Duke, this is attracting the wrath of U.S. government because these deals are not shaped in conformity to her strategic interests. Yusuf would perhaps fall from the grace and no longer be the good man

Originally posted by General Duke: source ...This as an article on African Energy. It discusses the realities, the main issues, security, clans and even touches on the secessionists and the Al-Shabaab. Isn't this map completely inaccurate. Puntland authorities has, through the provision of wrong and biased information, divided the Sanag region, giving a large territorial portion of Makhirites to the Somaliland. Have they ever thought of the implications this biased geographical info would have on potential regional reconciliation as proposed and recommended by Dr. Ahmed Dirie . You can see through this Range-Map an arbitrarily drawn tribal demarcation.

Great article. Hard to believe in ow many $ billions they spent on Kosovo's peace process and post-reconstruction.

ManShallah. She is done a great and commendable work

Originally posted by Isseh: quote: P.s. Statistics is from Adam 1994 p.25 and Hofmann 2002 p. 11-12 Revisionist historians, or are they not? Isseh,I agree we have many revisionist historians that lobby hard for the secessionists. The hired lobbyists distort and write a new history just to advance the "Somaliland"'s unilateral decision to break away from the rest of Somalia.

Originally posted by LANDER: Originally posted by Caamir: [qb] Even so, the votes cast in the North, those in favor were not statistically significant. The votes cast in favor of the constitution was 48% and those against 52%. Lander Wrote: Something tells me you don't even know the meaning of 'statistical significance', now your assumption would that be based on the 99th or 95th percent level of confidence? lol, something doesn't sound right man you may wanna go back to them math books and re-read the meaning of 'statistical significance'. ^ Lander, Are you speaking of the Confidence Intervals. We are not measuring up the parameters of a sample statistics? See it from the context of the English language. It is like saying the current foreign policy adopted by our country does not bear dividends or capital gains Ibtisam, I wasn't patronizing you. I hope Miskiin Macruuf's post would help.

Ibtisam, To further illuminate your naive adventure into this case, The Act of Union was not part nor inclusive of the constitutional referendum. And as you alluded to Walawayn, the referandum was held all over the country, not only the North. To base your level analysis on northern Towns is at best statistically inaccurate and borders on your biased secessionist advocacy. Even so, the votes cast in the North, those in favor were not statistically significant. The votes cast in favor of the constitution was 48% and those against 52%. Here is a good source of further research. http://somaliunity.org/index.html Keep the good work sweety. Btw, I am quite surprised that you treat the North as if it mutually exlusive from Somalia. The title is misleading.

Opposite viewpoint enlisting a series of legal arguments as well as historical facts. Ahmed Mohamed Adan (Qaybe), a career Somali diplomat and politician and the last Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barre's government, warns Somaliland on Secession......Qaybe stoutly argues that there are neither legal nor moral justifications for the unilateral secession of Somaliland from the rest of the nation. WardheerNews would like to encourage and solicit reader's comments on both sides of the debate. Somalia's Last Foreign Minister Warns Somaliland on Secession

March 26, 2008 By Steve Breen of the Union & Tribune. She is said to be a pathological fabricator of stories.

Nothing but hyperbole.

Duke, Allsanaag violates copyrights everytime. Dhahar

Originally posted by Isseh: Hmm, history IS repeating itself mate. In a semilar colonial manner, local leaders/elders are selling themselves to the highest bidder, and I wouldn't be surprised if what you ponder actually turns out to be the case. But I must question: external interventionism, should you expect anything positive from it? I don't know about such arrangements, but every fibre in my body equally detests and distrusts Ethiopia/US as cheparones. I just can not hear their names and not get psyched up! No I don't expect any positive effect from external interventionism. Unfortunately It is they who are fueling the whole Somali flame. They aren't even genuinely supporting the TFG,and thus far my hopes of this government is quite fading not because I dislike a bad government but the lack of genuine international support that can provide the needed money to national reconciliation, replacement of Ethiopian troops with UN peacekeeping troops, and building the fragile institutions of the TFG. With all these in place, can we then think of tapping our natural resources.

Isseh, I like the Remittance part of taxation and most of your economic policy formulation. You know private sector is highly credited as being instrumental in local levels of development in many parts of Somalia, but it is well known that they can't regulate or correct market failures such as the control of the money supply, property rights, building infrastructure, whereas regulatory devises of a strong government can do these but also carries with it the risk of government failure like corruption, strict regulation, and excessive bureaucracy. I believe we can strengthen our steadily growing private sector by ensuring minimal government interferance, for instance, India has this economic system where it empowers her private sector and greatly subsidizes its operation , and this helps the country's overall GDP. By contrast, China's economy is dominated by FDI mostly owned by European and American corporations. It is highly possible that India will soon surpases China's growth.

Isseh, I did give credit many times, but the past reveals that the defunct ICU planted their own seeds of destruction. Sista Nephy, I applauded the works of the courts and how they quickly restored peace in Mogadishu, but what I had been opposed to ever since their short-lived ascendency was their power structure, leniency or tolerance to those who were occupying Merka, Brava, Qoryoley and many other towns, their military expansion and aggrandizement, and contempt for our national flag. I think it was Turki who said that Somalia's blue flag was a worthless flag, right after he took over the control of Kismayo.

Range Resources shares suspended on ASX pending announcement regarding Puntland 25 March 2008 AFX International Focus LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Range Resources Ltd said its shares have suspended on the Australian Securities Exchange pending the release of an announcement relating to clarification from Puntland on its relationship with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. This follows the recent approval by the Puntland parliament of new Puntland mineral and petroleum exploration and development legislation under which Range Resources' Puntland exploration rights would be broadly protected. Source AFX News

Mogadishu port slowly changing lives in Somalia March 24, 2008 MOGADISHU (Reuters) - African Union peacekeepers have turned Somalia's biggest port into a thriving business centre providing a vital lifeline to war-weary residents. Speaking after a cargo ship chartered by the United Nations to deliver food aid docked in the Mogadishu harbour, the port's AU commander, Captain Cyprian Odong, said his soldiers had been able to turn it into one of the safest corners of a dangerous city. "Ships are coming day and night," Odong told reporters, flanked by other officers from AMISOM, the AU mission in the Horn of Africa nation. "Security at the port has really improved since we took over in January. People move freely." Nearby, soaked bare-chested porters swarmed over vessels to unload their cargos, mostly of food. A rickety white boat with Somali marine officials onboard acted as traffic controller, directing ships to anchor. Two AMISOM dinghies mounted with heavy machineguns and carrying troops clutching AK-47 rifles patrolled further out at sea, while heavily armed soldiers on the shore guarded the gates into the harbour. "We get cargo from Dubai, some from Indian, Pakistan and now from Mombasa ... The ships are bringing in food," Odong said, his head pressed to a radio telephone with a long aerial. "Our mission in Mogadishu is to support the peace operation ... It is very hard but we are trying." About 2,600 AU peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi have been unable to stem a persistent Islamist insurgency in Somalia's capital -- and like the AU mission in Sudan's Darfur region, they complain of being under-funded and under-staffed. "FIGHTING EVERDAY" Built by the Italians before Somalia gained independence from Rome in 1961, the harbour is about 2,500 metres long with several piers where big ships anchor, and a sandy beach to the north that is often filled with swimming children. Since closing to commercial vessels for nearly 15 years after former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown by warlords in 1991, the harbour briefly opened during a strict but relatively peaceful Islamist reign in June 2006. It closed down again after they were ousted at the end of that year. Since then, continuing lawlessness in the white-washed city has deterred many would-be investors -- even though the run-down port and some determined businessmen have defied the anarchy. In January 2007, several mortar shells fired by insurgents opposed to Somalia's interim government hit the harbour, killing at least 5 people and temporarily disrupting port operations. Up to a million people out of Somalia's total population of nine million currently live as refugees after 17 years of war. The United Nations says nearly 20, 000 people flee Mogadishu every month to escape Iraq-style attacks including assassinations, grenade blasts and roadside bombings that have left parts of city completely deserted. Mustafa Al-Jendi, the captain of the Fade 1 cargo ship delivering 5,300 tonnes of food aid for the United Nations' World Food Programme, recalls the old days under the Barre regime when the city was at peace. "Mogadishu was beautiful then. We used to dock and go to enjoy the city life. Nowadays, there is fighting everyday. At night you hear loud explosions. But the port is safe," he told Reuters, smiling as he steered the vessel towards the port. Source: Reuters

Good news!

Originally posted by Isseh: [ As for Ethiopia and the US, hmmm, why would they collaboration with un-equal partners when they have it all? No I meant a possible Somaliland and Puntland accord over these deals, brokered by U.S. and with the help of Ethiopia, to probably reinstate previous contracts held by MN corporations prior to 1991. History might repeat itself. For instance, in 1910, there was an Anglo-Italian cooperation to resolve disputes between Sultan Ali Shirreh and Boqor Osman so they could jointly combat the Dervishes. (The Mad Mullah and Northern Somalia, 427). So things may go this way though we won't admit the direct interferance of United States into these ongoing resource conflict for players like Somaliland and Puntland elites and the inhabitants, but I have a firm conviction in the authenticity of such direct interferences concerning Al Mado and Nogal basins by the United States government. Thanks for the articles, commentaries and editorials. They are quite insightful.

MMA, you are quite influenced by the Samatar brothers. Read this Critique A Critique of “Impasse Over Moqdishu: A Grand Compromise” The term “selection” is alien to the field of political competition and as a process selection is completely different from election.

ManShallah, Jibrill is working hard, traveling from one country to another. March 24, 2008 Dubai Sheikh Khaalid and Fatima London The Musician Legend Hudeydi More visit Source

Baarlamanka Puntland oo maanta ansixiyey gobollada Karkaar iyo Hayland Garoowe - 03.February.2005 Fadhi ay yeesheen maanta, golaha wakiillada dawlad goboleedka Soomaaliyeed ee Puntland ayaa lagu ansixiyey gobollada Karkaar iyo Hayland. Fadhigii golaha wakiillada ee maanta ayaa waxaa goob joog ka ahaa amaba fadhiyey 40 mudane, waxana guddoominayey, guddoomiyaha golaha wakiillada Puntland Cismaan Yuusuf Dalmar. Tallaabadan ayaa waxay ka dambeysey kadib, markii ay golaha xukuumadu u soo gudbiyeen golaha wakiillada. Mudanayaasha baarlamanka Puntland, ayaa arrintani waxay dood ka dhex dhalisay maalintii shalay taas oo gacan ka hadalna keentay. Guddoomiyaha baarlamanka Puntland ayaa maanta soo jeediyey in cod loo qaado labada gobol ee Karkaar iyo Hayland, waxaana oggolaaday mudanayaal gaaraya 26 mudane halka ay ka aamuseen 14, mana jirin mudanayaal diidey ansixinta. Sidoo kale, waxaa maanta baarlamanka Puntalnd ka doodeen degmooyinka ay yeelanayaan gobolladaasi, waxaana labada gobol magaalo madaxyo u kala ah magaalooyinka Qardho iyo Dhahar. sbconline.net

The unstated intention of regional demarcation and districts is to spark divisions and distrust amongst a peace-loving communities. Puntland has done so in the past. For instance, on Feb 2005 the Puntland parliament approved by majority vote the creations of Karkaar, Haylaan, and Ayn, at the same time. Two of them were implemented since the clans residing in these two areas formally accepted their formations and have begun to naively associate themselves with it, unaware of its political ramifications, thus engendering, for instance, the deeper divisions between the two major subclans of Las Anod. Haylaan was roundly rejected by reer Sanaag on top of what they already have. They however formed their own regional state and carved up their own regions such as Madar and Boxaro regions out of Sanaag, a region which is quite much larger in size relative to the normal 18 regions of Somalia. I believe Northern clans should override peace and coexistance over division and whatever causes political schism. Riyale is no different from the warlords in the south prior to the TFG's takeover of much of south.

Isseh, salan sare, do you think these exploration deals and projects would be viable since the secessionists are as well flexing their muscles to probably send troops to Al Mado basin and Nogal? Is it possible a tactical collaboration between the two entities with the blessings of the United States and Ethiopia?

Interesting development but I wonder why the Major International press hasn't covered this mission by the ELDERS at all. Elder Statesmen’s Push for Mideast Peace Revives Old Worries About Bias By Nathan Guttman Thu. Mar 20, 2008 Washington - A little-known group of rather well-known former world leaders is trying its hand at Middle East peacemaking, with a contingent scheduled to visit the region next month on a self-proclaimed mission to “help people understand the urgency of peace.” But as they attempt to help resolve one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, The Elders, as the group is known, find themselves facing what is perhaps an equally difficult task: overcoming the deep-rooted suspicion on the part of Israel and its supporters toward several of its members. The Elders are a group of 12 senior statesmen formed last summer by Nelson Mandela, and most of its members are household names in the international arena. What has raised eyebrows in Jerusalem are the individuals the group is dispatching to the Middle East. In addition to former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, the contingent includes Jimmy Carter, former president and author of “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” and Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland who was outspokenly critical of Israel when she served as the U.N.’s high commissioner on human rights. Israeli officials were reluctant to discuss the upcoming visit on the record, arguing that they had yet to be formally approached by The Elders. But an indication of Jerusalem’s concern about the group’s effort could be gleaned from the response of one official when asked for Israel’s views on the contingent’s individual members. “We have no problem with Kofi Annan,” the official told the Forward. The new peacemaking mission puts policymakers in Jerusalem in a delicate position: Israel has historically been wary of international involvement in the peace process, particularly that of mediators perceived as being pro-Arab, but if Jerusalem were to give a cold shoulder to figures of such international stature, Israel’s image as a country interested in peace could be tarnished. The Elders are a fairly new player in the international scene, known to few outside of policymaking circles. The group was founded last July on the occasion of Mandela’s 89th birthday. The former South African leader’s intention was to create a group of senior statesmen who would use their clout and proven skills in world affairs to help solve some of the toughest conflicts around the world. Among the dozen members of the group are South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who serves as its chairman, as well as Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, who led a number of international peacekeeping missions. So far The Elders’ only mission has been to Sudan, but the group has also issued statements regarding the situations in Kenya and Pakistan. To date, the group has had a difficult time drumming up support for its effort at Middle East peacemaking. Carter met briefly with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this past October in Washington, after which her office issued a clarification stating that she had not sought the former president’s advice. Carter subsequently met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who blasted him for his views on Israel. And an attempt by the former president to convene Jewish leaders for a discussion was turned down by many of those invited. The mission, scheduled for April 13 to April 21, will take the delegation to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Elders described the purpose of the tour in a statement as a “comprehensive analysis of the interlocking Middle Eastern conflicts.” The group intends to publish a public report following the contingent’s visit and to establish ties with non-governmental groups in the region focused on reaching a two-state solution. One Israeli official in Jerusalem said that The Elders have not yet submitted a formal request to meet with Israeli leaders. “These are serious people, and I don’t believe they would come here without coordinating the visit with the government of Israel,” the official said. Another Israeli government official involved in the process of deciding how to deal with the delegation said that Israel has no policy of boycotting Carter, and that any request for a meeting would be decided on its merits. The group’s spokesman did not respond to requests from the Forward to speak with members of The Elders about the upcoming mission. Philip Wilcox, a former State Department official who served as the American consul general in Jerusalem, said Israel should not be concerned about the mission. “Carter was not anti-Israel when he was president, and he is not against Israel now,” Wilcox said, arguing that it was Carter’s style more than his views that attracted criticism. “He doesn’t mince words in an area in which there is a premium for politeness and not necessarily for candor.”

Originally posted by Haneefah: ^Zafir, you're being unnecessarily prejudiced againts light skinned girls - ka gambiso aan ku iri! Zafir and Haneefah, I don't think they are lightskinned. They are maariin abaayo. don't be tricked by the camera.