenced to long term prison sentenced after a 1 week trial! If this is true Puntland government better ensure that the trucks are released and hopefully NW Somalia's government will ensure that suspects are given fair trials.

“The pirates hijacked five trucks with nine people onboard and took them to their base in Garaad. They are demanding the release of their colleagues arrested recently by the Somaliland security forces,” Abdullahi Mohamed, a security official in Galkayo, said by phone. Maybe their colleagues are the ones that were sentenced in that unjust 1 week trial that happened in NW Somalia last week! Who know's?It's sad if it is true, violence breeds violence.

I know the Puntland government website Garoweonline wrote this and maybe it is related to this. Garoweonline Somalia Somalia: Puntland allows release of WFP food convoy 18 Feb 18, 2010 - 8:30:29 AM The government of Somalia’s Puntland state said it has given green light to a convoy of WFP-chartered trucks which have been stranded around Las Anod (capital of Sool administrative region) in recent days. In a statement, Puntland said the move was taken in consideration of the suffering of people and after consultation held in Garowe Presidential Palace between government officials led by Vice-President H.E. Abdisamad Ali Shire and WFP officials. “….In light of the difficult humanitarian situation facing our Somali brothers and the need to deliver the food aid, Puntland has decided…. To allow the convoy of trucks to pass through in order to deliver the food,” it stated. However, the world food agency was blamed for failing to inform relevant authorities on this matter and also disobeying the road laws in Puntland. Puntland expressed its gratitude to WFP for the vital services it provides to humanity worldwide, and especially for the Somali people. GAROWE ONLINE

Ngonge, We'll continue this if the Supreme court throws away the immunity defense. Also, remember your way isn't the only way!

It is still my feeling that Samatar's clan oppression plays a big role! That these people have appealed and taken it to the supreme court is still my feeling. They have absolutely no representation in any government from Hargeysa, Garowe or Mogadishu. I still believe that these people see him as an easy target, that if he had more supports he could rally them to his cause and talk about how the regime (in their eyes) actually help reverse their oppression. They protested Siad Barre being in Kenya and he had to go to Nigeria, Morgan(who you call the butcher of Hargeysa) is in Kenya all the time and there is no such protest or complaints to the Hague. Because IN MY OPINION, the NW Somali government doesn't want to open up an investigation. They know that Morgan has supporters that will throw lawsuits right back at them(in my opinion), Samatar does not! All these accuser come from one enclave and they will only protest those that do NOT hold weight in their government. You mentioned Ali's case, there are two witnesses(who interestingly don't want their identites revealed) and the case has stalled since August 2005. With Samatar there are numerous witnesses who have forwardthat have appealed and now it's at the Supreme court. These witnesses in Virginia and are accusing him, but they don't accuse other people that could have been involved that visit their city. To me it is obvious why, they are important to their enclave. My OPINION IS THAT Riyaale leads an enclave and has supporters that will protect him, just like Qeybdiid did when he was arrested, they ran and start defending him, Morgan, and the list goes on. Regardless of who the alledged Somali war criminal is he can rely on his base for support. Samatar has none of this. I also still believe that MANY who are only coming from one enclave are going after him/them in different forms. Whether it is ALL the accusers in America or those on SOL, it is coming tactic from your enclave. I hope our war criminals are investigated. However some in your enclave want other Somalis to be investigate but not their own.