Shayma, Like yourself I do work on a PC and spend many hours on it and my work is also very repetitive. My playlist was starting to sound played out (specially that lean back remix, them flutes were startin to sound very annoyin ) and I was looking for exactly these types of somali websites, thanks for sharing to all of you.

Patriot, sxb waa ku sidee dee. I share your love for Somaliland and its good to see young fellows like you taking interest in their country and somali politics in general, but you have to be cool, calm and collected, that is the Somalilander way . Don't allow every comment made that is contrary to yours get to you, the way your acting right now do you think its exemplary of our peoples upbringing? I like to think Somalilanders in general, including yourself, are brought up well-mannered people. You can express your opinions and rebuke other people’s criticism without the insults. You seem like an intelligent youngster, I think you can do without the emotional outburst. Baashi, Stop provoking the youngsters:D, let them duke it out.

Originally posted by Baashi: [QB] Rahima , You’ve made an excellent point abaayo. Even though “they†the pro-secessionists want to apply selective reasoning and revisionist history to the subject at hand, you have managed to step back and see the big picture. Nevertheless, you seem to be giving contradicting signals. On the one hand, you seem to be at ease with the dismemberment of this poor, war-ravaged, backward, and semi-desert country. On the other hand, you have dismissed the secession as un-Islamic. It doesn’t add up! I see you have taken a refuge under the shades of the branches of weakness in that big tree of desperation. Be bold and make a firm and unshakable stand in this cyber room. Yes you have no power to make a difference, but you do have voice to opine what you know is right. You are knowingly and willingly lending your voice with what you said is un-Islamic. Stand by pro-union/Islamist qallanjo! baashi, saxiib I don't know if you realize at times the irony of some your views, Here you are speaking of neo-cons and extreme right wing in the united states and therefore I take it your on the left of the political spectrum over there, am I right? Keeping your political stance in US politics in mind, try and relate that to your somali political views for a second. Just think about it. If there had to be a right wing conservative view in somali politics it would be yours wouldn't it? after all you are trying to conserve the vestige of a long defunct state unwilling to embrace change in the political landscape you’ve grown accustomed to; often using words such as “THEY†those “pro-secessionist†in order to undermine the validity and the objectives of Somaliland. I here even Guelleh came up with a new name for us “Northern *** Clan†but that is beyond the point, and I wish I had time to further elaborate this hypocritical view many of us take and yet fail to notice including some friends of mine, but let me say this baashi: You are trying to preserve Somalia (or what once was Somalia) very much as George W.Bush is trying to preserve America and its current state of affairs. Ok perhaps I'm being a little harsh in that comparison due to the obvious contextual difference in your cases, but would you not agree that you both subscribe to conservative view points?

J, no saxiib I didn't watch motorcycle diaries yet, but I intend on doing so. I'm not sure who made this movie though, I hadn't heard much about it.

Where is Modesty in all this?? That’s what I want to know, poor girls political naivety had even some opponents of Somaliland barking at her. Judging from people’s reactions I wouldn’t be surprised if she never returns to the political forum. Young somalilanders when you see a poor soul such us modesty who’s been obviously misinformed, you should make it your duty to share your knowledge with her. Whether she will accept some of the realities over the propaganda that has been blown in her ear is irrelevant. In the unlikely scenario that she would start sympathizing with Somaliland, she always has the likes of Baashi to steer her back in the "righteous" path. Baashi, I was wondering how the Somali vote campaign was going for you man, I hear Ohio is a key battleground state you might wanna mobilize some of the masses from Columbus to vote Kerry, or is it Bush? Either way let us know how it turns out.

I guess we can mostly agree on what is modern day imperialism or neo-colonialism as CHE would say; the problem is our people in the third world have yet to clearly define what it means to be FREE. CHE said it best in one of my favorite quotes: "Each time a country is freed, we say, it is a defeat for the world imperialist system, but we must agree that real liberation or breaking away from the imperialist system is not achieved by the mere act of proclaiming independence or winning an armed victory in a revolution. Freedom is achieved when imperialist economic domination over a people is brought to an end. " - Ernesto Che Guevara

OG-Moti, Enjoy yourself in beautifull Hargeisa you've already received most of the practical advice except for one thing, try not to be too flamboyant with your political views. You might draw some unwanted attention.

At the end of this ordeal there are only two groups I can sympathize with: that is the Iraqi people in general and the family of this captured truck driver. Call me cold hearted if you like but I cannot sympathize with this truck driver himself, I assume he's not a moron and he knew the risk involved in working in an occupied war zone and working indirectly for an occupying force. He knew very well the grief he would put his family through and probably knew that his loved ones would have many restless nights thinking of their son/cousin/brotha in the middle of that war zone, and yet he still decided to go ahead most likely for limited short term financial gains. How quickly we forget our own experiences with foreigners in somali territory blinded by somali patriotism. Many of your probably remember the Pakistani so-called peacekeepers that were in somalia in 1993 during the american attempt at intervening directly in somali affairs, many of them died somewhere between 20-40 I forget and yet I don't remember any somalis shedding tears over their death, they were fellow muslims where they not? But yet like this truck driver they knew the risks involved in coming to somalia. I strongly believe we are all responsible for our actions and therefore also responsible for the consequences of those actions.

why was this thread moved to the politics section? May 18th is primarily a day of celebration and not about political statements. HAPPY 18th TO ALL OF YOU

What took place in ****** is sort of a testament to somali foolishness, and I sympathize with the people of the region. Maanta waxa Somaalia haysta morons who won't even comprehend the meaning of those great lines true, and its ironic those who would preach for the conquest of that region would also display a grandiose pic of one of the so-called "morons" responsible for its demise in the first place. Somali history has its fair share of tragic events, and more often than not we have no one else to blame but ourselves. We are our own worst enemies and yet we continue to use other peoples as scapegoat for our problems. That is why we continue to be at the mercy of other nations.

London, UK 1st time since age 9 Paris, France 1st time since age 10 Europe should look quite different in the present

hilarious, I'd pay to see that movie any day. The author forgot Chalabi is also wanted for bank fraud in Jordan .

Jacques Verges is one old clever french man, often when he defends war-criminals he points out the inadequacies that are present in some cases concerning the acusers. His opponents are usually intellectual featherweights that like to make general statements such as "he's fascist " neverminding the fact he fought for "l'Armee de la France Libre". I don't think he honestly goes to trial to try to win a case, but rather to force a society to reflect on itself. He should have a field day with the Americans

Americans have always feared real close range combat, in fact they hadn't really engaged in such combat since vietnam with the exception of the small episode in Mogadisho. Today's american army is more cowardly and apprehensive than they have ever been. They rely solely on air supremacy, satellites and intelligence drones to pound the opponents until there is nothing left but rubbal for their supposedly "inustructible" A1 tanks to run over. I think this latest episode is quite an example of that cowardice. They were forced out of the city running and now they are pretending to care about a truce or "collateral damage" but we all know they are buying time to regroup and plan another assault that will minimize the casulties on their side of course. The other benefit they have from this so-called cease-fire is that the resistance fighters are loosing the mass growth of their ranks at the height of the battle in fallujah, read on as the author explains..... Falluja truce has 'weakened resistance' Monday 26 April 2004, 9:30 Makka Time, 6:30 GMT Resistance fighters are believed trapped inside the town Related: Heavy US air, ground forces pound Falluja Two killed in Iraqi oil terminal blasts Market attack kills several Iraqis Tools: Email Article Print Article Send Your Feedback The ceasefire brokered by Iraqi mediators in the Iraqi city of Falluja appears to have weakened the fighters battling US marines while also creating divisions within the Sunni Muslim community. The fighters have been trapped by the US siege in the flashpoint city west of Baghdad for the past three weeks, after having initially succeeded in winning national support for their cause. "The city has been completely surrounded for the past 10 days and the fighters are trapped inside and cannot leave," said one local tribal chief, Mansur al-Hadithi, who is sympathetic to the resistance. "Most of these fighters are from Falluja and determined to defend their city in case of an attack," he said. The Islamic Party and the Association of Muslim Scholars, composed of top Sunni clerics, which helped broker the truce, have now come under fire from within the Sunni minority over their mediation. 'Satan's inspiration' A communique signed by the "Iraqi resistance in Falluja" said the truce was "an inspiration from Satan because it shifted the balance power in favour of the occupation forces." "Our mujahideen had the situation under control, and the truce weakened them," said the statement. A nationalist leader accused the Islamic Party of campaigning for a truce from the first week of fighting "to extricate the Americans from the Falluja quagmire." Residents of the besieged town are demanding to return "The insurgents enjoyed unprecedented support. Iraqis, by the hundreds, Sunnis or Shia, were flocking to Falluja with a single goal: prevent the Americans from crushing the resistance," said Abd Al-Jabbar Kubaisi who leads "the National Iraqi Coalition". "Four provinces rebelled in the south, some Baghdad neighbourhoods were in a state of insurrection, villages around Falluja were controlled by armed men, supply lines of the Americans were cut. It was the beginning of civil disobedience," he said. But news of the ceasefire "disorganised the guerrilla movement and the solidarity movement ran out of steam," he added, pointing out that new recruits who came to Falluja to swell resistance ranks had now left. Continue struggle However Sunni nationalists say Iraqi fighters who travelled to Falluja and have now returned to their homes will probably continue their struggle against occupation forces. US occupation forces continue to maintain tight hold on Falluja "The Americans are deluding themselves if they think they can subdue Iraqis by force or through bribery. When an Iraqi is humiliated, he rebels," said Muhammad Hamadani, a Falluja official. The Islamic Party announced on Sunday it had negotiated a new accord with the US-led occupation forces to indefinitely extend the ceasefire. "We have reached a new deal that extended the ceasefire indefinitely and secured an agreement on several new points," said official Hashim al-Hasani. He said the deal includes a ban on carrying weapons starting on Tuesday and the start of joint patrols by Iraqi police, para-military Iraqi Civil Defence Corps forces and occupation troops in the city on the same day. But the Association of Muslim Scholars was more cautious and warned that US troops were trying to play for time and were determined to storm the city. Lifting siege The lifting of the Marines' siege is the key demand of Falluja residents who face shortages of fuel and bread. Last week, Falluja civic leaders and the occupation struck an accord that requires the fighters to hand in heavy weapons and allow joint patrols with Iraqi security forces and occupation troops. But occupation commanders have said the weapons handed in so far are "junk". The Association of Muslim Scholars believe that a US troop withdrawal from Falluja is unlikely in the near future. US Marines launched their offensive on 5 April after the killing of four US contractors in Falluja. aljazeera.net

Originally posted by LIQAYE: Intreasting how Caydiid has suddenly become such a geesi and tactician, or is the urge to win an argument over a somalilander so urgent that even the embracing of the bogeyman can be forgiven? Yaab As for the USC, it could not have done anything if it were not for years of guerrilla and conventional warfare in the north that sapped the power of siyaads autocracy dry. Give credit were credit is due. Liqaaye its called defeatist mentality, pathetic attempts at re-writting history that is well known to most others. Those who ran out of the north with their tail tugged between their legs are the only defeated cowards that spread falsified propaganda, maybe adeero Morgan is behind all this. I can't even respond to mobb because I wouldn't know where to begin, it might take all day quite the waste of time.

Observer, You raise some intriguing points on the compatability of democracy with certain African cultures. Democracy is not necessarilly the ideal for African states or anybody else for that matter. Just look at the chinese they opted towards communism or better yet Maoism. But democracy is a good base for governance in my opinion. I will take the Somali example to demonstrate why I believe it is so. Somaliland like any other somali region or state has a multi-tribal population, and whether we admit it or not, due to historical events tribalism is alive and well in all somali culture. That being said I feel democracy in Somaliland has started to cure some of those problems, for example the main two parties both contain high rankings members of different clans or sub-blans. The elected president is from a minority clan and he is accepted as such. 10 yrs ago tis would've been almost impossible, one clan would accuse the other of attempting to dominate the government. Nowadays in Somaliland you see people from the same clan or sub-clan voting differently on the balot and all are very keen on the position of their party. It's no longer me and my tribe against the world but its me and my party against the world . Kulmiye!!, UDUB!!,Kulmiye!!...etc.. At the end of the day the ultimate decision and victory is found in a ballot box and not at the barrel of a gun. Therefore, I feel democracy has improved the situation in Somaliland and could do so in other somali regions if they would choose to follow the same path. Khayr and Ayoub, I won't claim to be an islamic scholar by any means but I seriously cannot reason how democracy could be un-islamic. It was muslims who first stumble on the works of greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle and in turn translated and pass it on to Western society. I think modern muslims are often thought to paint ideas as islamic or un-islamic far too often whitout quite understanding the reason. In those days islamic scholars welcomed all knowledge and debated ideas with each other on the merits of their findings. Should we now refuse the knowledge we assimilated centuries ago, long before the europeans themselves and stagnate in our state of ignorance? Khayr, Every western is not un-islamic and vis versa, I don't need to point this obvious flaw in logic do I. I don't think you came here looking for a real exchange of ideas. First off, the Shariah as I understood it would be more of a code of conduct that could be applied in terms judiciary, but still remains the question decision making process that is at the heart of governance. I don't think the Shariah has set answers for that, I could be mistaking. Maybe you would like to tell us how the Shariah answers the question of governance rather than the judiciary process. A question that might arise is what happens when members of the islamic scholar circle have different interpretations of a particular law? how would that be solved or implemented? democracy could be applied here where the majority would win. I have yet to see a real reason for Islam and democracy to be in conflict. (I don't know of too many countries that go back to calling themselves what their BRITISH COLONLIALISTS/CONQUERERS use to call them-SOMALILAND and all in the English men's lettering and language!!!!) INFERIORITY COMPLEX-maybe! as for this little remark. What can I say, I won't sit here and write about the history of colonialism around the world. But pose you a few self explanatory questions, why do you suppose Egypt is called Egypt and Alexandria the same? why is somali written in greco-roman lettering? why was Somalia called Somalia? does the "A" originate from the somali language to signify land inhabited by somalis?

Sooyaal, I'm tired of this chit chat about the SNM, admiting people died at the hands of SNM seems to be an invitation for those who hold gruges against them to propagate their own misinformation. I previously stated that SNM slashed throats which is somewhat of a graphic depiction of trench guerilla war fare. Let the truth be known and be told so that those of you who would like to run their name through Mud hear this too. They killed the SNA (Somali National Army) for the most part and specially the leadership of the SNA. Alot of times they spared the common foot soldiers who where just following orders, and sent them to other movements such as the USC. Was it a crime to kill those SNA soldiers? most certainly not, it was a war declared on them by the Government and not only on them but their families and their entire Qabiil. SNA ranged in its composite qabiils, but the foot soldiers where ordered to eliminate a common Qabiil etc etc....need I repeat all these historical facts? If so I would be glad to give some of you a few links to read up on the history of the SNM. I notice some who are against the SNM are chit chating based on emotional testimony you might have heard from somebody whitout any substancial facts. The SNM where warriors based on qabiil, they were not politicians and where not ment to run a multi-qabiil entity such as Somaliland. That is why they voluntaraly dismantled, and the republique was established run by a civilian government. Some of you opponents have never wondered why the SNM is held in MUJAHID status among its folk, meanwhile everyother somali movement is either forgotten or liked to be forgotten by its own. The SSDF was beaten into submission by Barre and there was apparantly some understanding among elders based on common clan lineage that followed, the USC achieved its goals of topelling the government but than turned on its self and blasted each other into oblivion. I won't judge the any of these movements, I am simply refuting the historical facts. That being said, can any of them compare to the SNM?ask yourselves where would Somaliland be today whitout the SNM? Where would the SNM's qabiil be today? would they share the distinct honor of being the first major somali clan to be virtually extinct? Problem with you folks who talk of matters such as this is that you really don't know how to relate to others. You are quick to judge everything and perceive matters through your own selfish eyes. Try to put yourselves in the shoes of others for a change and please tell me what answers you come up with. What should have the SNM folk done? should they have never picked up arms to defend their own? if so who would've stopped Barre from pillaging and raping through their land? Would you have volunteered to rescue them? May Allah have mercy on the soul of all those who died in somali conflicts. May Allah accept the deeds and forgive the sins of those who died fighting with the SNM, outnumbered and outguned they achieved a bitter victory for their freedom.

Originally posted by India: Lander Like the signiture mucho. Here is a french proverb I picked for this occasion: Fols sont sages quand ils se taisent. Very befitting dont u think Hey Lander am learning French and I just can not digest the subjective. Soite etre????? why they gotta complicate every thing. Even the arabic grammer was not that bad to master "fil , fail wa maful" *lol* Dusty Dusty, I like your proverb its a classic. Indeed the verb "être" is one of the more difficult verbs to conjugate in the french language. Once you master the two auxiliaries être and Avoir I'm sure you'll be fine, and you can always take a short trip across the english channel to speed up the process . Good luck in your endeavours.

Originally posted by Sophist: though I once agreed with that term HELL is OTHER PEOPLE (Jean-Paul Sartre) might you prescrib to existentialist philosophy saxiib?

dadkaa iilahee haa uu naxariisto, I've seen these killer floods first hand when I was child, the people who suffered the most where the poor who lived outside the cities and who didn't have adequate shelter. It's sad to hear about the deteriorating infrastructures in Djibouti.

Alaa ilaa allaahi turjacu al-umuur well put Mutacalim.

Rudy, I posted this article because I thought some might find it informative. Democratic reforms both in Somaliland and South Africa are of interest to me and I thought I would share it with others, and by the way I did comment on the article. Last few lines if you had bothered to read the whole thing you would've noticed. I like where this is headed, we do have oppurtunity to learn from our South African brothas Unfortunately I did not have time to write more. Believe it or not I don't post articles to score political points with others, you might notice I post a variety of articles the few times that I actually post them. If it really bothers you to hear the word Somaliland mentioned I suggest you skip articles like these, nobody is shoving them down your throat. Knowledge no matter the source is still knowledge, I believe a wise man by the name of Confucius said that once. Even the orgasming sheep in Hargeisa could teach ya a thing or two my newlywed friend . Back to the article, I'm glad to see the electoral commission of Somaliland implicating themselves in learning from other democracies around the world, even though South Africa's is quite young, I'm sure it was a great learning experience none the less. In a continent with few democracies I think South Africa is quite an exemplary model despite their own small problems. Maybe this will allow the next Somaliland general election to be better organized and counted. I'm not sure what you mean by parties who toe the line Rudy, The three main parties that already exist have significant differences, that being said if there are views that are left unrepresented I sincerely do hope other parties imerge. Perhaps you would like to see an ultra somali-nationalist party that would advocate unification? who knows it might happen as this infantile democracy grows. Rudy maybe you could be its first leader , mind you you'd be seen as the ultra right wing conservatives in Somaliland politics.

Interim Statement Of The Somaliland Observers On The South African Elections Of 14 April 2004 Apr 22 2004 South Africa(Somaliland Net) - The Somaliland observer delegation -consisting of 16 participants from the Somaliland Electoral Commission,Ahmed Hagi Ali Adami Chairperson: Somaliland National Electoral Commission The Somaliland observer delegation -consisting of 16 participants from the Somaliland Electoral Commission, the 3 political parties in Somaliland, women’s formations and members of the Somaliland Journalist Association- congratulate the people of South Africa. As an African delegation from the Horn of Africa, which has just experienced its presidential democratic election (the first since 1968), we are most proud to have been associated with the people of South Africa. It was a landmark occasion. For the first time since 1994, a Somaliland electoral observer delegation has observed a South African election and received accreditation as observers from the South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). We thank the IEC, the government of South Africa, our facilitators Dr Chris Landsberg of the prestigious Centre for Policy Studies and the University of South Africa and, the people of South Africa for allowing us to be part of your critical history in the making. A detailed report of our observations and experiences in consolidating democracy will be made available to the IEC, as well as the various institutions supporting this delegation. We wish the people of South Africa and the African National Congress the very best for their future. We are confident that South Africa is the democracy capital of Africa. DETAILS OF OBSERVER TEAM: On voting day, 16th April, and the 15th of April, we note the following: The 16 observers were deployed to the following areas: • Soweto • Mamelodi • Houghton • Wierda Park, Centurion • Coblyn Park, Pretoria • IEC Result Centre, Pretoria Our observers were able to observe voting in 16 polling stations. Observers attended the opening, closing and counting at the polling stations. Polling stations opened on time and voting got underway as planned. Our delegation members were fortunate to be the only international observers present, when President Thabo Mbeki and Mr. Nelson Mandela casted their votes. In general the observer delegation concluded that the voting process was systematic, peaceful, free and fair. For further details, contact the operations center at + 27 82 880 8603 ( 082 880 8603 ) More details on Somaliland’s experience see: http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/pubs/umrabulo/umrabulo18/success.html I like where this is headed, we do have oppurtunity to learn from our South African brothas

Originally posted by Mobb_Deep: Lander, If the SNM is your freedom fighter I can care less saxib. Just don't be getting all riled up when the "SNM is clean everyone else is horrible" crab doesn't play well with those who might have different re-collection of events in the past na'mean. Those who have actually lost family members on the SNM brutality have not forgotten. Just to let ya Djiboutian citizen know. Is this worth dignifying with a response? Maybe you were hoping to discredit my being a Somalilander by bringing up Djibouti? Either way your being phony, Qudhac and the rest have a point. I remember the first time I came on this site last year, your avitar was none other than aboo Siyaad Barre and now you claiming he was a war criminal? you ain't fooling nobody saxiib. I know your favourite topic of conversation is the most succesfull rebel movement in somali history a.k.a SNM, but let those who died rest and may Allah have mercy on all their souls. That history is behind us, we have a united entity called Somaliland now, why don't you focus your criticism on that. By the way posting opinions of genocide perpetrators like adeero morgan don't constitute credible criticism by any standards.

I'm telling y'all right now, I think they might bring back the draft. When they start recruiting the rest of you "skinnies" as the americans say, y'all can come to Canada too . I gather entering a country illegaly shouldn't be too hard for somalis.