http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=1621&updater x=2008-06-09+11%3A36%3A42 http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=1638&updater x=2008-06-09+08%3A52%3A02 Your Obama! All Rhetoric?..we'll see.

Originally posted by Libaax-Sankataabte: He was attacking SOL nomads on one of his articles the other day. do you remember which one?

Dude on the left looks somali, did they really take them to a prison though?

Pardon the interruption fellows, but I thought that company was to stay away from 'disputed areas' and do surveys in Puntland proper.

Originally posted by xiinfaniin: Lander, I totally disagree with the notion ICU should be talking to Ethiopia instead of TFG. The holes of this argument are many but 2 stand out. 1- This assumes that Somalia is where it’s today because Ethiopia invaded it. It brushes aside the division between Somalis, political or otherwise. 2- This also assumes that TFG is nonexistent entity and lack internal and external backing. Both assumptions are of course wrong. It’s not Ethiopia and Somalis that need reconciling. Rather it’s Somalis that need to compromise and agree on something adeer. Ethiopia would’ve loved to see such suggestions materialize. It would make her a permanent player whose support is sought by both sides. That one side is at least ignoring, nay fundamentally opposing it, is perhaps the most unarticulated message of defiance and Somali dignity in all of this. I suppose your entitled to your opinion, but just as you see 'holes' in what I put forth, I see what you put wrote up there to be rather incongruous and I'll briefly explain why I think so. 1- This assumes that Somalia is where it is today because Ethiopia invaded it. It brushes aside the division between Somalis, political or otherwise. This statement is only making reference to Ethiopia. Other factors aside, it is rather accurate. I don't assume so, the events that took place in the past two or two and half years would indicate so (ignoring the anarchy before that). In '06 when the courts spread the influence to most of southern Somalia, the area saw stability the likes of which hadn't been seen in over a decade. You follow the news closer than I do, so that should come as no surprise to you. So was the spread of the ICU a threat to any wanna-be government created in Kenya? well sure, a national government after all has to lead some sort of Nation-State and not just an isolated town on the border. Secondly and more importantly, the level of the humanitarian crisis that is taking place in Somalia and the sheer volume of people (millions facing famine) is unprecedented even the worst years of fighting between Somalis. This crisis has been caused and amplified by the occupation and its mercenaries. 2- This also assumes that TFG is nonexistent entity and lack internal and external backing. Again here, we are ignoring what happened in just the past couple of years. The powers at be have backed the TFG but let us recap and understand how this happened and why it hadn't taken place sooner. Prior to and even shortly after the ascendance of the Courts, the TFG had virtually no means to establish itself as an effective government in the heart of Somalia and its capital, had it not been for the events I'm about the highlight they may have more than likely ended in the same manner as all the previous so-called transitional governments. To travel on the international scene claiming to represent an entire country in which the said government has little to no influence what so ever. So as the courts started spreading their control over Mogadishu, an alliance of warlords cropped up that was mostly financed and backed by the same powers whom that today, back the TFG. Those warlords failed miserably and it came time to back a new horse only this time, I believe the powers understood that no mercenary 'somali' force was going to be able to stop the Courts and so enters Ethiopia into the equation and their public face the 'TFG'. Do these events legitimize this masquerade in the eyes of the Somali people? For the most part, absolutely not. Even the western press is well aware of this fact often citing the Ethiopian invasion as backing Somalia's "weak, ineffectual and unpopular government". So now that it's time to discuss an end to the occupation, are we to pretend that the occupier and other actors in this conflict are simply to in-trust their proxies? Perhaps you have some other logical reason that I'm still missing for counting the TFG as a legitimate power broker in the conflict of Somalia. As I saw events unfold in the last 36 months, the 'powers' would have backed anybody that is not the ICU or any sort of faith based governance.

Xiin do you disagree about what I wrote above? I have no doubt the folks in DJ right now will continue to talk of UN peacekeepers, whether they will get those peace keepers (on a scale to replace the power vacume that would be left by the Ethio's) or not is still questionable and that still doesn't invalidate what I said above.

Originally posted by Brofessor_Geeljire: Members of the Somali community will stage a protest in Minneapolis, in support of Barack Obama, a fellow East African. June 5, 2008. ^ This guy is a wizard or something, he even has the somalis strong loyalty and we all know how hard it is to get a consensus amongst somalis. I just hope he doesn't dissapoint his fellow 'east africans' in the near future. (I coulda swore he was born in Hawaiiii)

Originally posted by xiinfaniin: Aaway ninkii bukkay ee waxaan meesha kusoo post gareeyey. Soo bax waryaa intaysan carradu iga bi'in... Xiinow, maxa ku daran abti Runta ku caadeyee adu sideed u aragta arintas. The negotiations should be held directly with the Ethiopians, and perhaps to a larger extent the Western Powers (i.e. U.S of A), heck that Frazer woman should present herself there as well. To assume talks between 'somalis' will bring about a lasting solution that is satisfactory to all stakeholders in a conflict were the national interest of Somalis is only represented by one side of the equation, is rather disingenuous. mida kalee su'al a ku waydiyo. Runta sheeg, qorintanka af somaliga markad isku eegto aniga iyo Norf iyo NGONGE, sadeexdena aya ugu liita? NGONGE hada tidha u ka xaarifsan yahay wa aqbali kara, ilayn ninkasi wa af-mishar ee laakin hada tidha Norfna u ku dhama, tasi ma aqbali karo In other words does anybody know where I can actually learn how to spell Somali, message me I promise to pay a fair wage

Well, no one country recognizes Jerusalem as the 'undivided' capital of Israel (not even the U.S.) Mind you he isn't the first politician to speak such rhetoric in front of an Israeli lobby, but this doesn't reinforce his promise for 'change' and not bending to the demands of lobby groups.

"He said real security came from lasting peace and he would work from the start of his administration to achieve a Palestinian state alongside an Israeli one - but with Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel" http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7435883.stm

Originally posted by Northerner: There are times when you distance yourself away from other nations (even your neighbours) and then there times when you speak in terms of hoping for a peaceful solution to the crisis and letting people know you actually care about what goes on next door as it will (and it currently is) effect you. [/QB] Well said Norf, our lame-duck president is not exactly known for his diplomatic and oratory skills. To his governments credit though, in past talks with the Ethiopian envoy, they've expressed their disagreement with foreign troop presence in Somalia. That said, it seems Riiyaale's vocab is limited to a few choice phrases, one of them being 'We are not Somalia, we are Somaliland.' Sometimes you wonder if this man understand the seriousness of what is going on in the neighborhood. As you mentioned, no one country can escape the magnitude of the catastrophe in Somalia, least of all Somaliland.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200806040765.html If this event is true, than I think the ARS is going about it entirely the wrong way. I can understand their nationalistic fervor, nevertheless the Ethiopian Government should be the entity they want to directly speak to instead of holding talks through their Somali proxies. This stems from the assumptions that Ethiopians are looking out for their national interest (more than likely) and perhaps by figuring out exactly what they want in Somalia, the resistance can better negotiate for a peace deal. The likes of Yeey are a dime a dozen, when and if the Ethiopians decide he no longer serves their purpose, surely they can as easily find another to take his place as the number of Somalis willing to bring pain and suffering up their kin for short term gains is plentiful.

Alot of double talk emanating from the Asmara group these days, I suppose watching the prolonged suffering of your people will damage the psyche of any popular leader. If UN troops enter the equation, it will be interesting to see how that is implemented. That is assuming there is a power sharing scheme negotiated, which will be interesting in of it self. Reconciling the ICUs formula for peace and civil order as implemented in the spread of Islamic courts with A/Yusuf proxy-dictatorial aspirations, in other words to be a tool for anybody willing to give him some semblance of power. Well, lets assume that for a moment this unlikely plan works out, the question is why would A/yusuf and his like agree to this plan? Without direct Ethiopian stewardship, this diminishes his ability to bark orders of ‘surrender now or face the rath of master Gabre’ over the radio, and in some ways his effectiveness will be tied to just how cooperative the Asmara group becomes. Given his past history of ineffective leadership and strategic planning without the DIRECT involvement of external actors (usually Ethiopian troops), why would he put himself in an unusually vulnerable and compromising position that may turn out to save thousands of lives? To some it may seem like not asking much, but I believe this is asking far too much of someone whom has never shown any foresight, honor or inclination towards the greater good in a political career spanning decades.

This is not before colonialism, pay close attention to the names of the countries, it looks like it was drawn up by American colonials wishing to highlight Liberia. The text book source would be coo if you could provide it so we can have more details.

Originally posted by J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o: quote: Xafladdaas oo uu soo qabanqaabiyey xafiiska Ganacsiga ee Itoobiya ku leedahay Hargeysa, waxa lagu martiqaaday oo ka qaybgalay wasiirro ka tirsan xukuumadda Daahir Riyaale iyo xisbiyada mucaaridka ah. Iyo Hay’adaha UN-ka, ka jooga Somaliland and what is wrong with that ??? ,,, Don't you celebrate in the US, Canada, UK, Kenya, etc for the national day inviting who you want ??? Well what may have required better judgement is the Foreign minister giving a short speech their. He is too high a ranking member of governmnent to be giving a speech on such an occasion given what is happening in Somalia. Maybe he could have sent a lower ranking official. Aside from that its a poor attempt by the author to portray 'Hargeisa' as throwing a party for the TPLF day, when in actuality these are foreign diplomats renting out a private property with their own money and inviting whom ever they desire including members of the host countries administration. An event that occurs just about every where else in the civilized world.

Originally posted by somalipride: Sep 29th 2005 | NAIROBI ? A shoot-out on September 23rd in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, resulted in the arrest of seven men loyal to the al-Qaeda brand. Somaliland's president, Dahir Riyale Kahnin, said the men were mostly locals, trained at a camp outside Mogadishu, the still-chaotic capital of Somalia proper. Some had received training in Afghanistan; at least one was internationally known. Their aim, he said, was to destabilise Somaliland by killing leaders and foreign aid workers, four of whom have been murdered by Islamist radicals since 2003. The combined faux-pas committed by this Riiyalee administration that is today on its last leg could never be compared to any single action taken by the so-called 'host' to the occupation in Somalia. First specifically speaking about the above event, those trouble making men that started a 3 hr shouttout with the police are also in no way comparable to the Islamic courts union that thrived in Mogadishu. The ICU was bringing order and peace to an area that hadn't known any for some 16 yrs, while these men in Hargeisa were trying to bring chaos, distability and violence to an area that hasn't seen such things in an equally long time. If they wish to take part in the political process and they feel that religion should play an active role in politics, than they can struggle for their cause in the political arena without having to resort to violence. So Riiyaale uses their arrest to score brownie points with the Americans, I still don't see how anyone with any sense of objectivity can draw a parallel to colonel Gabre's defacto maids.

double

Abtigiis iyo Tolka, Brother I'm not sure why you’re wasting your time trying to explain matters that should not require any explanation. Your last few posts are highlighting facts that should be obvious to anyone who has remotely followed the on-goings in Somalia in the past 3 yrs. You see, some have an uncanny ability to tell fictional stories and it would seem they try to translate that very same ability into their own perception of reality. Well I won’t state the obvious there, but I will say that you were being generous in your use of the word ‘parochial’ in reference to what would be described as unfounded. I have mentioned this before and I will say again, among the three main actors named in the conflict of Somalia, (U.S.A, Ethiopia and the resistance)none is more important in changing the situation on the ground than the U.S.A. For reasons that again should be quite obvious to most of us. Given the political climate in the U.S. and the changes that may (or may not) soon come. I think this is an opportune time for those who want to see real peace and freedom in Somalia to make their mark.

Let's not be so Comfy Hayam, some are predicting that Water will be the cause of many future wars and that water resources that Canada has in abundance (about 10% of the worlds renewable fresh water vs. a relative population of 0.5%) could possibly be a source of conflict between the US and Canada. Now I think its a assuming a lot, but who knows in desperate times people will do desperate acts. As Jean Chretien once jokingly said when asked about why he wasn't spending more money on purchasing tanks. He replied with that french accent of his 'what for? The only country that could launch a direct ground attack on us is the United States and Whether we have 4 more or 14 more tanks I don't think it would matter much [laugh].' I think some more serious writers bring up NAFTA and this idea some Democatic candidates have of wanting to renegotiate it. Check out the article below. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/04/8086/

Originally posted by MARCUNIAN: Completely Nephy. This social ill is also on the increase, especially in recent years. It seems those who drink have no inhibitions, which is completely alien to Somali culture. The increase in the number of Alcoholics also coincides with the rapid influx of secondary European Somali migrants. [/QB] Did you mean second generation? You definitely have a point on the growing alcoholism of somalis. Btw lower class and damn proud of it .

Bill O'Reily and Duke, notice any similarities?

Oz ^, That Montell track takes me back too man! 1995 school dance to be exact baggy green jeans, blue shirt, old school cap with some sick *** air max, what you know bout that maaaan I think it was that same yr blackstreet came out with no diggity, that was a hot summer too. my personal favorites though: Warreng G / Nate dogg- nobody does it better Kinda track you just put your sunroof down and cruise to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYPk40yf43o more from Warren maaaan what can I say the G-Funk era was the-ish http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC4dURfuIXM Snoop-Gin and Juice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czyfws7OLCs -Nothin but a G thang (classic even u british hobos gotta appreciate ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEMmbtcxbpc Coolio fantastic voyage this track still brings back memories man, my favorite track from that fool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbVVD9xRlyg Cube-friday 'Just wakin up in the morning gotta thank God, I don't know but today seems kinda odd, No barking from tha dog, no Smog, and Moma cooked a breakfast with no hog' They don't make tracks like this no more. Enjoy, and if you don't like Hip Hop, that's ok you'll enjoy anyway just listen to the track from beginning to end. Anyway its 4 in the morning and I'm getting carried away, Let's see more tunes from ppl.

Originally posted by Abu_Geeljire: "The British based audience"( apart from Somalis and a few left wing brits) will largely forget about the story BY tommorow and the British Government will not change it's policy towards Somalia. So nothing new there( no need to even mention what TFG are)! Thoug Dispacthes will feel like they accomplished something. What's the big deal about them living in Britain? It is imperative that somalis living in the UK lobby the british government to reverse course on this issue, the only meaningful way to do that in a country were one party continues to win one majority government after another and where the official opposition are neo-fascist is to continue spreading awareness through the media and eventually bringing the occupation into public discourse. Most importantly I think the ppl in the US have to do the same and redouble their efforts, as you know when the US saids 'come along now poodle!', Britain is quick to follow.

Came across this old article, thought some of you may like reading it. Shades of what seems to be a different era and yet it was less than 2 yrs ago The family of Sahal Abdi-kafi no longer talk to him following his wedding to his long-time girlfriend Zamzam Ahmed, a member of Somalia's lower caste Yahar community. Marrying across Somalia's caste lines Despite his family's strong disapproval, the couple went ahead with their marriage, encouraged by an edict from the Islamist group which has taken control of the capital, Mogadishu, and much of southern Somalia this year after 15 years of lawlessness. Sahal and Zamzam had been seeing each other secretly for five years but neither ever really believed their romantic dream would end in marriage. "We were very different - in lifestyle, in thinking, in tastes," said Sahal, who runs a big electronics shop in Mogadishu's main Bakara Market and who comes from a prominent family of merchants. In contrast, Zamzam's father has died and her mother sells the popular stimulant khat. "Yet we fell in love, we expected the heavens to fall when my parents would come to know of our affair, we expected the worst and were prepared for the worst," Salal says. After centuries of deep divisions, cross caste weddings like Sahal and Zamzam's are now becoming more common. Prejudice Union of Islamic Courts leader Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently said Somalis should marry good Muslims, whatever caste they were from, in an effort to break down centuries of prejudice. "Islam recommends choosing your partner according to whether they follow their religion and whether they are of good character but not because of their social level," he said. Sahal, 35, supports the Islamists and says Mr Ahmed's speech convinced him to go ahead with the wedding, despite his parents' opposition. Somalia's caste system is extremely complicated. While some members of the lower castes, such as the Yahar, Midgan, Eyle, Boon, say they face constant discrimination, several members have risen to occupy prominent positions in society. Many members of the lower castes perform jobs such as metal-working, hunting with dogs, shoe-making and hairdressing. Marriage is the area where traditional prejudices remain strongest, with men who marry lower caste women often ostracised by their families. Beloved Sahal knew his family would be upset by the wedding and felt unable to tell them that he and Zamzam had gone ahead and tied the knot. When he did break the news, his father immediately told him to divorce his new wife and choose another, higher caste, woman. Zamzam says she only knew that she loved Sahal and never thought about their difference in social background. She said it was beyond her wildest dreams to see herself sharing a life with Sahal. "Love knows no age, no caste, and no creed. There can be no other explanation why Sahal could have fallen in love with me," she said. "However, he married me against the wishes of his parents, jeopardising his relations with his relatives and friends and that of the community he comes from," she added. "Finally, he was mine and I was his. Sometimes life is indeed like a Bollywood movie," she said, smiling. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6168807.stm

Good Advice Baashi, If you're already in the workforce and have an employer that is willing to invest that money in you, than that works out too. Originally posted by Li Ka-shing: Goodluck Lander. 7th June is getting near. What level are you taking mate? Level 1 here. Same here dude, I'll tell you it ain't easy getting ready while working full time. Last weekend it came down to study time or May 18th party, it was tough choice but I went with the 'barty'(boy was that a waste of time). On June 7th, if you need extra motivation make sure you look around that room and keep in mind that 60% or about 2 out of 3 will fail that exam worldwide. Pass rate for december was 39%. So no matter how well you do personally, beating out the competition is a must. But I'm sure you already know that . Good luck to you too.