Do you think Ashcroft or whomever else they have for homeland security has ever read any of his books? oh well, I'm not a big fan of the man anyway

Originally posted by ORGILAQE: They lead SNM in it's infancy that seems to be the backbone of Somalialand.No goobllygook here pal just straight talk! Your posts are often entertaining but I must say you keep beating a dead horse with this one, and you keep on repeating the same lie over and over again. Perhaps your hoping that repeating it often enough will make it true? Why not indulge us with some more of your maweelis: What exactly did the folks from Puntland (or probably the former SSDF) do to directly defeat the Barre regime and how did they lead the SNM? Enlighten us; most of us were left in the dark from such historical events.

Originally posted by Mutakallim: That meaning be restored, I shall see to it. As for calaacal , or calacil as you like to call it, I do not know. Do you think orthography is trivial? With Salaams PK [/QB] What about the spelling of your nickname, do you think Orthography is trivial in that regard? If so, than I guess even Philosopher Kings are subject to the presumed triviality of orthography.

hey thanks sheherazade, intriguing name by the way, I'm actually starting to remember alot of these stories. I'll wait to meet up with my cousin and borrow his hard copy version of the stories to read the rest. Thanks though for the link, I appreciate it. It'll give me something to read when I get bored from work.

A lot of Hoop-la is being made about all this, don't get me wrong what is happening in Darfur is very wrong and merits intervention. The Sudanese government should be held accountable for any implication in this conflict, however one cannot overlook at the deliberate attempt by the US to over-simplify this crisis. The word GENOCIDE is being used very lightly in this case by international standards and Colin Powell is the only prominent international figure to have done so and one has to wonder why? In the early 80's, over 100 000 East Timorese were killed by the Indonesian government without a sigh from the West and the US even augmented its military aid to Indonesia. Prominent intellectuals such as Noam Chomsky even went to testify in front of the UN committees on the deplorable situation in East Timor, yet the west still turned a blind eye. The Darfur figure of killed stands between 60 000-70 000 by most estimates so a comparable figure to that in East Timor, why wasn't the East Timorese situation labeled a "Genocide"? In Somaliland in the late 80's over 60 000 people by modest estimates were slaughtered in the Attacks on the major cities and over 500 000 displaced. Similar to the Darfur situation in Sudan, the conflict involved two Muslim populations so-called Muslims and it involved an ethnic or tribal conflict, why wasn't it labeled a Genocide? Could it be the US has special interest in Sudan? Did it have an important economic relation with the government of Suharto in Indonesia? Did major American oil companies sign contracts for exploration with Siad Barre? Some of you who are quick to regurgitate what is fed to you in the western medias, and yes that includes the newspapers and online sources should perhaps try to read some books on the background of the particular situation you wish to criticize. Perhaps than you might have an appreciation for the complexities of International politics and be more modest and guarded in your affirmations. p.s. by the way the situation in Rwanda involved the systematic slaughter of 1 million in a little over a 1 weeks time. The figures for this crisis are more readily available because there were so-called "peacekeepers" on the ground at the time this genocide took place.

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^^ They're part of the Arabian Night's story, saaxib. I think there is another thread about this topic going on right now. ahh.. thanks Ngonge its the 1001 Arabian nights right. I've been meaning to read those stories. i aint seen no lions in my life except detriod lions! but these guys aint no lions but chickens!! baq baaqaaq!! nameen!! however, once i lol..ey yo rudy you think the likes of Barry Sanders were chickens? I'm guessin your a raiders fan? D-town is bout it, don't doubt it, crown it

Originally posted by Kowneyn: Regarding the "first opposition" and adeero Siyaad and his fascist regime they were two sides of the same coin. That fact is not because of genealogical relations but the nature of their goals and the foundations of their politics etc. I have to say the SSDF had few people who were striving to make a difference in the affairs of the old Somali republic but those interests were brutally supressed by adeer Yusuf and in practice the movement was born and was utilized in order to jump from one military regime to another, therefore resulting in a power struggle between the already existing holders of power. Unfortunately it did not turn out very good for Adeer Yusuf and in the process an entire region was victimized because of his greed and lust for power. I find it puzzling that some would call themselves "Nationalist" and yet sport the emblem of the only movement to introduce foreign Ethiopian soldiers onto to Somali Soil. Ah the irony of life, One can only muster a few chuckles at such hypocracy.

Originally posted by NGONGE: I saw that exact story in the Arabic children's cartoon, "Sinbad". للمتحدثين بالعربيه وعشاق الرسوم المتحركه: اخونا يتكلم عن عمليق ههههههههه [/QB] Thats interesting, In childhood I was also told the adventures of Sinjibad Al-Baxri or howeva you might like to spell it. I remember they were in a small book and it was written in arabic. From my understanding the stories were well known fictional literature among the arab nation. Does anybody know the name of the author?

Ameenah I was told that story a very long time ago when I was perhaps 4 or 5 by my ayeeyo ilaheey ha u naxaristee, I don't remember the exact details except for one thing. I think I was told the Lion was feeding the man raw meat and at first the man would refuse since it wasn't cooked, but as hunger crept in he gave in and started eating the raw meat. He got acustomed to the raw meat and continued eating it daily over the years and gained alot of weight and muscular build. When he went back to his town people marveled at how strong he was. I don't know if thats the same version you were told and maybe Ayeeyo (ilaheey ha u naxaristo) added that part so I would eat my Xilib , either way a story always captured my attention when I was a kid and I wouldn't mind knowing how other peoples where told this story. I look forward to reading the other accounts.

People of honour and integrity will ask for the speedy resumption of this trial for the lack of proper judicial measures is the only clear fact in this manner. However, as is very much demonstrated through Somali media, those who seek to spread misinformation will distort reality and target the emotional vulnerability of the masses with regards to heinous crimes like rape in the absence of any substantial evidence. Case in point, NGO’s have not said a rape has taken place and neither has Rakiya Omar and yet some people still feel free to distort even a third parties report.

Can anybody explain the 4 and a half formula to me? I am aware it's the tribal power-sharing scheme in Somalia but that is as much as I know. (Without using outright tribal names off course, wouldn't want y'all to deal with the mods ) Can someone explain what constitutes the 4 and what or who is the half? How does it translate into a futur parliament? thanks in advance Originally posted by Nationalist: presidential democracy like Pland, since when?

I fail to understand why would a single case of a young girl being arrested (and raped – I wont allege here for I believe them capable of doing so) capability is not necessarily culpability do you not agree saxiib?

The Trial Of Zamzam Ahmed Dualeh Resumes But Justice Remains Elusive Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland — Hargeisa, Somaliland — 09 December, 2004 The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland 8 December 2004 For additional information, please contact Ibrahim Haji Musa: 429 251 The Trial of Zamzam Ahmed Dualeh Resumes But Justice Remains Elusive The trial of Zamzam Ahmed Dualeh, the 17-year old girl whose detention and trial has confronted the justice system in Somaliland with a series of challenges, resumed at Hargeisa regional court on Monday, 6 December, together with her co-defendant, Omer Jama Warsame. The trial had been indefinitely suspended by the presiding judge, Abdirahman Jama Hayaan, on 24 November, after he had summarily sentenced the four defence lawyers to three years in prison, allegedly for disturbance of the court. Four members of the Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland (CJPS), which has been supporting the legal defence of the two detainees, attended Monday’s hearing. In light of the grave and widespread irregularities which were, again, apparent in the proceedings, the Coalition remains pessimistic, for the reasons detailed below, that justice will be done. The Coalition is concerned that the trial on Monday reflected a legal strategy which effectively aims to remove the discussion from the courts to the political arena, with serious implications for the justice system in Somaliland. Having failed, despite repeated efforts, to provoke a confrontation outside the court with their supporters, which might have justified postponement of the trial, the government then moved to silence their lawyers through imprisonment. Now, after a few hours where they had no legal representation, no opportunity to call their own witnesses or to cross examine those for the prosecution, Zamzam and Omer are to be judged on Saturday 11 December. There are fears that they will indeed be sentenced on Saturday, and that they may then be “pardoned†by President Dahir Rayale. The Lack of Legal Representation With their four lawyers in prison, Zamzam and Omer were left to defend themselves, despite the gravity of the charges they face. According to the judge, a letter had been sent to the two detainees, and their families, informing them of the date of the hearing. But neither Zamzam nor Omer, who have been incarcerated in Hargeisa central prison since September, had received such notice and therefore had no opportunity to hire new lawyers. Nor did their families know of the impending hearing. Zamzam’s mother and Omer’s wife found out at the last minute through informal channels. The Coalition itself had no prior knowledge of the trial as no information had been given to the public. The judge offered the detainees a choice: they could either act as their own lawyers and allow the proceedings to continue, or the trial could be postponed while they sought out new lawyers. Anxious to put their ordeal behind them, and hoping for an early release, Zamzam and Omer chose to lead their own defence. Judge Hayaan continues to preside over the case, notwithstanding the criticisms levelled at him following his decision to sentence Zamzam and Omer’s lawyers. Moreover, the prosecutor, Yusuf Abdi Kahin, whose conduct was questioned by the defence lawyers during the previous session, was once again given a free hand to interrogate Zamzam and Omer—this time in the absence of their lawyers. Despite the intimidating circumstances, including the absence of the many relatives and supporters who had attended the court previously, the two detainees held their ground and argued their case as best as they could. The Prosecution As in the past, the prosecution produced witnesses, for the most part CID officers involved in interrogating the detainees, who repeated the claims that Zamzam and Omer were part of a conspiracy to murder the Vice President, had visited his residence for the purpose of surveillance, and that they had become suspicious when Zamzam repeatedly changed her name, details and clan identity. No new or material evidence was produced. No independent witnesses came forward to lend support to the prosecution’s arguments. Their case ended as it had begun, based entirely on the word of CID officers—some of whom have been accused of torturing the detainees and of raping Zamzam—and of the guards in charge of security at the Vice President’s home. The Defendants Both defendants refuted the prosecution’s charges and repeated their previous accusations against the CID for torture, and Zamzam continued to insist that she had suffered rape at the hands of six CID officers. As in the past, she did not hesitate to point out that some of the men involved in the rape included the prosecution’s witnesses. On this occasion, she singled out, as she had done on 4 October, a young CID officer who was in the witness stand. Desperate to leave prison, she made a strong appeal to the judge for an early release. Omer, who had driven Zamzam from Bosasso to Hargeisa in his vehicle for hire, categorically rejected the charge that he had any involvement with espionage and a conspiracy to assassinate the Vice President. He reminded the court that he had in fact been released by the CID after two or three days of questioning in mid-August, and had been re-arrested and charged only after he demanded that the deputy head of the CID, Saeed Mohamed Absiye, who had used his car and damaged the engine, compensate him for his losses. He related how he had returned to CID headquarters in search of his car after his release and was told that the deputy head of the CID had the keys. Accompanied by a soldier and a mechanic, the car was taken from the CID compound to a garage where the engine was found to be faulty. Omer said he returned to the CID in the company of two parliamentarians to give him moral support. They left empty-handed after an abusive encounter with Absiye. He then, he added, went back on his own, at which point Absiye threatened to have him arrested if he continued to speak about the car. He was, he said, given a serious beating and hand-cuffed, after which he was then driven to Hargeisa central police station where Absiye instructed the police to give him the maximum punishment, which meant that he was held in isolation, denied access and even food for a certain period. Saeed Mohamed Absiye was due to testify in court for the prosecution on Monday. The hearing was in fact suspended for a while to give him the chance to attend, but he failed to turn up. Omer told the court that he believes the charges were fabricated to cover up: (1) the injuries he has suffered from the torture; (2) the damage to his car and (3) to divert attention from the circumstances of his re-arrest and long period of imprisonment. A Denial of Justice The defendants have not yet had a chance to call a single witness to the stand. All the hearings to date have been devoted to prosecution witnesses. And on Monday, with their lawyers behind bars, and no opportunity to prepare their own defence in advance, they were left in a position of extreme vulnerability. The government has said that their lawyers will have their appeal heard on Thursday, and that the verdict on Zamzam and Omer will be delivered on Saturday. Even if their lawyers win their appeal and are released, there are no further opportunities to put forth arguments, since Saturday is merely to hear the verdict. When Omer and Zamzam asked the judge about their own complaints against the CID, he told them to “write a letter.†The prosecutor himself pointed out that they are not allowed to have pens and paper in prison. Nor are they allowed to talk to visitors in private who could then assist them in composing such a letter. The judge simply repeated the suggestion that they should record their complaints in writing. Yesterday, 7 December, the judge, Hayaan, wrote a letter, a copy of which was given to Zamzam’s mother, in which he instructed the head of the central prison to type up the letter “which they will compose themselvesâ€, a suggestion that has done little to reassure their families. The Judge and the Prosecutor If Somaliland is to improve its justice system, as the members of the Coalition believe it can and must, we urge the Government of Somaliland to address impediments to a fair trial. In this context, we regret the failure of the Chief Justice to respond to the calls which have been made by, amongst others, the detained lawyers, for the disqualification of judge Hayaan from the case, and the removal of the prosecutor, Yusuf Abdi Kahin. Once again, the Coalition reiterates the calls for the removal of the judge and prosecutor from the case given the consistent and overwhelming proof of the necessary lack of professional ethics. In the case of the judge, his partiality and subservience to the prosecution, which members of the Coalition have witnessed repeatedly, is grounds for transferring the case to another judge. What is at Stake? The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland has been strongly criticised by some within the Government of Somaliland, by sections of the media in Somaliland, and even by some members of civic groups, for attracting “negative publicity†for Somaliland, and thereby damaging its interests. As individuals and organizations concerned about the promotion of justice, accountability, transparency and peace in Somaliland, we regard it as our civic and moral responsibility as citizens of Somaliland, and our duty as human beings, to try and correct injustice in whatever guise it appears, no matter how difficult and discouraging the challenge might be. Far from jeopardising the future of Somaliland, we believe that we are making a vital and constructive contribution in ensuring that it is being built on solid foundations of which we can all be proud, and which can serve us all, in the years to come. We are concerned that injustices and abuses in themselves constitute a threat to the stability of Somaliland. A Question of Individual Responsibility The Coalition has consistently emphasised the importance of a full investigation, a fair trial for Zamzam and Omer, justice for all concerned and the principle of individual culpability. It is clear to us that serious mistakes have been made in the administration of justice, and within the CID, and these mistakes are the responsibility of particular individuals. Zamzam and Omer have also made allegations about torture, and rape in the case of Zamzam, against specific officers within the CID force. Those in charge of the administration of justice, and of the police force, should investigate these accusations, openly and fairly, and take the necessary corrective action for the sake of justice, to distance their institutions from the errors of certain employees and to safeguard the credibility of the offices which have been entrusted to them. When they fail to do so, it is inevitable that the blame will be generalised, to the detriment of Somaliland now, and in the future. What Can be Done? To move the process of justice forward, the Coalition for Justice and Peace is putting forward the following recommendations: - A meaningful trial must be organized immediately in which Zamzam and Omer have legal representation and the opportunity to cross examine witnesses. - Their defence lawyers must be released immediately and unconditionally. - The allegations of rape and torture must be urgently and thoroughly investigated and the findings made public. If the allegations of rape are substantiated, the judicial authorities in Somaliland will have the opportunity to set a new standard by bringing a prosecution for rape against public officials. - Both the judge, Abdirahman Jama Hayaan, and the prosecutor, Yusuf Abdi Kahin, who have lost credibility on the basis of their performance to date, should be replaced with immediate effect. The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland, formed recently, brings together organizations and individuals that share a common interest in promoting justice, peace, human rights, the culture of dialogue and the establishment of democratic institutions in Somaliland. www.somaliland.org

Ali Toosane, I have no clue who this character is but as my cadan friends like to say *** kissing never got anybody anywhere. Mind you it's very much possible that a non-Somalilander wrote this article since I know the "haters" like to spend a good portion of their time impersonating Somalilanders instead really worrying about their own affairs. I've seen it many times before and surely will see it again. Back to this topic and the relationship with Ethiopia. Somaliland has one and only one true ally at its side; who will stand by Mandeeq through darkness and light, in sickness and in health till death due us part and that is the PEOPLE of Somaliland . Every other relationship we build outside our borders is to pursue the interest and well being of the state nothing more, nothing less. That being said, Ethiopia undoubtedly is an important actor and our number one trading partner, but the relationship with Ethiopia cannot be blown out of proportion beyond the mutually beneficial accord that exist between our states. After all, Ethiopia also supports many of our foes and that is not, and will not be forgotten.

Originally posted by Oda_Nobunaga: This at the time when the tigray only number 4 million out of the 60-70 million estimated population of Ethiopia, and also when most of ethiopias earnings of foriegn currency comes from the Oromo region,and allot of the soldiers in the war against the Eritreans were forcefully conscripted Oromos. When will we realise that the solution to the ethiopian problem is by common cause with our muslim brothers who are also under colonization. good point Oda

Originally posted by Oda_Nobunaga: This at the time when the tigray only number 4 million out of the 60-70 million estimated population of Ethiopia, and also when most of ethiopias earnings of foriegn currency comes from the Oromo region,and allot of the soldiers in the war against the Eritreans were forcefully conscripted Oromos. When will we realise that the solution to the ethiopian problem is by common cause with our muslim brothers who are also under colonization. good point Oda

Originally posted by Oda_Nobunaga: This at the time when the tigray only number 4 million out of the 60-70 million estimated population of Ethiopia, and also when most of ethiopias earnings of foriegn currency comes from the Oromo region,and allot of the soldiers in the war against the Eritreans were forcefully conscripted Oromos. When will we realise that the solution to the ethiopian problem is by common cause with our muslim brothers who are also under colonization. good point Oda

I have seen and known Somalis who were born Christians because their forefathers were Christians. I've also seen those very same Christian born Somalis convert to Islam. But Somalis who've actually converted to Christianity are indeed very rare; this is probably the second case I've heard of besides Ayan Hirsy or that mp from Netherlands. The pattern I see in these people very much like the other converts from Islam to Christianity in the wider world, is a childhood scared by overly strict dogmatic discipline in the teachings of Islam that eventually develop into a hatred for our religion. Their theological reasoning never carries any weight, and they don't usually even try to reason in such a manner. They mostly react with their emotional self-justifications very much like the above fellow who is quick to play the victim card. I personally have a friend from high school who is in a seminary at the moment studying to be a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, since our high school days we’ve always hand discussions on religion and the differences between our two fates. Also our high school was a Catholic school which meant mandatory religion classes for all students, including Muslims and while some of my Muslim school mates demanded for an alternative to the religion class like Art, I decided to join to the religion class with the support of family since it could only be but a learning experience. Moral of this little anecdote is that you can learn of other fates and it would only benefit your personal knowledge base, but first you must have a clear understanding of the basic principles of your own fate and have an appreciation for the merits of your faith since all faiths due come with them. That being said, if you are psychologically traumatized by past experiences with your native faith which I suspect is the case with this man, than using religion as an escape-goat for what could potentially be larger personal problems could prove to be very detrimental.

Originally posted by SmithNwestern: Also did the PM tell the 40 MP's from Somaliland that they would not get any important posts? And what would happen if they all flew back to Hargaysa tommorrow because of the way they have been treated. Brother think outside the box for once, our adversaries have got us where they wanted... Smith, couple questions for you. Would a man of Honor trust a treasonous snake? if your answer is no, why would you expect Geedi to trust any of those appointees? If you still wondering what kind of wlc these ppl would receive in Somaliland, I think this article, which I agree with 100% sums it up: TRAITORS DESERVE NO MERCY Abdulkadir Idan — London, England — 3 December, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The so-called Somaliland representatives taking part in the peace conference wept as they heard that their treason bore no fruit. These are men that sold out their nation, their people, their honor and their rights, just to feed their greed. They will plead for mercy from the Somaliland people and the government and I plead with the Somaliland government and the Somaliland people to not answer their plead and to subjugate and shun them. Traitors deserve no mercy. These are cowards who only follow their own interests for greedy purposes. What kind of a signal would we be giving if we allowed them to return? The government of Somaliland should not allow any individual who took part in the so-called peace conference for southern Somalia to set foot on Somaliland soil. If they do they should be arrested and charged for treason. These individuals took part in a conference, which we had no right to take part in. They took part on behalf of a fake clan, which doesn’t exist in Somaliland. The Somaliland government stand on this issue will be closely monitored and if it brushes this incident under the carpet it will further prove the incompetence of this present administration. We must send a clear message to all Somalilanders and to the wider Somali community that we will not tolerate traitors and people who create fake clans or part take in the affairs of neighboring country. The election of a criminal warlord as president of southern Somalia and the unstable situation which still exists in that country puts further pressure on the international community to recognize Somaliland. If we take a liberal stand and grant pardons to these traitors others will not hesitate to do it again however if we take a hard-line stand then all will understand that there are limits that cannot be passed. These traitors choose to be part of southern Somalia so let them, let them reside their forever and to never return to Somaliland. These are men who deserve no mercy. They are men with no morals and no conscience. The Somaliland community all around the world will monitor the stance of the government on this issue and this is one issue that cannot be swept under the carpet. To allow them to return to Somaliland would be a crime in its own right. It is time the Somaliland government ends this cycle of appeasement and deals with the issues and makes a genuine attempt to solve them. Like all great nations a traitor is never rewarded but punished regardless of gender, age or race. Why are we any different? These men surrendered their rights of citizenship when they participated in an illegal act. To allow them to return is against the laws of the nation. The government must act according to the laws of the land to do otherwise is not in the interest of the Republic of Somaliland .A harsh crime requires a harsh sentence. Abdulkadir Idan London, England

You have even had the audacity to claim that the architect of the SNM, and its holy struggle against a regime with genocidal intent, was Barre's twin Cabdillahi yusuf and his power crazed movement, who were simply envious that it was Barre and his kind raping the Somali nation instead of them . We have even heard from you the term faqqash was invented by cabdillaahi yusuf and his supporters . Ciiyaalka maweeliiskoga lo dhafa dee wa ku sidee Kowneyn

You have even had the audacity to claim that the architect of the SNM, and its holy struggle against a regime with genocidal intent, was Barre's twin Cabdillahi yusuf and his power crazed movement, who were simply envious that it was Barre and his kind raping the Somali nation instead of them . We have even heard from you the term faqqash was invented by cabdillaahi yusuf and his supporters . Ciiyaalka maweeliiskoga lo dhafa dee wa ku sidee Kowneyn

You have even had the audacity to claim that the architect of the SNM, and its holy struggle against a regime with genocidal intent, was Barre's twin Cabdillahi yusuf and his power crazed movement, who were simply envious that it was Barre and his kind raping the Somali nation instead of them . We have even heard from you the term faqqash was invented by cabdillaahi yusuf and his supporters . Ciiyaalka maweeliiskoga lo dhafa dee wa ku sidee Kowneyn

Bottom line is, Ethiopia is an escape-goat and Somalis are only their own worst enemies. Good to see horn, that you edited that part about Siyad Barre and the SNM because that is precisely the type of mentality I refer too. Until Somalis begin to show some real love, respect and understanding for one another they will continue to be easy pickings for others. Every time something doesn't go our way we can't just be looking outside and pointing fingers, that is the easy and cowardly way out. Inert soul searching, concessions and sacrifice in order to attain the well-being of all Somali peoples is needed. I don't expect to see such charismatic leadership anytime soon, but one can only hope. The downer comes from watching newer generations of young Somalis plagued by the same type of self-righteous hypocritical stigmas that was instilled in their predecessors. True Somali nationalism has long been dead and we’re only left with remnants forged by decades of duplicity.

Bottom line is, Ethiopia is an escape-goat and Somalis are only their own worst enemies. Good to see horn, that you edited that part about Siyad Barre and the SNM because that is precisely the type of mentality I refer too. Until Somalis begin to show some real love, respect and understanding for one another they will continue to be easy pickings for others. Every time something doesn't go our way we can't just be looking outside and pointing fingers, that is the easy and cowardly way out. Inert soul searching, concessions and sacrifice in order to attain the well-being of all Somali peoples is needed. I don't expect to see such charismatic leadership anytime soon, but one can only hope. The downer comes from watching newer generations of young Somalis plagued by the same type of self-righteous hypocritical stigmas that was instilled in their predecessors. True Somali nationalism has long been dead and we’re only left with remnants forged by decades of duplicity.

Bottom line is, Ethiopia is an escape-goat and Somalis are only their own worst enemies. Good to see horn, that you edited that part about Siyad Barre and the SNM because that is precisely the type of mentality I refer too. Until Somalis begin to show some real love, respect and understanding for one another they will continue to be easy pickings for others. Every time something doesn't go our way we can't just be looking outside and pointing fingers, that is the easy and cowardly way out. Inert soul searching, concessions and sacrifice in order to attain the well-being of all Somali peoples is needed. I don't expect to see such charismatic leadership anytime soon, but one can only hope. The downer comes from watching newer generations of young Somalis plagued by the same type of self-righteous hypocritical stigmas that was instilled in their predecessors. True Somali nationalism has long been dead and we’re only left with remnants forged by decades of duplicity.