Originally posted by xiinfaniin: It is pure qaraw Eid Mubarak, good Lander! lol..figured thanks anyway Eid Wanagsan

Reading an opinion article, one paragraph caught my eye, often these opinon articles are full of presumptions made by the author. If any of you can disproove or proove some of these statements alluding to pres. Riyaale's meeting with the UN secretariat rep. since I didn't go through the entire somali text, would be appreciated. http://www.somaliland.org/opinions.asp?ID=05110204 The world is finally waking up, Kofi Anans representitive is in the capital Hargaisa and has pledged to bring the issue of Somaliland before the United Nation security council something which hasnt happened before. The African Union is finaly ready to bring the issue of Somalilands recognition to the agenda within the comming months. Somaliland is making huge steps towards its eventual goal of reclaiming its lost sovereignty. However it takes time and requires a collective effort, its not only Udubs duty it should also be the duty of Ucid and KULMIYE to do their part.This is a critical time in our countries history and it would be beneficial for our nation if all the parties work for the good of the nation.

At ease Ngonge, your stiffening up sxb I have a habit of attacking people who’s opinions differ from mine, even though a closer look will likely reveal we’re not so far apart on this matter. I’ll give you one thing and it is that I state opinion but believe me sxb there are “facts†to back up those opinions, and it was facts that I awaited from you when I asked you the question regarding International Law. Instead you make very vague allusions through out your post to this thing called “International Law†without really giving us any facts. Sure you mentioned resolution 1559 which was passed last year I think, but we know both know it doesn’t really contribute to the question of Israel and Palestine as “legal†entities. Yet, that is as close as you came to backing up your references to International Law. Tell you what man, here’s what I would’ve like to hear you mention: First you could have told us just what is this International Law? We’ll we agree that international law (at least as far as the rights of states and the laws governing inter-state relationships on the globe go) refer to the United Nations charter, resolutions, conventions etc… Many of which can trace their origins back to the Nurenburg trials after WW2 but lets not get into that as long as we agree on this. What you could’ve mentioned is the Plan for Partition (Res.181) and priorly the Belfast Accord and how they relate to Israel and Palestine. You could’ve mentioned how this “international law†allowed for the partition of the Palestinian homeland whitout the consultation of the Palestinian people themselves, furthermore you could’ve elaborated that at the beginning of 1947, Palestinians numbered over a million compared to the newly arrived population of 600 000 jews that owned about 5% of the land area and yet the partition plan gave them about 55% of the land area which in fact denied the RIGHT (these are the same ones from the charter keep in mind) to more than 1/3 of the Palestinian population to EVER live in an independent palestinian state and were to live under the jewish state by “international lawâ€. Another fact you could’ve mentioned is that the United Nation at the time was overwhelmingly comprised of, ah….How should I say this? WHITE people or the politically correct term is 90% western nations, but nonetheless it’s “International Law†who are we to question it. Than you could’ve moved on to resolution 194 which states that “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date†and of course the ever quoted resolution 242 which states a return to the pre-67 borders and resolution 338 later adopted to re-affirm it. As any good Zionist you could’ve argued that in the Balfour accords there is actually no mentioning of “Palestinians†but rather “Non-jewish communities†and in the mandate a mentioning of “arabs†and subsequent to 1948 and many key resolutions (including 242 and 338) were Palestinians are simply reffered to as “refugees†and therefore NO recognition of their rights to their national existence and rights to state that is under “International Law†once again, if you wanted to be a real pain you would’ve went on to criticize 242 as being “ambiguous†as the English text unlike the French text found below (french text 242) , refers to retreat “from territories†which could be interpreted as different from the other official document in French which saids “des territories†(a little more specific). If those were some of your explanations, I would’ve said NGONGE my friend you make good points. Nonetheless, the partition plan (181), res.242,338 194…and whateva else you can think of, call for the creation of 2 states and that is unequivocal and furthermore the right of “refugees†to return to their homes which also is unambiguous in this “International Law†and yet has Israel obeyed any of these laws? What “legality†does it have that could be denied to the Palestinans? Didn’t the Palestinian National Council (PNC) In ’88 declare a Palestinian state? Furthermore accepting in principle resolution 242 and 338 which they had priorly refused due to the reference of “refugees†and not “Palestiniansâ€. So who or what is legal and illegal, I am confused you see my friend? You speak of Phantom states but to me the only real phantom is this thing we call “International Lawâ€(opinion), nevermind the fact that it is grossly unjust and unfair (My personal Opinion here), but it simply is not clear who or what is in violation of International Law and what is legal or who is a “Legal†entity and who is not. Maynnnnn I sure hope you understand this international law thang better than I do, cause I'm sure as heck confused P.S if you need any sources for any of the facts I mentioned, feel free to ask.

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^^^ So, as you can see, Israel (at least in political terms and in the view of international law) is a legal state. ^ Somebody loves to play devils advocate. Don't mind if I jump in here Ngonge, and yes I am here to cross examine . So do elaborate for us just how this international law makes Israel a legal entity and perhaps you could take it a step further to the heart of the matter, and tell us exactly why it hasn't allowed for the creation of the Palestinian state? (at least thus far) BTW, I don't think Hezbollah limits itself to regaining the Golan Heights from occupation, rather I think they're more along the lines of other militant groups such as Hamas who don't recognize Israel all together and advocate for the return of Historic Palestine (leaving no room for Israel). Mind you Hamas might alter its charter upon its entrance into palestinian "democratic" politics and Israel is actually making some back channel meetings with certain members of Hamas as unbelievable as it may sound, they too have an interest in seing Hamas become a "legitimate" political entity they just won't admit it publicly.

Originally posted by Shirwac: quote:Originally posted by SoMa_InC: Boxing was a superb game before Lennox Lewis stepped in the ring. Have you ever seen a heavy weight that can Box like Lenox since Ali? ^^You got to be kidding me, Lennox Lewis is the most OVERATED heavyweight in history. The boxing commentators were trying to sell because he is supposedly a "model citizen" and because they had no other heavyweights to promote in recent years. Let's just ask ourselves what did he do to be considered "great"? He defeated a very elderly Evander Holyfield (barely at that) and a less than sane Mike Tyson who any fair boxing commentator will tell you hasn't been the same since 1990 more than a decade ago since the death of his mentor Cus D'amato and his mother. Lewis had also managed to lose in the form of K.O's to mediocre opposition such as Rahman and others. Despite being classified a "super-heavyweight"(about 6"5 240 odd pounds) he has a glass jaw and after getting wabaly at the hands of Vitali Klitschko and being saved by an eye injury to Klitshko, he quickly called on retirement like the sissy he is. Always has fought too tentatively for a man his size and went to decisions at times when any other "great" fighter would have dominated a fight. At least Vitali now knows Lennox is a coward ish and for the rest of Vitali's carreer, he can claim to be the man who put Lewis to retirement. Had Lewis faught a young Mike Tyson (who use to demolish him in training session in their early years) or even a younger Evander Holyfield, I would've put my life savings on either of them because I truly believe Lewis NEVER had exceptional boxing skills or remarkable Knock out power and instincts for that matter. George Foreman is one of the only people who would make silly comments such as "Lewis is the greatest boxer ever" and considering Foreman's background its sort of understandable the two heavyweights are comparable in their being "media darlings". I think Foreman was just a more destructive force than Lewis could dream of in his early years, but he too were hyped up by the predominantly white media. In the rumble in the jungle in some corners they had renamed him the "great white hope" reminiscent earlier times when racism was rampant in boxing simply for the fact that ALI was public enemy number 1 among white americans. He dodged the vietnam war and become and muslim, and was known to affeliate with black panthers and many a members of black movements including Malcolm X. When in 1960 he won a gold medal in rome in later threw away that medal in disgust with racial discrimination while in 68' black atheletes were making a silent protest by raising their black gloved fist in the air, George Foreman introduced American Flag waving to professional sport once again kissing some *** and becoming the beloved athlete of uncle sam. Well Lewis sort of represents that type of house negroe mentality whether he is aware of it or not and never enters the ring whitout his huge british flag. They pin him as the good obediant black man as opposed to the more troublesome, inner city and violent men like Mike Tyson who people at any given point are not sure whether they are sane or not. A bi-product of this society I say but thats another matter. Man I just wish Tyson would stop embarassing himself to the credit of people like Lewis and harming whatever is left of his remarkable yet short legacy in boxing. He can only give "status" to other people who like Lewis would only be overated chumps whitout him. Now if y'all wanna talk about greatness listen to lady wordette fo real she knows what she's talking about, the X better known to is opponents as the Executioner with tha mask is truly a talent and great boxer. Young Jermaine Taylor is a talent of his own right to it should be an interesting fight unfortunately I didn't even see the first one. What I wanna see after that fight is either a Winky Wright Vs. Hopkins or Winky Vs. Taylor, either way sparks gon be flyin those could be potential fights of the year.

hoogyaal miciyeystay ayaa internetka wareegayoo hablaha yar yar ka waali. Talow ma Odayga yar ee Ngonge la yidha a ka mid aa raghad sheegayso? misee odaygii Tolstoy (pardon le somali)... Originally posted by HornAfrique: I don't want to start an argument nor want to start a squabble, but why did you not make the title of your article and the name of your thread the same? For one reason or another the site wouldn't let me copy/paste the title, so I typed it in manualy so a typo I guess. If it bothers you, request the admin to change the title to Love on the net enchants [insert your little tulo here] Teenagers , and I promise to overlook it

http://www.somalilandnet.com/news/wnews/headline/13690.shtml Love on the Net enchants Somaliland teenagers Young people in Somaliland are so wild about the Internet and cyber-dating that local associations and the United Nations children's agency are out to ensure education and ease tensions. Streets in Hargeisa, is far more peaceful than most of the lawless country, empty of teenagers in late afternoons as they wait their turn in Internet cafes to send a flurry of instant messages to distant paramours. Since they have much increased access to the Web, Somaliland's teenage girls are frequently lured into marriage abroad hoping to enjoy the economic benefits of natives living elsewhere, primarily in Britain, according to civic associations. "Why don't the girls look at us rather than instant messaging Somalilanders far away?" local teenager Amin Sheikh Mukhtar wondered. "Because we can't afford a lavish wedding ceremony or cars." Many girls rely on such chat in hopes of netting prospective Somaliland men living elsewhere and as a widespread social response, they are encouraged into marrying at an increasingly early age to stem the flow into the diaspora. The practice seriously disrupts the education of girls, they themselves said. In turn, this worries officials in and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), which has begun to address the problem to encourage education. "If you are married, you can't go to school while you're pregnant," Leyla Abdullahi told AFP. "It's unrealistic to have children and learn at the same time." "If girls wait until they go to university to get married, then they will be too old to mother children," argued Abdullahi Hassan, shrugging off what he called a "Western concept". Until recent years, it was formerly forbidden to discuss marriage among men and women in this rigid Muslim country of about 3.5 million people as a matter for public debate but the cyber-cafes are one sign of changing social values. An official working for the Somaliland Cultural and Sport Association (SOCSA) official said the need for awareness about the consequences of early marriage was more important than outdated notions of marriage and education. "The idea is to create awareness in the young community to understand to what unplanned marriage does to the education of young girls," said Khadra Khalil of SOCSA. At a seminar on the issue, Hassan nodded in appreciation. "I need to go to school, earn a degree from the university and get a job. Then I'll be able to discuss marriage," the outspoken 18-year-old man said, but not all the girls participating were as open to discussing marriage, especially in mixed company. SOCSA officers pushed on, citing high rates of divorce and lack of education among girls who are married at an early age. - Sapa-AFP By Ali Musa Abdi

Jolly Women "I've never seen so many happy faces in one day!" one of the international observers quipped. It's true, people were just ecstatic to vote and yes they had the patience to qeue for 2-3 hours so they can cast their ballot. Her name is Sarah, I met her at around 9:30am at Magax Mogue polling station waiting in one corner, I saw her again on our way back in the afternoon as we stopped for the second time. By then I had to ask if she had already voted, she nodded, curious as to why she's still in the area "I mobilized many women in my village I want to meet them here, they might need my help" she replied. Sarah was determined to wait until she sees the last woman in her village casts her vote. Of Determination and Discipline Some polling stations have no electricity, others simply don't have light bulbs. Nevertheless they went on, exhausted from a long day's work yet determined to start counting the ballots. There were at least 10 people in the room, 3 polling station staff, 6 party representatives and 1 domestic observer vigilantly engaged to see to it that the procedure takes place properly. Not every polling booth have tables and chairs for polling staff, there are simply none available. They make do with what they have, in this case, a mat and the box of election materias are enough to get things going. This is the lock of Oktobar polling station in Erigavo, they opened a few minutes late because they couldn't find the key, by then there were already a long qeue of voters waiting to vote, with persistent chiding of voters they had to break it open. Guns, knives and yes even canes are not allowed in the polling station. In a rural area like Hareed, the elders and nomads had to leave their "weapons" outside. Somaliland Parliamentary Elections: International Election Observers -1 Let me apologize for my remiss in informing you about what transpired the past few weeks. It was those moments when I wished days were longer and had the energy to write down and reflect on the challenges we had to deal with. Let me walk you through some of the events that took place in the past days. The International Cooperation for Development (ICD) was given the task by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to invite, arrange and deploy international election observers during Somaliland’s parliamentary elections. An initial list of 20 who expressed interest to observe grew to 74 foreigners from more than 16 countries (UK, Finland, Canada, Italy, USA, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, South Africa, New Zealand, Kenya and Zimbabwe to name a few). A total of 31 international election observers team were organized and dispersed to 13 areas, Borama and Baki (Awdal), Gabiley, Baligubadle, Salaxhaley and Hargeisa City (Galbeed), Berbera and Sheekh (Sahil) Burao and Odweyne (Togdheer) Aynabo (Sool), Garadag and Erigavo (Sanaag). Briefings were held by both foreign and local experts on the Somaliland context, orientation on Somaliland’s Electoral laws and procedures were conducted, meetings with the NEC, political parties, elders and civil society groups were arranged to get a glimpse of the local scene. On top of this, logistical and security arrangements were organized. It might be simple to most people in the outside world, but in a place where the security situation is fragile; where basic requirements such as communication and transportation are limited, where hospitals and medical care are almost close to none, ensuring the safety and access of 74 foreigners who were tasked to go to both rural and urban areas to observe the elections cannot in any way be classified as simple. It was a gargantuan task we ever faced. In a country with almost nothing, we had to rely on maximizing what is present and making the most of what we have. Organizers and observers alike had to rely on one another to contribute knowledge and expertise to help organize the observation mission better; it took a lot of guts from everyone involved. Sometimes, when things get rough, we try to remember that we are here to witness this country’s huge stride towards democratization. We are indebted to international organizations in Somaliland that shared their resources when we were faced with logistical nightmare. Kudos to individuals who tried their level best to contribute and make this international election observation happen, to the international election observers who despite the security risks and logistical limitations bravely confronted their task of witnessing and experiencing Somaliland as it put its foot forward in taking a historical leap. My personal thanks to friends who secretly expressed their solidarity in various forms even if it meant taking risks to give their share. for more go to Yvette's blog http://insidesomaliland.blogtales.com/

Originally posted by Sky: How dare this moryan speak for the entire Somali nation. Soomaaliya oo dhan Xamar lee ma ahan. As long as there is Puntland, Somaliland is going nowhere. [/QB] ^ ain't this the pot calling the kettle black

Originally posted by Northerner: Why is it when something positive is happening in Somaliland all those against it bring out some negative articles? Somalilanders dont do the same with the soap opera that is going on in Jowhar and the rest of Somalia. :rolleyes: Northerner I think it was some american economist who said One of the failings of Honorable people is the failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonourable some other people can be, well perhaps this could be deemed a curse among Somalilanders but I think instead it's a big positive. What kinda progress do you think our people would have made if they payed attention to every single comment from every moryan turned warlord/politician?

Geeljire school of nomadic culture headquartered @ Tulo Yar, Somaliland holla at your boi

only a small dose of things to come I think, google earth is suprising in its accuracy specially around major cities around the world. I could spot where I lived in toronto and the surrounding areas like the cars, basketball court etc...

Ppl are now threatened by ballot boxes? or perhaps the propaganda has switched to "We don't want to be poisoned with democratic and libertarian values ". Here's a little hint for you fanatics out there, instead of trying to spread havoc like you have done in much of Somalia, why not encourage people to simply BOYCOTT the elections as the low turn out rate would reflect poorly on the government. I know it's a NEW idea but that just might work, or is perhaps you fear that more people than anticipated will turn out for these elections ?

Originally posted by Nur: 1. Peace #1 2. Morality and Family life ( tie -up # 1 with at least four other towns, thanks to Wadaads) 3. Communications with outside and inside # 2 4. Education ( Tie up # 2 with Bosaso, Mogadishu #1) 5. Business ( Ranks 4, after Mogadishu, Kismayo and Bosaso) 6. Climate # 1 Tie up with Marka Caddey and Ceerigabo 7. Friendly People # 1 Tie up with Mogadishu ^ , Waryee how did you come up with this ranking system..did you flip coins for it or some, magalada Xargeisa wa #1 in everything, perhaps only #2 to Gabilay for tranquility , YES I said Gabilay damn it...no need to read it over twice.

This is a whole lot of non sense, yes it's obviously a political attempt by what some consider the 4th branch of the government (the american media), to save face and lessen the political impact of the mishandled aftermath of the huricanne. Are the folks in New Orleans refugees? damn right they are...if we reason for a minute and stop listening to what larry King said last night on CNN you might come to the same conclusion. I coulda swore it was but a year ago the media was reffering to the sorry state of the refugees in Darfur, now whether those refugees actually left Sudan or whether they moved inside the country to a UN refugee camp, the differentiation was not made, and rightly so. Palestinians have been refugees within their own country for decades now, there are many refugee camps within the West bank and Gaza, some are refugees from decades old land seizures by the zionist and some are new arrivals from newer but equaly brutal policies. Should we now make up new words to define different circumstances with similar outcomes? When Ethiopians are fleing famine we see images of refugee camps on TV, now whether you're hungry due to a hurricane or a drought, it doesn't really change the fact that you're still hungry does it? "Evacuees"?....I had a good chuckle with that one, so what do you call those who left before the hurricance?....pre-evacuees?

Originally posted by Jumatatu: quote:Originally posted by General Duke: if Abdullahi is not President then we never had a President, Adan Cade, Abdirashd and Siyad Barre where not President as well since none where voted by the "People" only their reps... This clearly shows how shallow and narrow is your understanding of Somali politics. One thing you failed to note is that the reps that elected the well reputed Presidents Adan Caade & C/rashid Sharmarke were ones that were dierectly elected by the masses hence they had the mandate of the people. As for President Siyaad he came through a revolution and never had the mandate as such. Now try telling me the goons who elected Yeey in Nairobi had a public mandate. You sheer arrogancy in attempting to compare Aden caade & C/rashid with the bogus and comical election of Yeey is an insult to decency and portrays and is a reflection of how you intend to glorify Yeey inspite of the fact that he is nothing more than a warlord. ^ , For the longest time I've believed that Duke knows better than some of his statements reflect, for even a blind man carries a walking stick and has some sense of direction. Ever wondered if this roughhousing is at your expense?

^ I ain't no mathematician but I can tell you there ain't no straight answers for that paradox, try drawing a conclusion and you will see any conclusion you muster can be prooven false. Now from a math stand point the best I can come up with are there are two set groups S (shave) and D (don't shave) add another varriable to that B (barber, the barber most people would think has to belong to one group or another, but if one were to try and prove either group as True, than that conclusion can easily be dismissed so maybe: U=union J= lets pretend this is an upside down "U", Interstect so the barber's role is the paradox in this story B= S(J)B so according to my assumption the only plausible mathematical answer is that he belongs to both groups, however that answer makes no logical sense. Knock yourselves out ppl

whats with the lips licking...hehehe. Riyaale sounds like some chipmunk and Kofi Anan like Kunta Kinté. Someone went out of their way to create that little master piece,things must not be going well in Somalia are they? When Somaliland reclaims its title as favourite topic for non-Somalilanders, it's usually the case.

Originally posted by Jomaana: Somali girls in T-Dot are known to have an attitude problem and are high maintenance. An insecure man with low self-confidence that couldnt get a girl look his way will say that.... Did you feel unfairly targeted by this statement?

^ prolly cause brother Jomana is really a SHE... Spring rolls she saids, that restaurant ain't sayin much to be honest. I agree with whoever said go down south, Toronto is aight but Miami sounds alot hoter in every sense.

^ this must be an inside joke amongst you folks and MILK, or am I the only one who noticed that these hotels are in South-East Asia and Vancouver amongst other places.

Originally posted by Baashi: Executive Summary Full report in pdf file FYI, CGI is a high profile interest group . ^ most would refer to it as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) but I guess no article can escape a prelude from our chief political analyst here at SOL.

First of all it's good to hear all of you are safe. It is only natural most are a little edgy in an effort to make sense of these tragedies. Anytime such an event takes place so close to home people's survival instincts seem to kick in and at times it seems that what we perceived as being our reality crumbles before us and we are exposed to a whole different kind of realism we only had previously heard of but never experienced. Also, the emotional baggage that goes along with this sort of sudden change which can distort our outlook if we do not tame it in one way or another. That being said, I think we should try to keep these events in perspective under rather difficult circumstances. By that, I mean the world has changed very little in the past 72 hours even though, to some it might seem like an avalanche of change and hence the reason why they seem to be running around like headless chickens who's nerve endings have yet to give in. But there are a few realities that haven't changed since immediately before the London bombings and the moment right after them. I am not here to justify, condemn or otherwise explain any geo-political situations but rather just to remind folks what we all know and maybe seem to forget in moments of hysteria. -The United Kingdom is a country at War I know seems kind of obvious don't it? But seems a lot of people forget this simple little fact. They all would acknowledge that Iraq is at war because after all we see the events on TV, but in the UK what signs of war are there? Virtually none thus far and it will likely continue to be that way aside from this isolated incident. So this is what usually leads us to overlook certain facts. Fact is in most wars there are “non-combatant†casualties, the innocence and whether the events where deliberate or accidental is beside the point, our perspective should be that these events do take place and should be expected as an actuality of war. The Farax who commutes to work everyday via the underground in London and, the Xabibi who drives his rusty ‘85 toyota tercel cab as a means of work everyday in the streets of Baghdad can both be potential victims of this war. Whether it's just or unjust is irrelevant to that reality.

Those IOC members must a been bribed, it wouldn't be the first time if anybody remembers the salt lake city games. Everybody knows Paris is the most beautifull city in the world, and those who are in the denial about it are usually native Londoners . Toronto finished second to Beijing in the 2008 bid and I am positive had they bid on this 2012 olympics they would have taken it. I mean if London can take it, and East-London specificly will house the athletes, man it would a been a shoe in for Toronto cause that is one Ugly city.

Originally posted by Capital Z: Yo Lander i kno wah u talkin bout da Raps camp is all messed up but da guy to blame i think is Sam Mitchell cuzz he was prolly buggin Babcock to draft a big man im juss suprised dat Babcock didnt draft Joey Graham's twin brother ahahahahah but if seriously Babcock been messin up since last season He drafted Araujo high in da draft ne smart GM woulda traded their pick for a lower one and another player He signed Alston to a 4yr $24M contract and da biggest competition to them was us we was gonna sign him using our LLE which is bout 1.2M Now all they need is a low post player that would compliment wit Bosh and all their other perimeter players But yo Lander da draft is gone now Babcock better resign Marshall lucky for them I think but not sure he's a Restricted Free Agent so they got 15 days to match ne offer But news of da day Terrel Owens goin to Kings Summer Camp and now Master P mite go too ahahah Z, You right about the rafer signing and even worst Araujo!! what a waste of a draft pick. Who knows man, maybe he'll shock me this yr and come with a strong season. But there is no way Mitchell made such dumb decisions. What they needed was a center you know and instead they got another player the size of Chris Bosh :confused: tha flip? someone tell that fool this ain't the NCAA, Villanueva can't play no center. Babcock is got to be the dumbest G.M I've ever seen even them commentators were speechless after Villanueva got announced, forget them... Villanueva was shocked his name was called out so early and you know somethings wrong when even the eager player is shocked. This management is a disgrace to the city of Toronto I bet you if this was New York they're *** would a been fired quick time. On the other hand some teams will be doing damage because of their draft picks, who in particular? none other than the Charlotte Bobcats and Boston Celtics. I won't be suprised if Charlotte finishes ahead of Toronto. As for master P tryin out for an NBA team...aha, what else is new, I remember when he got cut from the raptors this man must think he's getting younger.