Baashi :eek: Dont let the boys in the politics section see this -i mean i can only but imagine what they must be thinking, the guy sold out for a few bucks.

Sky, Anything with Allah’s name on it cannot be hideous -so long as it is not disrespecting. i escaped just barely with that post. Lucky you, I too thought you were a dead man . HA, I’ve always considered working in the field of public health (which is the main reason why I chose the educational pathway that I am now completing, interests would of have had me head towards engineering) but I’m not sure if the UN is the way to go, but who knows maybe one day. If I could get what I want from them without too many strings being attached, then perhaps-but I prefer the many Islamic relief agencies. I’ve decided that I have to marry a man who will be financially stable (who will not require my assistance at all) so that inshallah I can work for free. With Somalis once you are getting paid for your efforts they somehow tarnish your work and hence block the full impact of positives. Haddad-jazaakum Allahu Khayran walaal. You have taught me something which i did not know

Shaah

I believe girls SHOULD rightly get more heat for this! Why is that? I mean, would give your daughter more heat over such issues than your son for example?

^What about the new-comers? Do they count :confused: or do they have to be the big guns?

of what year?? 1983, why? Is the year bad luck also :confused: ? Like i care anyway, I'm Muslim-i don't believe in such crap :rolleyes: Besides, you could never cut it as a MOD, one of the requisites is to be a slight-b!tch. Slight? Girl you have not seen me in action, I can be the Queen B!tch-put you all to shame, your amateurish ways will come to light so ill leave it alone . But remember this, i was the queen before there was one and will remain long after you all are defused out by the vultures (i.e. men). How did I do ? Even slightly convincing :confused: ?

Rokko, you had to notice that didn’t you. I knew I’d get caught out by an aussie. You can even get Head and Shoulders shampoos, imagine that? I know, cool ay ! You can even develop your digital pictures. So, are you the guy in the computer lab? You know I was thinking about this for a while. I kept thinking what, is he posting to me or HA? If it’s me, what guy, im a bloody female. Then it hit me, you bloody xaasid :mad: . I am as feminine as feminine can be (or I like to think anyway), how can you accuse me of being male. Libaax iga celi ninkaan , he’s picking on me again. The man is not even Somali, he’s a Kenyan teacher,lool . It would have been better to take the pictures at higher resolution (800x600, 1024x768). If only I knew what you were referring to. Juma, BN and Yasemin can testify to how technologically challenged I am - I have them to thank for alleviating my headache. Anyway, this is an issue of technology is it not :confused: ? As for all, my pleasure fellow nomads .

Daily life The days were amazingly long and blessed, unlike in the west where you somehow feel like you just woke up an hour ago and have to get back home to sleep once more. As I’m sure many of you are aware, folks in Africa get up very early and get on with life. The girls (excluding myself, I was a guest thank-god), would be up after fajr, begin the making of the canjeero whilst the other went to the suuq for the breakfast ingredients (apparently canjeero on its own is not a meal). Then the oh so holy boys would be awoken (I am very bitter about this dhaqan). All would eat breakfast and everyone would set out on their way. Men and women off to work, the older children off to dugsi and the younger ones off to school (they swap after lunch). Then all return home for lunch, sleep and off once again. Return after casr, drink some shah and relax in the daarad. Then after maqrib, somehow all the women are in a trance. They are all basically addicted to this Spanish soapie (translated in Arabic). It was amazing, for the whole two months I was there, I don’t believe that they missed a single day they were home- cajiib. Then casho (sometimes at home, sometimes at one of the hotels, my favourite Hotel Daamey (sp?)) and once again relaxing outside and off to bed. With us, whilst everyone was at school or dugsi we’d explore the city and attend the millions of martiqaad. So those were the days. Health Of course the main hospitals were SOS, Madina and Banadir (opened mid last year), but there were also many smaller hospitals, like one right next to where we lived, Xayat hospital run by an American trained Somali doctor. Hospitals such as SOS and Banadir do not charge patients at all. Madina I believe charges but at a very low cost and the most expensive naturally are the private hospitals (but even they are reasonably priced). Some of the private hospitals, have Fridays as the free day aimed at the less fortunate who could otherwise not afford the visit-but of course even the woman with 100grams of dahab hanging from her neck has to show on that day. Medications are readily available but there are some dodgy pharmacists which sell outdated medications to the unsuspecting customers-this is a serious problem, but often doctors try to overcome this by recommending certain pharmacists who they know to be honest. Education The educational institutions were many- we visited many private schools, for example Imam Nawawi (mainly for orphaned children), the Jibril foundation (likewise for orphans) and Imam Shaafici (normally for the children of parents who are financially stable or well off). There were even kindergartens for children from the age of three, one particular kindergarten we visited was called mishkaat-it was remarkable, children were being taught to read, write, and diin, not just play as in the west. Also, there are these private institutions where you pay about $10 per subject per semester and it is here were those too old (over 15) for these private schools generally attend. Personally they were not to my liking; they seemed more like money making schemes rather than teaching-but to each their own. There are also many Islamic institutions such as the Islamic University and Markazka Ibn Baz. The universities providing secular studies also provide degrees in Islamic studies, such as Banadir University and Mogadishu University. There are also more direct institutions for various studies, such as SIMAD (Somali Institute of Management and Administration) and the Hayat Nursing School. All of these institutions and universities obviously are private which means only the well off or those financially stable can afford them. There are some scholarships provided by various businessmen/women but they are not widely available, each entrepreneur only provides it to students of their clan (sadly) and therefore many who want to progress their studies do not have the chance. But then again there are many people who struggle to send their children to these higher institutions. For example, I met this one girl who was studying medicine at Banadir University. Her mother is a widow with 10 children and somehow she manages to send her children to the top schools and pay off the tuition ($US1500) for her eldest daughter. There are also many people traveling to Pakistan, India or Malaysia to attend university, it’s not very hard to get but it is somewhat expensive (once again the well off reap these fruits). In my opinion as far as education is concerned, the city is doing amazingly well. Teachers are not only those which are Somali trained (some surprisingly with 40 years experience and from the days of Siyaad Barre,), but also from Kenya, Sudan, Pakistan and Carabaha. There is a school almost in every corner and many (usually the boys) do go on to further studies. The most poplar courses for the young men seem to be Business and Engineering (overseas studies) and for the girls Nursing (a two-year diploma completed at for example Hayat Nursing School and immediately they will be able to get employment in one of the many hospitals and bring in enough income to support her family). For those thinking of how they could possibly make a difference, book drives especially in the health sciences would be of great help. Also the sending of other supplies be they lab equipment or computers. Business It’s almost as if the whole city runs of business, each man either has one or is somehow or other tied to one. Businesses are many, Bakhaaro/Stores, services (water, electricity, telecommunications etc), restaurants, hotels etc. The hotels for example Saxafi (or was it suxufi), Daamey, Ramadaan, Naaso Hablood seem to be doing well. The sad aspect was they are at times the gathering ground for all that which is xaraam. It is here were all the xaflado and western-style weddings take place. I remember watching some soo dhaween video of a family friend and for a moment there I could of have sworn that the event was held in a western country- sadly it had that much decadence. The telecommunication enterprises such as Nationlink seem to also have a very strong hold on the business aspect of life. What amazed me, was that every household was only required to pay $10 per month and they could make as many phone calls as they wished to other phones with the same company-this was the only drag really, but then again some people connect with more than one company (because to call another company is a tad expensive). The main district for business is near suuqa Bakaaraha. It is here where the headquarters of most of the large businesses are situated, from the xawilaadaha (Amal, Dalsan, Dahabshiil, Kaah etc) to the telecommunication businesses to the top-notch carwooyin. As for Suuqa bakaaraha itself, OMG I have never been in a busier more crowded place. It is very well organized and amazingly large but too crowded. I remember I once entered from end hoping to get to the opposing end, it took us over an hour of walking-it really is humongous. What amazed me more than anything (at first I was surprised I could get weetbix and Pantene shampoo) was that I found a photo store which has the machine to develop the pics in my digital camera- maybe I’m simple, but that was amazing for a third world country. Running water is available to almost all the homes. All in all I left knowing that business definitely is booming in Somalia. Real Estate As with any city anywhere in the world, housing differs depending on which suburb and the actual house/land package. The lands/houses closer to the business centers, such as wardhiigley and Halwadaag were on the upper scale of it (then again we only asked of certain areas). For example, one house that was up for sale in Halwadaag (13 by 13- which is small) was going for $20,000 (and in this supposedly was a bargain). Then again, for that price you could get a slightly larger house in Huriwaa. Then there are far more expensive homes where the size is 20 by 20 and the going price can range from $50,000-$60,000 (I've forgotten what this xaafad was called, but it was not affected greately by the war in that the roads are basically intact and the enticing thing is it is close to the business district which makes it even more expensive). On the down side though, for xaafadaha such as Huriwaa and suuqa xoolaha which are slightly far from the business centre, the homes are valued depending on their distance from the main street (not everyone has access to a car). Our family for example, has one house in Huriwaa (not close to the main street and average size) valued at $25,000, another plot of undeveloped land in suuqa xoolaha (second plot from the main street and of the same size as the built house in Huriwaa) and it is also valued at about $25, 000. This just shows that distance from the main street makes a difference when valuing and buying property. Most of the new homes bought by folks residing in qurbaha are in Huriwaa (amazing homes walaahi). As for the market trends, it is increasing tremendously every year. This one man from the US who now lives in Mogadishu makes a living out of property development; he buys, renovates and resells them. He gave us countless examples of homes he has bought (mainly from folks in qurbaha) for less than $20,000 the year before, renovated and resold for almost twice the original buying price. As for renting, it all depends on where. Homes in xaafadaha close to the business centre are more expensive (about $60-$100 per month) whilst our house in Huriwaa is rented for only $50 a month (not that we reap any of it). The city is getting bigger and bigger. Of course I don’t remember it, but my mother and others who are old enough to remember were explaining how now areas previously not resided in are full of homes. For example our plot of land in suuqa xoolaha back in 1989 (when my parents bought it) was in area completely inhabited- now it remains almost the only plot not built. It is here though with the issue of overcrowding that unfortunately you have to be very careful about who you buy your land from. Some corrupt individuals have taken it upon themselves to sell land which belongs to the government, such as in Dayniile (apparently an areas used by the armed forces)- but then again it is generally obvious for they sell plots at ridiculously low prices (sometimes as low as $2000). Food I’ve never being a very big fan of food- I’m happy with my weetbix for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and probably same for dinner, but then I went to Somalia,lol. I am now a food lover; much to my disappointment it does not have the same taste. What I found intriguing is how in Somalia, the hilib smells different and food only requires a small amount of milix and small seasoning if you want to go the extra mile. Here in the west god only knows what additions we make to our food, but yet somehow it doesn’t even come close. I finally tasted goat and camel meat-to me I just couldn’t tell the difference between them and lamb/beef- but then again it’s probably just me. Camel milk was lovely, absolutely nice. What shocked my mother was that Somalis, who had in the past looked down upon sea food were now eating it like they do other meats. Everywhere you go folks are eating fish and every martiqaad has a fish dish. The fruit was veeeeery sweet, amazing, it must be the organic factor or something. As for the cost, maciishada in Somalia generally is low, food is cheap and people tend to indulge themselves (somehow the concept of thin Somalis doesn’t eventuate)-let’s just say they felt sorry for me. Main problems The rubbish; the destroyed streets and government infrastructure; and the isbaaro (around the city, not inside and contrary to popular thought only take from business vehicles, private cars are exempt). All these will inshallah be alleviated with the establishment of a functioning government (inshallah this time). The people at the isbaaro tend to be young boys (most 16-20) who have no other life; they are either orphans or hail from poor families. In my opinion, the evil big guns are very few; the young need to be enticed with benefits of a better life. I think I’m tired now but I hope that was detailed enough .

Khalid, Sister, beautiful pictures, amazed at how clean the places are. I'm suprised after all thats happened, that they still have birth records, Nice! One of the saddest things was the amount of rubbish scattered everywhere. I was so surprised, each mans house and business are sparkling, each family having 2 or 3 shaaqiyado, laakiin they neglect the rubbish outside and the rebuilding of the streets ravaged by the war. I suppose those are somewhat government responsibilities, but I never really understood why they can’t do it themselves. To be fair, some people do clean their areas and few business have begun collecting money from one another to rebuild the streets in front of and surrounding their location. We Somalis are addicted to copying one another, let’s hope this is one aspect they compete in. As for the birth records, I don’t believe anyone was more shocked than I was. I was so surprised walaahi, they even took us to the room my mother gave birth to me . Amazing, but the guy explained that Isbitaal Banadir had not been touched or looted so I guess that’s why the records survived. BN, Thank-you for your assistance , and do what you like with them! Lander, Your point is probably one of the reasons why I posted here on SOL. Day in day out we seem to be preoccupied with pessimism about how bad Somalia (in particular Mogadishu) is. At least now, we know there is much to be positive about and inshallah with time it will get better. Sky, Your welcome brother and yes it was a fantastic feeling. My mother almost cried when we first landed in Berbera. Amethyst, It helps when you have a handy Nikon digital camera . Even novices like myself can take award-winning pics (am I pushing my luck,lool ?). MMA, Sure like I said, Mogadishu (like the rest of the country) is not perfect, but I took these pictures as a reminder to myself, to have my siblings go and to show to family/friends that we have something to be positive about. I was so sick of people bad-mouthing Mogadishu like it has no good, it was about time that we saw otherwise. I was very impressed brother, irrespective of all its downfalls; the city is doing very well. Aside from the rubbish, over-crowding and destroyed government infrastructure (which will inshallah be restored once we have a functioning government, inshallah this time), the major downfall was the amount of ‘refugees’ . We went to their camps, i was so saddened walaahi, but alxamdullilah there are many good people helping them to have better lives. The other thing is it was a vacation, I also went to London, all I did was take pictures of there nice areas not the dumps of North/East and West London . I mean we all do that-don’t we? Xamar weyne I thought was beautiful, especially those streets and shops which look just like little Rome. It was amazing . But without doubt my favourite xaafad was Huriwaa, those homes were amazing. I want one so bad, but I can’t afford it now-inshallah some time soon. Anyway have you ever been on one of those caasiyo? How did you find it? Oh the experience I had,looool .

NOVA, Somalia was amazing. The most spectacular feeling is knowing that it is your land, you are not a foreigner- fantastic experience walaahi . The country is doing well considering all that it went through and that it has not had an influential government for a very long time. These obviously are the better scenes of the city, but nonetheless are plenty. There are so many people doing so much good, at the very least it motivated me to inshallah one day hope to go back and make my small contribution. What amazed me more than anything was the business, people are talking hundreds of thousands of dollars. I mean you’ll see a little old lady (who probably is illiterate) taking with her a hundred thousand (US dollars) to Dubai to do shopping for her small bakhaar. I almost died of ciil, loool :mad: . Even education wise, they know all that you do and seem to value it more than us in the west- I don’t know what it is, but somehow they seem pumped about progressing educationally. The other amazing aspect was the food, OMG, I have never tasted such fantastic food, even the fruits are sweeter. The weather was fantastic, the atmosphere good and I finally had a chance to see the real Somalia. I had a very good time and yes people could tell we were from Qurbaha, but there were many people from Qurbaha. Whilst I was there, there was even a radio program where they were interviewing youth and children from Qurbaha. The odd thing though was, somehow they believe that we know almost next to no Somali and have basically adopted the gaalo system of life. They were amazed to see me hijabed (although my hijaab was not enough for my uncle,lool) and that we spoke Somali. Anyway all in all, I highly recommend that you all go. Don’t expect that it will be like London, Toronto, Minneapolis or Melbourne, but it sure as hell will be an eye opener. I remember standing in one of the business precincts of Mogadishu and thinking if this is how the country is without a government (because Mogadishu doesn’t really have a functioning administration), imagine how it would be if we had a government. I have no doubt that we would be one of the best countries in Africa if not the world. Animal Farm, Your wlc . I have more, but we are in them and my family members so i can't post them. Sorry.

From my uncles office (sorry for all the wiring ): And finally on our way to the airport, our tyre punctured, but alxamdullilah we made it in time:

Homes (obviously the newer ones):

Somali Institute of Management and Administration (SIMAD) Into the tutorial classess: Masjid for students: Banadir University

Isbitaal Banaadir-where i was born (believe it or not they still have all the birth records, don't know from which year, but mine, 1983 onwards were there. I saw my birth papers) Sample pediatrics room: Isbitaal Madina The operating theatres:

These are all photos from my recent trip to Somalia. Enjoy folks! Hospital SOS Inside an Carwo- one of the smaller ones, but i needed dose weetbix Coca-cola factory

^loool, would you believe if i told you i was born on friday the 13th? Really, no joke! Oh well, me is happy anyways :rolleyes: .

^So do younger women approach you Legend? I thought Faaraxs (or indha yar in this case ) were meant to do the approaching these days?

That's it rub it in :rolleyes: , number 178 also a moderator and number 130 missess out. What next, one of these alian plasmas will be ruling us all. Oh what has this world come to? But still like i care Phantasma, whatever women :rolleyes: ! At least i have beautiful weather everyday of the year-beat that londoners

^See again, number 150 is moderator, 130 is left behind :confused: . Certainly a conspiracy against us down under :mad: Anyway like i care Ameenah

Wlc to all the newbies. Enjoy your stay . Proudly displays her member #140 Ahem, Ahem, number 130 here. Does that make me your superior although you are the moderator? Horta no fair :mad: , why are all these late comers the moderators. Note to self: Make formal complaint to admin, this is clear bias and discrimination. It's because my mail is delivered by kangaroos :rolleyes: .

Nice pics!

This is mean walaahi . Xaasidiin ayaad tihiin, especially you Juma . It ain't like he committed a crime-not in this instance anyway.

Wind, In Somalia, Shaykh is used not only for the sincere and pious, but also the sufi old man who believes that Sh. Cabdulqadir Jaylaani is his saviour, the old man ee xadreeya over qaad all night long and not to mention who believes that tribe is God (the forerunners in qabiil fighting). We lived near xerta Sh. Adan on my recent trip and i guarantee you that these men are the furthest things from wadaado and certainly do not deserve to be called Shaykh in the religious sense, for they are old men (other meaning). The problem with Somalis is that they lump the good and the bad, the sincere and the hypocrites all into one basket. Why? Because of that infamous title. Lesson to be had, let’s not allow titles deceive us. Some of the worst have wrongfully being given this otherwise esteemed title .

Do Maxkamadaha operate in Marka and Sh/Hoose? I do not know for certain, but assuming that they do not operate in all of xamar I can’t see how they have surpassed to Sh/hoose and Marka and expanded to that degree. I also went to Afgooye and they were not operating there-as far as I was aware, or even the roads to there and baladoogley (for there are still isbaaro there which if they were operating in I can only assume would not be there as they had got rid of the isbaaro inside Mogadishu-then again could be that the isbaaro are occupied mainly by the untouchable sub-sub-tribe). Anyway I don’t know walaahi, I have not heard of it nor seen them in action. Are Maxkamadaha in Benadir-SH/Hoose environs a united system with administrative hierarchy of their own or they are scattered fiefdoms within the clan system? Once again I do not know, I’m not exactly the best person to ask this question to, aside from the fact that I do not know about the ins and outs of these courts, how exactly do we determine or deem them to be a united system with administrative hierarchy? What exactly are the prerequisites for this classification to be deemed? Are they; do they have a leader, second in charge etc, do they have a constitution which they follow, do they have a venue to operate from, do they have plans of action, do they receive their income from legitimate avenues etc. All yes (as I have seen). Likewise, how exactly do you define the clan system? Is it that which is allowed islamically or the Somali system of clan (which we all agree is quiet deformed)? If it is the former, where qabiil is an identity and knowing that there is nothing wrong with working along qabiil lines so long as the issue is islamically allowed, then most probably yes. There are as I am aware, two main courts (as run by two sub-sub-clans), but I believe that they are separate in administration but basically work in the same manner. Of course some people accuse them of being involved in tribalism, such as the current war in Mudug, where the sub-sub-clan without a court is accusing the court of the other sub-sub-clan of being involved :rolleyes: . I personally don’t see how the doings of the office clerk or the guard in front of the court impinges on the values of the court. If this guard wants to give some of his money to the war efforts in Mudug, then blaming it on the court which he works for is unjustified-you cannot control all the doings of your employees. Basically all accusations with no basis. Sorry that I was not able to provide a yes or no answers . But likewise can I also pose some question in return? I’ll assume it’s fine by you, so here they go. Baashi, we all agree that the idiotic warlords in Mogadishu and the south in general need to get their act together, but how do you see the role of the wadaado in the struggle against these warlords? Do you believe that their current method of educating and competing for the hearts of the citizens is a more productive method then engaging in battle with them as has happened in PL (which we all know was not very successful, although i personally support the wadaado through and through, true Al-itixaad girl here )? How do you believe the issue could best be addressed whilst avoiding further violent conflict? Furthermore, is it fair like I’ve said for us to sit here and criticize every little step people take because of the Somali media? To be honest I’ve never being very fond of the media whether Somali or English, simply because their reportings are mostly subjective rather than objective. Each man will tell the story as they wish to see it, not as how it is. I gave up complete hope in the Somali media outlets whilst I was in Somalia. I’m sure you remember the Italian grave incident of early this year, how the courts were accused of being behind it all. Amazingly :rolleyes: there was no real proof that they were behind it or even involved. Likewise the courts sent out a press release denying the accusations, I don’t know, but I always believed and still believe that innocent until proven guilty should be upheld. But of course, somehow or other those who rejoice at the downfalls of Mogadishu or have an issue with wadaadaha (or Al-itixaad) jumped on the train of blame instead of looking for the truth or at the very least keeping quiet. I am surprised that we as Muslims do not learn, day in day out we are attacked on the media in ways which we all know to be false, terrorist has wrongfully become equated with Muslim, like wise Somalis are doing similar things to each other. Finally, considering the way things are in Somalia at the moment, should wadaadaha completely alienate themselves from these men (i.e. warlords) or call on them for the good of the people (or tribe in their eyes, whatever they wish to believe, so long as they behave)? Should they take the hard-liner approach of for example Abshir Bacadle, who at that meeting voiced that they should distance themselves totally from these warlords, their supporters and the qaadiriyah leaders (who mind you have greater following and in my view are more dangerous than the warlords because the warlords are not defacing the caqiida of the people as these sufi leaders are) or should they take the approach of the man I have mentioned in my previous post (Jibriil)and try to get them on board to establish some sort of governance and system of administration? Sky, Point number 1 brother: Dictators and warlords are both wrong, their ways of power are wrong and are xaraam. Have you not heard of all the hadiths about dictators? The other issue is, it could also be argued that as I’ve stated thinking evil is probably worse than he who seemingly does not think and is only after monetary gains (they can be satisfied with wealth, no?)-but then again it is an issue of discussion which I don’t care to entertain. I see no real difference between a warlord and a dictator, and anyhow, was not CY a warlord before he wrongly took over the leadership of PL? What was he before then? Still a dictator? Dictator of what? What did he control which was an organized administration (for then could he only be called a true dictator, having dictatorial qualities and being one are not necessarily the same)? Point number 2: Yes it is wrong to rebel against a king which does good (most probably from hadith sources). Firstly I did not call for rebelling against our “kingâ€, secondly so far what good is our beloved “king†doing (but we should wait and see, give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being)? Thirdly, does he not have a black past which he does not seem to be redeeming of himself? And lastly, how is that what I said is about this? I was just giving an example of how rebelling against warlords can be detrimental especially for the wadaado who are bound by the laws of Islam, unlike these warlords who could not care any less for religion or land. The dilemma faced by wadaadaha of PL in the 90s is that which faces wadaadaha in Mogadishu now, the only difference being there is more at stake in Mogadishu than was in PL. Full blown out war in Mogadishu is extremely dangerous, something in my opinion which should be avoided at all cost-which was my point of giving that example. Nothing more, I was not attacking good old adeer CY, if I wanted to that, I’d annoy and reply to Duke .

In the final analysis, Itihad has contributed to the revival of Islamic awakening and Dacwa. Its occasional political mishaps shouldn’t overshadow the movement’s genuine efforts to establish Islamic state. Here, Here! Bashi, A while back, at the advent of the establishment of these courts, I to be honest was very against the idea-mind you they had not being in action for very long but I’d just heard of them. I was against the idea for I felt that Somalis did not understand the sharica in full and hence was of the opinion that it is wrong to punish a man for that which he does not understand. That of course was until I attended a sit in (via telephone) with Shariif Cabdinuur (who mind you we all acknowledge is probably the most learned man alive amongst Somalis). A lady asked him about these courts, he responded that basically we must support them at all costs even with all their faults (at this point I’m still waiting for my issue of lack of public awareness to be addressed). Anyway in the midst of his answer, another lady jumps in explaining all the faults of these courts, and then queries how is that can we expected to support an entity with so many faults. Shariif cabdinuur, then explained that basically irrespective of any faults (for these days it is very hard to find any man-made entity with faults), so long as there are benefits to be had then we must give the support. Of course he went on to give daleel from the quran, sunnah and Islamic history. Along with that he addressed that which was my concern. A few years later, whilst still these courts are not as Islamic courts should be (we all acknowledge that), they have made Mogadishu that little bit safer (note that I’m not saying that they have solved the problem and the city is totally safe). Now, the average Somali has a place to go to seek some sort of justice-when two people disagree on a matter they now have the option of sorting the matter out in a civilized manner instead of taking up arms (which mind you many do everyday, it is refreshing when you actually see it for yourself). Likewise, they are slowly but surely dealing with the moryaan inside and surrounding the city. For example, the number of isbaaro, have decreased dramatically, why? They have made an effort to attack any group of people who set up isbaaro-especially those who share a tribe with them; basically each group deals with their own troublemakers so that there are no foul cries of tribalism. As for their association with questionable personalities, like wise it could be debated that like the god-fearing good individuals of PL who put up with the likes of CY for the sake of the greater good (for turning against him openly especially at the infancy of any efforts could be very detrimental), these same courts could possibly be putting up with these men for the avoidance of any greater problems and slow achievement of the greater good. I must admit, I do not know in specific about the going ons of these courts (for only Allah but knows their reasons for not tackling these warlords), but whilst in Somalia I attended a meeting of the wadaado from a certain sub-clan and many people who had gone back home from the west. One of the sticking points made by the Somalis living in the west was, why is it that these courts along with their supporters (quiet a lot) do not tackle head on these warlords and their supporters and understandably so, they replied that by taking up arms and engaging in battle with them will be espousing greater problems and probably a full blown out war in Mogadishu rather than the simple but sure skirmishes that occur when they tackle their activities such as the isbaaro. The other issue is, there are the lay men and women who can be swayed either way depending on who they feel serves their interests their best. If the religious take them on, no doubt the warlords will win in competing for the hearts of the average Xalima and Farax. Why? Because aside from the fact that the shaytaan is in the driving seat, they will play the tribal card and knowing that Somalis have become so tribe orientated and suspicious of those they see as outsiders (or supporting the views which they see as best serving outsiders) they will support their clansmen for they feel they can trust him. Having said that, the wadaado have decided that the fight with the pen is probably the best option at this point in time. Educate the populace and hence it is easier to win over the educated than the illiterate man who not more than 10 years ago was with his camels somewhere in Mudug. I met this man whilst in Somalia. A man, who will most probably stick in my mind forever- he was that amazing. He is an educated man, was part of the ministry of education during the Siyaad Barre (may Allah have mercy on him) days. Anyway, he runs a very large school of about 1400+ orphan students from all over the country. This man spends his days with these children and his nights are spent trying to appeal to the moryaan of his sub-sub-clan. His approach is most amazing. He first offers them an opportunity to learn to read and write, in not just Somali but also Arabic or English depending on their preference. He hires for them qualified teachers (all from his pocket mind you). Little by little depending on their progression, he teaches them different sorts of trades so that they can make a living for themselves. All the while of doing this at night time, this man knows that these men during the day are sitting at the isbaaro making a deadly nuisance of themselves, but that does not deter him for he is making progress. Slowly but surely, he is imparting positive values, many of his students (these moryaan) become literate, learn a trade to make a living, learn that their current lives are not beneficial and become productive human beings who leave behind moryaanism. Likewise, he personally goes around to the homes of the more vicious moryaan of his sub-sub-clan to try and entice them and if not to convince them to allow their children to be educated (many of these moryaan adhere to the Somali style of Sufism which they somehow believe that to be educated is to put your religion in danger, hence they are allergic to wadaado or al-itixaad as they call them which this man is). He appeals to these men in the language that they will understand, he plays with them the card that he wants his tribe to in ay hormar gaaraan and if they do not educate their children they will fall behind the rest and so will the all holy tribe. I’ve gone on too long, but basically the point is this brother: we are sitting here in the west reading/listening to the Somali media and taking it in like it was the Quran. We sit here and criticize any little effort, but the point remains IT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. It is better than walking down the street and knowing that any person can kill you with no consequences and knowing that any person can oppress you. At least now, you can walk down certain xafaado (in due time inshallah all over the city) and know that you can walk in peace without wondering what will happen to you. It is better than not having an avenue to get your due (even if only 5% of the time, for that is better than 0%). The point is but simple, over time we can only hope that they do get better and stronger and can finally tackle these warlords who hold everyone hostage head on. They may not be perfect and they may have hundreds of faults but they have at the very least made the city that little bit better- as they say Rome was not built in a day, glory/success will not be reached overnight. This was the point being made by Shariif Cabdinuur (as I’ve also heard from Umal and Mustafa-both in my home, in person ) with daleel of course.