The other man was not much better than his opponent and was claiming that there were no Ethiopian soldiers killed in Somalia despite all the proof presented to all of us by the various media outlets! He just went on and on about attempting to defend an irrelevant and indefensible point. This man, ladies and gentlemen, is the advisor of the president of the TFG! Ngonge, don't you think that most Somali politicians see the Somali people as their employees rather than seeing them as the people who pay them. For example, if we assume those two politicians were phd degree holders and thus have such strong formal education, then I am assuming they were capable to engage a depate with higher standards on live tv. Therefore, all I can think is that since they are not accountable to Somali people, then they only need to say what their boss wants to hear even if garbage.

You are still dodging to address the difficulty I posed to you. What is the compelling rationale for Somaliland’s need to separate? As Farah-Brown said, who's going to stop them to do so? well, no one can. Xiin, dont you understand that in democracy 'power belongs to people.' It was the Somalilanders who decided to unite with the rest of Somalia in the 60s. That was not a forced union, remember. Therefore, don't you think they have the moral right to secede from the union for whatever reason. I know those of you who do not shy away from the silly phrase that 'Somaliland people cannot decide to secede' are such those who cannot even agree on what government they want to have in Somalia. It is such kind of attitude that have destroyed the country and silenced many Somalis who could have made Somalia a better place to live in. My advice to you is to forget about Somaliland, and think about the mothers and children of your country, Somalia, who constantly live in fear and hunger.

^First, Somaliland is different from Puntland because Puntland never claimed its independence from Somalia. But, Somaliland rightfully seperated itself from Somalia in 1991. Secondly, though Puntland is the most peaceful region in Somalia, but its people do not have a say in their regional government just like the rest of Somalia. However, Somaliland people have a say in what kind of government they want and have voted for their independence from Somalia. They have a democratically elected president and parliament, and also have three political parties. Puntland have non of those. I hope you understand such huge differences between them, brother xiin.

^^That’s a half-truth yaa Roobka (ta?)! xiin, I wish you could have spelled out whats not true about my paragraph. By the way, I like to depate and express my ideas and counter others that does not lead to the typical somali depate 'i jiid aan ku jiidee.'

These people know what their supporters want to hear, so are playing to that tune. Majority of the blame has to go toward the people cuz it was made for them and they are paying for it. Even Somali educators are not immune to this. I am also wondering what happen to the Somali educators. It is hard to believe that many Somali educators will forgo their training for thinking independently and follow blindly their clan warlords. Though I sometimes hesitate to blame the masses who have had no chance to good education, but it is their country and have to take responsibility for their well-being.

Anyone who can think clearly knows that Somalia's chance to have peace is a long shot if not decades long before coming into her sense to create a government that its people will support. The problem is the lack of trust between the Somali leaders in the TFG which is causing to increase the suspision between the Somalis who hail from different regions and clans. So, the people have to keep supporting their warlords instead of supporting the TFG government that looks like Siyad Barres regime in the late 80s. But Somaliland is different. It has created peace and security. Somaliland is a nation that is committed to provide peace and prosperity for its people. The Somaliland government is there to protect the interest of its citizens (Somalilanders). Somalilanders do not want to take part in anything that can jeapordise their hard-worn peace. But we are ready to help the region to make peace and prosper, and hope Somalia will seek the Somaliland government to help them stabilize their country.

Xoogga & Alle ubaahane: I agree that Islam is the final solution to our problems. But how does that solve the Somali problems when there is no agreement on the proper way of following Islam. I am sure the extremists think their way is the only way, but that wont bring change but fear. So, how can you treat the clannish enmity with Islamic rule when religious enmity and division exists in Islam. I don't see how one will solve the problem of the other when there is no consensus.

The way things are going they're in a great position to rule the whole of Somalia (including Somaliland) I take it as good luck but be carefull. Having read some of your contributions on this forum I'm almost certain that you are a Somalilander. Yes, that is true. And I wish one day all miniSomali countries will wish each other happiness and live side by side peacefully. No more wars, and no more clannish enmity. I'm also guessing that you probably hail from Borama and its surrounding towns/villages! The second part is only a guess of course; I totally accept that I may be completely wrong here. But I'll still risk a wager and await your confirmation or denial. brother, I thought about saying "no comment." But I am sure people will think it as yes. So, the truth is that I was born in Awdal, but I was raised in Hargeisa. I am also a product of AMUD. I love Awdal and its people. Now I know what you are thinking, but you may be wrong this time. I think that is good enough disclosure, so HELP ME GOD! ps. I will be away from this lively discussions for a few days or may be more. Good luck!

Thanks Ebonique, now I feel like one myself!!

This is a step forward for the future of Somaliland and its national unity. Silaanyo will be remembered and liked for taking such step.

I remember during the clashed between Puntland and Somaliland, prisoners of war were taken to Burco and then killed and had their pics posted on the internet. That will be horribe, but where is the prove. When you paste your credible link then I will believe it. Goth during the I.C.U: I.C.U deserve nobel peace prize Goth After I.C.U: Thank God(Ethiopia) the i.c.u is gone Again, show me any article that Goth has stated that ICU deserves a NPP. He never liked them. Please, lets not drag this discussion to such low levels. There is no clan that deserves to be trashed. ps. I am not an alien any longer. So say yeeh for me!

NGONGE Sir, I am not ignoring the fact that Bashir Goth is blaming "such clan" for the horrible act. Remember, I mentioned how I disagreed with the author for this generalization. So, lets avoid boring ourselves by stating the obvious and not bogged down with minor details also. But, isn't it obvious that those who did it probably belong to "such clan." Okay, lets not go there! I am interested to know your point of view about this barbaric act subjected to the dead bodies? Also, what effect does this have on Somalia such as Puntland deciding to leave the south and become an independent state? To me, those are the important issues, but somehow you are trying to evade this. I hope our future arguments to be lively discussions and less like wrangling.

It takes real man not average faarax to acknowledge women and their contribution in politics and the society in general. Jaylaani, you said it beautifully. It takes a real man (who has the ability to think independently) to appreciate women. Men who have issues with their manhood fear them and like to suppress their polical views. It is true that "Behind every great man There is a great woman." But every great woman also needs a great man to support her.

NG, Saaxiib, I promise that I wont go the long route but sum up my point of view briefly. I do agree that singling out such clan as the only one that is capable of doing this savagery is wrong. However, such clan has done it again, and that to me is the "spotlight" for the story. What is the "spotlight" of the story is the action itself "burning the dead," but not the clan who have done it. What we all need to do is to condemn such act as barbaric and unSomali without blaming the whole clan for this. It is about time Somalia clan leaders see things eye to eye. But that is for such clans to decide whether they want peace or continues bloodshed.

I think in the middle of this year we need to start awareness and start to campaign for Edna for the Noble Peace Prize. I think the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2008 is february next year. Someone correct me if wrong about the date.

JB, I think we see eye to eye on this. But, the question is why credible people(even like us and not that popular) not forthcoming to test the waters and explore the feasibility of running for president?

Muuse bixi for president we will rule for ever or Proff iebrahien meygaag samtar furreh those 2 Ibrahim Meygaag is an honarable man, so yes to him. But we do not need the likes of Muse Biixi ruling Somaliland. But this is my question to you mr.Saylac: why did you choose those two and what do you think they can do for Somaliland that others cannot? I don't mind voting for Dahir Riyaale for another term instead of voting for waraabe,silaanyo,muuse biixi,gaboose, saleeban gaal, and the likes of them. But, I will consider voting for Ibrahim Meygaag,Edna Ismail, and Abdikadir Jirde if they choose to run. Dahir Riyaale Kahin is not a new comer to politcs, he was a Diplomat at the Somali Embassy in Jabouti, an Intelligence Officer (this is the one you know about him), a businessman, governor of Awdal, and vice president before he was elected for president. He is the first Somaliland president to be elected in a free and fair election. Under his administration, we succeeded to have three elections, and joined the UNPO. We have a free press, central bank, better army, and schools. All of this has happen under his leadership. In Somaliland, we have a peaceful nation where everyone is equal. However, there is a problem of corruption and women are virtually not represented in government,parliament, and political parties.

You're forever trying to find ways to prove a pointless point; like a dog chasing its own tale really. When it finally gets to bite it nobody else would feel the pain but itself! Will you tell us why the above doesn't apply to you? I have seen you responding to different threads and I am suspecting that you enjoy to defend opinions that are not the norm. I saw the one you tried to argue that homosexuality is "natural." But what for? Just to show people that you can win any debate no matter what. Why don't you debate on the subject matter and give us your opinion whether burning corpses is justified. And please do not equate this with the rioting in Los Angles. There were no burning corpses in LA. And the issue that we need to discuss is the issue of burning the dead, subhanalah. Please do not discredit an article cuz the author belongs to such clan or supports such state. Personal note: I disagree with Bashir Goth for his generalization on such clan being the sole clan that is capable to do this. But the reality is such clan had done it again and its clan leaders need to condemn such practices.

Codsiga oo loo gudbiyay Ra’iisul Wasaaraha Britain Tony Blair ayaa lagu gacan seeray, taasi oo natiijadii ka dhalatay ay noqotay niyad jab baahsan oo soo wajahay Somaliland. So your source is baidao.com. Be real!!

An article in the New York Times says that "Edna Adan Ismail, who operates the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital...,deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for showing the world how to turn the tide of maternal mortality and morbidity" (Kristof, New York Times, 2/25). She truly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. Edna will make all Africans broad. She will be the second African woman after Wangari Maathia if she wins.

^^I met Edna in Washington and heard many of the interviews she has given to both local and international media. She is highly respected not only in back home but all over the world. Hardly anyone who met her can resist her charm and sincerity.

To stay healthy, one should have good amount of exercise routinely. It is not the amount of exercise but regularity that is needed for exercise to be effective. You wont reap much of the benefits of exercising by running,for example, 3 hours once a week. Better to exercise every other day, so muscles will have time to grow and heal. And do not over exercise.

Bashir Goth is a fine journalist who speaks his mind unlike many others. And please do not accuse him of being anti-muslim for his critique of hardliners. I am sure that he is not only a muslim but a better muslim for thinking things through.

^watch your mouth rudeboy! If you don't believe Somaliland, then you shouldn't care about who or who is not gonna lead. Edna is someone who is known for her generosity. She delivers babies and trains midwives and nurses in her hospital. There are many young ladies and gents who became educated cuz of her. rude, I was hopping your 3cents will appreciate that. You need to research and not rely on "word is" before you throw your rubbish at her. She is good to lead Somaliland for the next five years and is a good role model for women who make up the majority of Somaliland population.

Edna Adan Ismail is the former Foreign Minister of Somaliland. In 2002, Edna completed a maternity hospital in Hargeisa which she runs. A former country Representative of the WHO, Edna is well known and respected for her generosity and patriotism. She is a political smart who knows how to clearly make a political argument. She has a good grasp of policy issues, leadership skills, managerial skills, and understands the challenges we face today. I believe Edna Ismail will make a good president.