^Its no secret I hail from there and from my experience, the majority of Awdalites ( ) support the recognition of SL.

Originally posted by Caano Geel: serenity so are you missing me then Like sore-throat.

^Obviously Awoowo I meant the so-called disputed regions on the border of SL and PL.

Originally posted by Baashi: If stabilty and progress is the sole reason you support secessionist's agenda to dismember Somalia then what do you make of the mess that will follow the imposed recognition secessionists are seeking. As you may know there are parts of SL that oppose secession; places such as majority of Sool and the newly formed state of Maakhir -- both pro unionists provinces. A referendum in these regions should solve the problem. Would the the likes of you accept SL's independence here-after, I wonder? CG, make sense, will ya?

^Are you back yet?

Originally posted by Emperor: NG, what an allegation no one ever talked about any fear, SL is the concept of a few drug(currently smith is in droves to ban)addicts , not many of the residents of that Somali Lands, very Simple.. You deserve a slap on the wrist for that little faux pas Emperor.

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^ You are from Awdal and according to Duke and others, you people are only part of Somaliland because you're scared. . Well, waxay Duke iyo co yidhaahdaan is hardly holy, ey?

Originally posted by Baashi: Secessionist enclave is part of Somalia as I write. The hardcore separatists want to secede but can't -- as no state want to recognize a recovery zone situated in a volatile region that pins its legal, moral case on past colonial narrative and grievances against military junta that is no longer in power -- a grievances they share with their fellow brethren. Awoowe, whatever perceived (and one-sided) view the separation is based on, at present SL has no reason whatsoever to be part of the Somali mess. And after 17yrs, I'm sure you realize the futility of waiting. Blv me, I'm not a hardcore separatist and neither do I buy into clan-mentality. However, I see a peaceful and progressive region of former Somalia that could benefit further from recognition and I see no reason not to support them! It is, after all, what the people in SL want and this is their cause and reality. Xaasidnimo maahine reasons kale ma arko aad ku diidid the SL independence. Just like b4, when SL sees any benefit in union, they will happily go the round table! As to Amxaaro thing remember Ethiopia is what made present SL possible in the first place. As of today Tigre junta is pretty much involved in the SL -- the Tigre just don't have opposing forces and hence the calm and absence of their tanks at the doorsteps of Berbera port (strategic in every sense of the word). Whatever 'influence' Ethiopia has over SL's politics is insignificant, compared to what they are doing in the rest of Somalia.

I totally agree with Baashi and co here. Banning khat will most certainly reduce the number of consumers and its spread. Which is the eventual goal - it doesnt matter if a small number of ppl still get it via the black market. Most people will quit if its banned and becomes illegal (and we wont have to be subjected to that unsightly man with green stuff in his mouth on the trains ). For example, even though the smoking ban hasnt completely banned smoking, there have been almost 4 times as many people wanting to quit since. This is because of 1) Negative press surrounding smoking as a habit 2) Support being available for those wanting to quit 3) The inconvenience of not being able to smoke in thier favourite places - pubs, stations waiting for trains etc. Click here If the same strategy is followed with khat, regulating it, providing support for those with addiction and eventually banning it, I dont see any reason why it shouldn't work... atleast for the majority of people. Khat cheweing isnt just an occasional social thing in our community where men indulge when they are happy or just to have a sit-down, its a serious addiction and creates so many social problems (mention not required, I hope). Its the main reason, why are society is so lazy and unproductive compared to other communities. While I understand all that hu-ha about choice, when something become a national problem and the norm, where even children are subjected, then it becomes the responsibility of the government.

Gee! Is it that obvious? :rolleyes: CG, save me all the bitter rhetoric about colonial lines and tell me why SL should be part of Somalia? What could it possibly gain from such a union? Perhaps amxaar at their doorsteps too? Have you ever heard of the story of the Crab Bucket? Thats Somali mentality for you!

^Maybe you should just pick smaller causes?

^Nope, called in sick. I've cold. And a headache. And the lack of sunlight isnt helping at all. LoL@Crush on Marc. Dont be starting rumours old man!

^Changed my mind about?

Boy, now you're just asking for a beating.

I think for the first time in months, I came across a couple of interesting topics here - even if they are Somali bashing ones. This place has been over-run by ciyaal (and NG).

^Waw, you've giving out dua this new year. Turned a new leaf?

Perhaps its because of the shortage of marital-age Somali men? We have lost a huge proportion of men during the civil strife in the past 17-18yrs. I'm sure there is no doubt that while women and kids suffered, men got killed! I really worry for the future of our people sometimes. They are being killed by the droves by Ethiopians as I type here. I reckon a few years from now sister might have to settle for polygamy or seek outside - it looks like the ones in the west are doing it already.

Originally posted by Legend of Zu: Second point is every five years when I get that smirk on my face that sense of achievement of the five year plan. Chinese man, I can actually picture that.

I'm curious to know the connection between MBA and Somali affairs. Send one my way too.

Kool_Kat, speedy recovery InshaAllah for your brother and his friends.

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You're right awoowe except I've an interest free overdraft that I always end up treating like its my own money. It feels like an extension of my own money.. Its the worst kind of debt and the easiest to get back into.

What should one do - pay off debts first and save or do it simultaneously by dividing the money into repayments and savings?

Do you guys get the feeling the more you earn, the more you HAVE TO spend? I remember a time when I used to save £500 a month of a £1,200pm. And live contentedly. But now...

What do you do with the opposite, too much time and not enough to do, and too broke to do anything exciting like getting outta cold city