P.E mate HAVE IT

P.E mate HAVE IT

what a crab league the title race is already over and there is still 11 games to go :rolleyes: and some poeple try to maintain its the best league in the world.

America claims that a Somali-based child charity was linked to al-Qa'eda. Adrian Blomfield reports Shaking his head in disgust, Ali Haji watched as his young charges loaded their meagre possessions into wooden wheelbarrows and prepared to leave Somalia's largest orphanage for the last time. "Bush and his administration have been fighting an unjust war against Muslims, but now he is fighting against children, too," he said. Home to 3,060 children, victims of a 13-year civil war that has turned Somalia into the world's most anarchic country, al-Haramain Orphanage has been forced to close its doors after Washington accused its patrons of funding al-Qa'eda. President Bush announced measures to shut down the worldwide al-Haramain network, based in Saudi Arabia, two years ago, but Riyadh turned a blind eye to the continued channelling of funds because it did not trust American intelligence. Under duress, funding was finally cut off late last year, which the US government hailed as a major victory in the war on terrorism. Last month John Snow, the US Treasury Secretary, condemned the organisation for cloaking itself "in the virtue of charity, only to fund and support terrorist organisations around the world". Washington also says that the orphanage in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, employs members of a radical Islamic terrorist organisation connected to al-Qa'eda. Mr Ali strongly rejects the accusations. "All we were doing was feeding and looking after these children," said Mr Ali, a senior teacher at the orphanage. "We taught them nothing against America and we did nothing against America." Children such as 13-year-old Osman Yusuf are now facing an uncertain future on the ruined and dangerous streets of Mogadishu, carved up between four warlords and their drug-crazed gunmen. Yusuf was orphaned at the age of seven when his parents were murdered by militiamen while out working in the city's markets. Close to starvation, he was rescued by neighbours and taken to the orphanage. "They gave me everything I had, even these clothes," he said. "They gave me food and medicine. Now I don't know what to do. If you give me food, just bread, I will follow you." Human rights activists say actions such as the orphanage closure risk turning Somalia from a haven for terrorists into a nation of terrorists. A US-led mission to try to end Somalia's civil war was aborted in 1994 after 18 Rangers were killed during a raid to capture members of warlord Mohammed Farah Aideed's inner circle. Somalia was ignored, both in political and intelligence circles, until the September 11 attacks, when the US came to the conclusion that the country was being used as a conduit and training ground for Islamic terrorists. UN sources maintain that Somalis, trained in a camp near Mogadishu, have been involved in terrorist attacks against US troops in Iraq. Washington has embarked on a policy of containment, but is actually exacerbating resentment of the United States, according to Somali activists. The closure in 2001 of the country's biggest remittance firm, al-Barakat - accused by Mr Bush of being "the quartermaster of terror" - led to hundreds of job losses in one of the country's few functioning businesses. The floundering economy, into which remittance companies pump an estimated $750 million a year (£420 million) from Somalis living abroad, suffered a serious blow. Koranic schools, which undoubtedly teach a radicalised form of Islam, have also been in America's sights. However, they provide the only source of education in Mogadishu, which is too dangerous for the UN to work in, as well as across much of Somalia. Just eight per cent of Mogadishu's children go to school, and all of them are run by Muslim charities. "When the Americans cut and ran, the only group that stayed behind were the Arab charities," said a Mogadishu-based human rights activist. "These children might be being taught radicalised Islam, but at least they are not on the street. That's 100,000 less children without guns." A recent UN report to the Security Council said that Strela anti-aircraft missiles used in a failed attempt to shoot down an Israeli passenger airliner taking off from a Kenyan airport had come from Somalia. In October, the US paid $500,000 (£270,000) to Farah Aideed's son Hussein, himself a warlord, to buy 41 of the missiles to make sure they did not fall into terrorist hands. They have also formed relationships with two of Somalia's 24 warlords in a an attempt to capture al-Qa'eda operatives believed to be hiding in the country. Ordinary Somalis are furious, not so much with US attempts to close down suspected backers of terrorism, but for not building up anything in their place. The hatred is spreading, even among the children. Yusuf, the orphan, blames President Bush for his fate, spitting on the ground at the mention of his name. "Bush?" he said. "I hate him."

Africa is center stage in the struggle for human and economic rights. It is home to the world's gravest health crises- including the HIV/AIDS pandemic and chronic famine. Even though Africa has only 5 percent of the developing world's income, it carries about two thirds of the debt - over $300 billion. Because of this, the average African country spends three times more of its scarce resources on repaying debt than it does on providing basic services. In addressing Africa's struggle for relief from its onerous external debt, advocates of global justice have raised a critical question: Who owes whom? "It is unacceptable to spend more on debt servicing to wealthy nations and institutions than on basic social services when millions of people lack access to primary education, preventative health care, adequate food and safe drinking water" Countess said. "It is not just morally wrong, it is also poor economics." On the eve of Black history month, Wednesday, January 28 at 2:00 at the Rayburn House Congressional Office in Washington DC, the American Friends Service Committee, an international social justice organization, launched its Life over Debt campaign to have Africa's debt cancelled. The Life over Debt campaign reaches out to local U.S. communities - especially minority communities - to build understanding of the dilemmas Africa faces and highlight shared experience and common ground. Through building a caring and active constituency the campaign sets out to increase Americans commitment to helping address the Africa debt crisis. That is why on the eve of, and during Black History Month we called for not just reflecting on Africa in terms of the history for the African Diaspora, but also for Africans in Africa today. Given the potential for history to influence or control the perception of the world, it is important to reflect on how the past injustices have impacted the current debt crisis. Current World Bank and International Monetary Fund debt relief initiatives do not adequately address Africa's debt crisis. Not only is relief insufficient for countries included, but also, there are countries excluded from the program that have legitimate cases for debt cancellation. To demonstrate this, the Life over Debt campaign focuses on five Sub-Sahara African countries with very different cases for debt cancellation. Debt relief program poster children dependent on commodity exports are not out of the woods Uganda was the first country to complete the debt relief program, but as coffee prices plummeted it has seen its debt increase again - demonstrating the current relief efforts are not sufficient. Mozambique, with a history of apartheid-caused war, was forced by loan conditionalities to cut support for an infant cashew roasting industry that could have helped stabilize the economy when the raw cashew prices collapsed. Designated as having "sustainable debt" by the World Bank - yet who owes whom? South Africa has $25 billion in foreign debt that is considered sustainable even when it is one of the most unequal countries in the world with 20 percent of adults HIV infected. A large percent of the debt is odious and illegal with an estimated 11.7 billion from interest on loans from the apartheid era. Angola is wealthy from oil and diamond exports and considered to have sustainable debt, but the country ranks near the bottom of the United Nations human development index, 161 out of 173 countries. The majority of the $10 billion debt is owed to countries involved in the cold-war era decades of war. Classic case of "odious" debt Democratic Republic of Congo was promised 80 percent debt relief ($10 billion) but it is one of the strongest cases for full cancellation. Former dictator Mobuto Sese Seko who assassinated the country's elected leader was granted loans that disappeared into foreign banks with few traces. "Our campaign's call for cancellation of odious and illegal debt is no different that President Bush's current pleas to Iraq's creditors" said Imani Countess, coordinator of the AFSC Africa Program and the Life over Debt campaign. "Creditors should forgive the debt that was odious and illegal in the first place when loans were made without the consent of the people and not spent in their interest." AFSC is grounded in Quaker beliefs respecting the dignity and worth of every person and has historically worked with communities of color in the US on civil and human rights. The AFSC has been involved in Africa for decades working in economic development projects, diplomatic exchanges, health promotion, housing, and community reconciliation. For additional information, contact the American Friends Service Committee at (312) 427-2533, or visit our web site at www.afsc.org/Africa-debt.

Ethiopia: US Says Government is Oppressing the Opposition February 27, 2004 Posted to the web February 27, 2004 Addis Ababa Ethiopia's political opposition groups are still being oppressed with little over a year before the next national elections in 2005, according to the US State Department. A report released on Wednesday by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor said government militia and cadres were committing "numerous abuses" against political opponents. Opposition officials were subjected to beatings and often jailed on spurious charges, said the annual human rights report for 2003. Ethiopian government officials were not immediately available to comment on the report's findings. The report said that in some cases officials of opposition parties such as the All Ethiopian Union Party (AEUP) had been tortured by police. It cited "credible reports" that local government officials were manipulating food aid and land distribution to gain support for the ruling party. Merera Gudina, the leader of the opposition Oromo National Congress (ONC), told IRIN that intimidation and arrests of his members were still rife. "The election is approaching, but we don't think the situation is improving," he said. Merera, the current chairman of the country's largest political opposition coalition group, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF), called for electoral reform. He said the UEDF, comprising 15 groups including the ONC, were threatening to boycott the election, which is expected in May next year, and without major electoral changes. International observers described the national elections of 2000 as generally "free and fair" in most areas, but they had nonetheless been marred by "serious irregularities". The US report cited "killings, disappearances, voter intimidation and harassment", which resulted in the the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and its coalition partners retaining power by winning just under 90 percent of the seats in the parliament. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who is also chairman of the coalition's most powerful party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, heads the four-party EPRDF coalition. But the voting system also drew concerns, with "great disparities" affecting regional representation in terms of members of parliament, said the report. It pointed out that in western Ethiopia, one MP represented 17,496 voters, while in eastern Ethiopia one MP represented 99,761 registered voters. Merera, a political affairs don at the University of Addis Ababa, said this indicated that in certain regions - such as his own - voters did not have equal representation. Relevant Links East Africa Ethiopia Human Rights United States, Canada and Africa The US report has appeared shortly after Meles met his country's opposition groups for the first time during his tenure. "We think this was a positive step, but so far he has given us very little and will not overhaul the election process and reform," Merera noted. Among key issues the opposition groups are trying to address is the independence of the National Election Board, which, they assert, is biased in favour of the ruling. Meles, however, has insisted that reform of the election board is unnecessary.

Keane blasts United colts Manchester United captain Roy Keane has laid into some of Old Trafford's younger players for showing a lack of dedication. "One or two have been slacking off in training, not just lately, but in the past month or two," Keane raged. "I have told them that, but sometimes it goes in one ear and out of the other. Sometimes you have to say it in public to get an effect." "Unfortunately, with young players, as soon as they've had ten or 15 matches, they get contracts and agent and start to think they've done something in the game, [but] one good season doesn't make a player; hundreds of players have had one good season. While Keane did not name his targets, John O'Shea has endured a mediocre campaign after a stunning 2002/3 season, while Darren Fletcher's form has also dipped of late. "But they start to slack off and, even if it's only five per cent, it's too much. There's a fine line between winning trophies and not. Those margins can make all the difference," said Keane, who has skippered the club to four league titles. UNBEATEN ARSENAL OUT OF REACH? United's recent slide has seen them fall five points behind arch-rivals Arsenal. Keane believes that some of the junior squad members have not been pulling their weight, and that this is costing the champions. Having already suffered five league defeats, Keane is not hopeful that the Red Devils will catch unbeaten Arsenal, as they did last season. "I can't see Arsenal slipping up like they did last year," he said. "Of course I'm worried that we have lost five times and Arsenal haven't lost at all. If you want to win any championship, the fewer games you lose the better. The gap that is between us now must not get any wider." -------------------------------------------------------------------

Roma ready for Russian revolution Saturday 28 February, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fabio Capello has publicly welcomed the imminent arrival of Russian investors in AS Roma as the takeover could be completed on Sunday. “Anyone who brings fresh funds into Italian football is very welcome indeed,” said the Giallorossi Coach, “as we all need this to revitalise the system.” “The important thing is that these investors are serious about making a commitment to the club. From what I have seen, the Russians fit the bill.” The reports of oil giants Nafta Moskva buying up AS Roma have been continually denied by official club sources, but many believe that mere details remain before the deal can be completed. The Board of Directors meeting planned for this week has been postponed until Sunday and it’s expected that President Franco Sensi will give his consent to the takeover during that assembly. Nafta Moskva are reportedly ready to immediately plough £28m into the club coffers to help pay off debts and get the wages up to date. The first priorities will be to extend Emerson, Jonathan Zebina and Francesco Totti’s contracts, before looking to the summer transfer strategy. Italian newspapers already maintain that the main targets will be Edgar Davids – who is on loan at Barcelona but out of contract in July – and unsettled Inter hitman Christian Vieri. -------------------------------------------------------- you heard it first here

Thanks for the contribution Guys, and for the background info Baashi. Not with standing any potential bais the he might have towards any particular region within the former republic of somalia, i think he made some valid though now obvious observations i.e. that local business men (be they the unscrupulous type, or the hard working type)have to a large extent filled the vacuum left by no credible responsible authority. Clearly he made his on conclusions and we can make our own, i wasnt at all supprised to see the now usual Terrorism line being pushed as a potenital reason for close observations or perhaps interventions of some sort or another into the former republic of somalia But if the below is correct and accurate. "In many respects," said Shinn, "the Somali business class has replaced political leaders and former government officials as the most important component of the economy" and the 'state Then how can anyone try to prevent or rather stop the unscrupulous Business persons profiting from the failed state situation may be reluctant to permit the return of a viable national government." And what chance of peace if people, perhaps warlords? or profting from the lack of a strong accountable government? Any Positive Contribution is welcomed.

Somalia: Private Enterprise Keeping the Country Going United States Department of State (Washington, DC) February 25, 2004 Posted to the web February 26, 2004 Jim Fisher-Thompson Washington, DC Shinn cites services provided by business, need for stabilization How will the international community characterize a country that has all the services that central and local governments routinely provide, support or regulate -- security, courts and prisons, schools, health, roads, telecommunications, foreign policy, etc. -- but lacks a functioning national government? This was one of the underlying questions posed by retired U.S. Ambassador David Shinn in a panel discussion on "Somalis and Their Future" sponsored by the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University in New York City on February 23. Former Somalia Prime Minister Abdirazak Haji Hussein also attended the event. He also questioned whether a country can be called a 'failed state' simply because the international community is not present to declare it so and whether Africans can solve their own problems without interference from international experts and donors? Shinn, now adjunct professor at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, cited Somalia as a case in point. In Africa, where governments are often part of the cause and not the solution to nagging political and economic problems, Somalia is holding its own despite not having a paramount leader or even a central government, he said. "In many respects," said Shinn, "the Somali business class has replaced political leaders and former government officials as the most important component of the economy" and the 'state.' He explained, "The private sector provides modern telecommunications services in many parts of the country, taking a technological leap by using satellites and wireless equipment. In those areas where the electric grid, water systems and seaports operate, they are privately run. Schools in Somalia are private or supported by Islamic organizations. The language of instruction is English or Arabic. Businesspersons support the operation of sharia or Islamic courts in the absence of any governmental judicial system. Even security has become a private matter." Shinn, who wrote his Master's thesis at George Washington University on the Pan-Somali or Greater Somalia movement, pointed out that "some 14 reconciliation conferences have attempted to bring peace and national unity to Somalia. The most recent unity effort known as the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference commenced 16 months ago in Kenya and is still underway. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) designated the government of Kenya to lead the talks. Under pressure from the international community, the participants did sign a cease fire agreement." While these negotiations have muddled along, life in Somalia has found a way. One of the key mechanisms for maintaining the economy is the financing provided by the approximately one million Somalis living outside Somalia, many of them in North America, according to Shinn. "The United Nations estimates that these Somalis now send back to their homeland an estimated $1 billion annually in the form of remittances," Shinn explained. "This is by far the most significant source of income for Somalia and Somaliland. In this sense, the economy in Somalia and Somaliland has become global as a direct result of the collapse of the former Somali Republic." According to the diplomat turned scholar, "These trends have the potential to promote positive change in Somalia." But, he added, if left unchecked, they can also channel their energy in a negative direction. "Fundamentalist groups that support or tolerate external terrorist activity are not in the interest of Somali unity and progress. Businesspersons profiting from the failed state situation may be reluctant to permit the return of a viable national government." Overall, Shinn cautioned: "It is simply not realistic in today's world for a society to exist over an extended period of time without a national government. Although the private sector has filled some of the void, until there is a widely accepted national leadership there will never be reliable security, reconstruction of basic infrastructure and the equitable delivery of social services." Therefore, "It is imperative that efforts continue to create some kind of national governing structure in Somalia," Shinn told his audience. "This will require help from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community. "It does not mean, however, there must be a prolongation of the current talks in Kenya or a new conference in some other foreign city," Shinn said. "After fourteen tries at 'top down' conferences outside Somalia, it is time to revisit the 'building block' or 'bottom up' approach. Somaliland and Puntland, in spite of the dispute related to Puntland's claims on part of Somaliland's easternmost regions, have shown that it is possible to achieve a reasonable amount of control and stability." Relevant Links East Africa Somalia Investment United States, Canada and Africa The international community, on the other hand, "should make clear that it is not interested in supporting another external Somali conference. At the same time, it should provide greater support than it has in the past to local Somali administrations that demonstrate a willingness and ability to become secure and develop economically," Shinn concluded. (The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russians close in on Roma Thursday 26 February, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media reports in Italy on Thursday allege that a Russian petrol giant is poised to buy Roma Football Club. The ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ newspaper stated that Nafta Moscow are set to pay around £270m for the Italian giants. The club have admitted in the past few weeks that contact had taken place but dismissed speculation that a deal would definitely be done. However, trading in the club’s shares was suspended on Thursday morning as reports gathered pace that the capital outfit are set to make a statement. Other media sources in Italy allege that a deal is close which could lead to a Chelsea style revolution in Rome. Billionaire Roman Abramovich brought the Stamford Bridge outfit in the summer and pumped millions into the side making them into Premiership and Champions’ League contenders. Roma have had their financial problems in recent seasons and there are unconfirmed stories which claim they could be as much as £170m in the red. If owner Franco Sensi, 77, does decide to sell then the club’s power on the summer transfer market could increase significantly. Hopes of keeping Emerson at the club would improve, while speculation suggests that players such as Edgar Davids – currently at Barcelona –could also arrive. ---------

Innaa Lilaahi Wa-inaa Ilayhi Raajicuun Very sad indeed

Italian based reporter Dominique Antognoni highlights which individuals are on a high and a low after the Week 22 games. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The best… Antonio Cassano (Roma) A hat-trick hero against Siena, this boy was marvellous at the Olimpico thanks to his goals and a cheeky back heel. At this point in time, he can commit as many ‘Cassanate’ as he wants if this is the result on the field of play. Just one question: Who is his main rival for a place at Euro 2004? Is it Fabrizio Miccoli or Alex Del Piero? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sergio Marcon (Ancona) Udinese attacked from the very first minute until the very last and Marcon was a credit to himself in the Ancona goal. He did superbly well given the amount of pressure he was under. He may have conceded three goals but it could have been a lot more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cristiano Zanetti (Inter) He returned to the side after a two-month injury lay-off and he didn’t let himself down. He looked fresh, match fit and even scored in the derby with the aid of a deflection. A real warrior who gave it his all for 90 minutes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The rest… Christian Vieri (Inter) He worked hard but he made too many simple errors. In the first half he had a great chance to play in Adriano but simply ran into Marcos Cafu instead. It was a black day for Vieri who didn’t have one shot on goal. Even if Inter didn’t lose just because of him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andriy Shevchenko (Milan) Shevchenko’s lack of inspiration in the derby was a real surprise when you consider that Inter are a favourite target for his. He always seemed too far away from the goal, he looked slow and shy of any real ideas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marco Di Vaio (Juventus) There is an immense amount of pressure on Di Vaio to score when he is given a start and he isn’t always able to. He missed two great chances against Bologna which will inevitably lead to critics saying he isn’t as good as Trezeguet. It’s a shame because Di Vaio is a player that could easily play every week for clubs such as Barcelona or Chelsea

Its not that we are getting stuu pider saxiib , well not anymore than any other immigrant group. The problems that befall us are many. We are a beleagured people. Knowledge is potentially the cure to many of our problems as individuals. Most of the misdemenors and rebellion in our teen years can be forgiveen and understood, its part of lifes many learning curvers onto become a better person. But as you enter adult life its crucial that we take it upon oursleves to learn as much as we can about our Deen. Otherwise we will be naturally totally assimiliated.

Seria A offered up another sumptious Offering this weekend in the form of the Milan Derby. Some how Inter contrived to throw away a 2-0 lead (un heard off in italy) to the current top doggs in italy Milan. But the football was there for all to marvel at, Kaka's continued brilliance, and Seedorf's rediculous 35 uard screamy 5 minuts for 2-3 from time.

yeah lol a famous rendition of the old 1 - 0 to the **** 's . Its only 7 points gap, but with Man U defence so shakky i wouldnt be supprised.

Rebels massacre Uganda civilians The government has been fighting the rebels for 18 years A rebel attack in northern Uganda has left 192 people dead and many injured, according to witnesses. Carried out by the Lord's Resistance Army, the killings are thought to be the worst in several years. The rebels armed with assault rifles, artillery and rocket-propelled grenades attacked and then set alight a camp for displaced people north of Lira. For almost two decades the authorities have been fighting the LRA, which is known for its brutality. 'Terrible scene' The attack on Barlonya camp, about 26km (16 miles) north of Lira town, apparently took place on Saturday afternoon. As the insurgents surrounded the camp, many people ran to their grass huts, and were burned as the insurgents torched their houses, said legislator Charles Anjiro. I've never seen in my life such a massacre. Ugandan priest "It's a hopeless situation, we went there this morning with the Lira district police commander and physically counted 192 bodies. The scene is terrible," he said. Fifty-six people were taken to the hospital with burns, shrapnel and gunshot wounds, one of whom died on Sunday, said Dr Jane Aceng, head of Lira hospital. Around 5,000 people, most of whom had fled fighting between the rebels and government troops, were living in the camp. Altogether, the conflict is said to have displaced at least one million people. The camp was being guarded by a local defence who were outnumbered and outgunned, an army spokesman said. Eyewitness: Previous Lira attack "I've never seen in my life such a massacre... I saw in one hut alone a whole family members still burning," a Ugandan priest in Lira told the BBC. The LRA, led by self-proclaimed mystic Joseph Kony, are known for kidnapping and brutalising young children, many of whom end up fighting for them. The group is based in lawless areas of neighbouring southern Sudan. The Ugandan army says the rebels attack the camps to divert its attention away from hunting the insurgents down in the bush. The Ugandan army said 25 rebels were killed in a different area on Saturday. However, while the army claims to be weakening the rebels, civilians remain extremely vulnerable, says the BBC's Will Ross, in the capital Kampala. Newly recruited militias have so far been unable to defend the population, he says.

Ahh winger u disappeared from this shody grey island saxiib well done :cool: hope ur settling in to your new surrondings saxiib. Yeah London i'd have to agree is by far the most cosmopolitan city in the world, or so it seems anyway. It does have something for everyone, but its hyped up too much some times.

ahh what happeneed to the Va Va Voom i see u constantly pushing in these anoying add's

It looks Bleak huh, i have to agree with you bro. But dont dispear to much there are also alot of success story amongst our generations, more graduates, more professionals etc etc.

I am bro Italy all they way :cool: . Man they should deport my un-patriotic *** out of here .........(i would be willing with the right types of finicial inducments) I just cant see england getting through to the business end. I mean they have got the French to begin with for one thing.

Sodd's law :rolleyes:

Inshallah.

IA that sounds like a deal to me, i'll even buy a round of Mint Tea and sheesha if England get that far

They allowed Gray Neville accumulate 70+ caps instead of me :mad: , never will i support them