Originally posted by Mslm: Red Sea: Caamir, Is maakhirland only badhan, Las Qorey, dhahar and Hadaftimo? Because ceelafwayne, Ceerigabo, Xiis iyo Maydh and most parts of Sanaag are under the SL authority. So,Where do you consider Maakhirland to be? First, Maakhir corresponds to the adminstrative districts of the last regime. I don't have to repeat myself. Obviously you know how many official districts Sanaag has. I do agree that Somaliland controls the Western part of Erigavo whose residents associate with Hargeisa's major tribe. Starting from Eastern Erigavo up to the outskirts of Bosaso known as Western Bari is where Maakhir lays its claim based on the clan family. You know the bulk of the region falls under the control of the main clan in Sanaag that also formed the Maakhir state.

"They claimed Mogadishu as belonging to them, or the to the clan they spoke for, this played into Yusuf's hand because all the other Somali clans have a different view of Mogadishu, thus the important question was aksed, can Mogadishu be the capital of Somalia while under occupation? " This is what they exactly said to Nurudin Farah when he visited Mogadisho to mediate the now defunct ICU and the TFG in Baidabo. I believe it was Sheikh Awais who made similar statement.

The first sign that Garowe was losing its grip on the disputed regions came at the end of July when the Sanaag region declared autonomy from Puntland and set up as the Makhir state, which pledged that it would eventually place itself directly under the authority of the T.F.G. The leaders of the autonomy movement in Sanaag explained that they had been marginalized by Garowe and that the ability of Sanaag to receive foreign assistance and investment would be improved by autonomy. I agree with him on this assertions but Maakhir seems to have started the program with the full support of the diaspora. People are asserting their rights, not only from Puntland's claim over their lands, but also Somaliland over Sanaag to which the United Nations have unfairly lumped it together with Hargeisa in terms of aid and development. Somaliland thus has effectively used the opportunity to its own advantage as far as internal meddling, blandishments, and buying off local leaders at the expense of their territory and land are concerned.

Well said Dahia Al Kahina, but this award is to raise the prestige of our leaders. If they can rise up to the challenge of good governance, we will see many following suit. Ps. I kinda of read the historical profile of this Dahia. She was a great leader like Araweelo.

You wlc Caano Geel. Thepoint, I think we in the diapora have a great opportunity to make things happen back at home and we should be prepared to accept the task and not balk from insecurities born by the circumstances. While Saudi Arabia has the money to invest in such projects, we Somalis can invest in our country with our human resources to reverse the brain drain and its long-term effects. We often wonder why Somalia can't get back to its own feet but who is to help when the bulk of our educated folks have never helped their homeland. I have seen many retirees embarassed by the notion. I hope we won't be like them, spending the rest of our lives contributing to the development and economic growth of another country.

People with very low self-esteem ask such questions or people who are susceptible to provisional materialism. Actually, life is challenging and you must be willing to overcome it. I am really motivated when I am challenged or when my country and people are challenged by misfortune.

He was in the military for many years before rising to this position just like the Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. " a crafty political tactician," writes Dr. Micheal. "Yusuf was a great tactician," writes another, Martin Andrew. But I personally consider him to be both military tactician and politician.

He was in the military for many years before rising to this position just like the Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. " a crafty political tactician," writes Dr. Micheal. "Yusuf was a great tactician," writes another, Martin Andrew. But I personally consider him to be both military tactician and politician.

What is good governance? October 30, 2007 Kwaku Asante-Darko: Recently the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which seeks to promote good governance by offering monetary incentives to African presidents who govern their nations properly, ranked the performance of 48 African governments. The lowly populated countries of Mauritius (first), Seychelles (second), Botswana (third) and Cape Verde (fourth) were the four best-governed countries in Africa, while Sudan (45th), Chad (46th), Democratic Republic of Congo (47th) and Somalia (48th) were the least well-governed. The foundation’s ranking bases its evaluation on the outcome of government action in the following five areas of governance: safety and security; rule of law, transparency, and corruption; participation and human rights; sustainable economic development; and human development. The ranking, however, raises at least two key anxieties. The first is whether by offering a financial incentive to a head of state the foundation is not implying that governance in Africa depends on a personalised neo-patrimonial power, such that any inducement for good governance must target the head of the clique. The second, with which I am more concerned here, is the extent to which the ranking criteria are acceptable as priorities to the majority of citizens. The foundation says: “The Ibrahim Index uniquely defines governance as the delivery of key political goods, capturing defined, measurable outcomes rather than subjective assessments.” Some people might consider the following factors as the most crucial in ranking governance in Africa: the level of domination of the economy by former colonialists; the percentage of the nation’s natural resources and industries in the hands of the ordinary citizen; what percentage of profits from foreign investment is ploughed back into the country; and the level of industrial manufacturing. Other factors could be the price of food, rent and other services in relation to income (cost of living). Governance ranking will always depend largely on the subjective background and interests of the assessors. For example, the World Bank used the following elements to assess governance: voice and accountability; political stability and absence of violence; government effectiveness; regulatory quality; rule of law; and control of corruption. Yet the professional, cultural, racial, political, commercial and foreign policy priorities of the bank’s dominant shareholders could be crucial factors. Any overstretching of governance rankings, therefore, could obscure the truth about the conditions of life of the people and excuses, or even entrenches, bad governance. There is, thus, a need to get behind the headings and the numbers and consider what exactly goes into them. One should know, for instance, what it means when the Mo Ibrahim ranking says that Gabon and Libya, whose presidents have been in power since 1967, have an overall score higher than those of Senegal, Ghana and Zambia. Many people would argue that the levels of poverty in Gabon (and Botswana) are intolerable in view of their great wealth. The criteria used in these governance rankings are selective. It is significant to note that components such as ideology, class, foreign policy leanings, the manner of organisation of the nation’s political parties and their financing and the country’s stand on privatisation, globalisation and economic independence may determine which words and phrases should be twinned. For example, whether to say “human rights and security” rather than “human rights and safety”, or to choose to say “sustainable economic opportunity” instead of “sustainable economic development”, or to showcase “economic growth” rather than emphasise “economic development”. These are not just disinterested vocabulary choices -- they are loaded with what the assessor wants to prioritise. Another serious problem with these evaluations is the practice of weighting all factors equally. It could be argued that because different countries are at different stages of political, economic, social and racial development, their priorities in matters of governance and development are bound to vary in several ways. There are, undoubtedly, complications associated with the performance of African governments being ranked by various international institutions, such as the World Bank, Transparency International and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Nonetheless, ranking is a laudable practice, which must be encouraged to stimulate debate and inform policy to advance Africa’s effort at continental good governance and to support the work of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Dr Kwaku Asante-Darko is a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs

Good analysis yaa Baashi but it seems Oodweyne will go into a long hibernation for this week and probably one month before Las Anod would be retaken by Puntland forces.

I still didn't get the agenda of this meeting. It will be contradictory on both fronts of the argument. First, let us say that the discussants overwhelming concurred with the idea that Somali clans are based on alliance and not blood. This hypothesis will only fabricate the general argument that Somalis are one Tribe. It doesn't make any sense to me. However, if we follow what is documented for centuries in regards to the relationship of tribes or clans and those attributes that bind them collectively and distinguish them from others in their relative environement, things will seem simple and clear. On the other hand, it seems this is a long research on the theories of ethnicity or tribe. One of several theories, the social constructionists, argues that nothing is natural or biological about the cohesion of a group based on ethnicity or tribe. While I agree with them that this is a product of socio-political choices, race will still be a factor for the division of people and it all revolves around a common interest to overcome and reverse economic domination and exploitation by another group

Duke, there is no an iota of honesty in the analysis of the Nomads you listed, so there is no need to prove them wrong, for they will keep regurgitating the same line of arguments over and over until they see the end of Somalia and the endless pursuit of phantom recognition for their seperate clannish state.

Oct 29, 2007 (COMTEX) -- US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday said that Ethiopia has not been able to withdraw from Somalia because the African Union has not been able to provide the peacekeepers needed to replace its troops. "I don't think there's any doubt that the Ethiopians don't want to stay in Somalia. And one of the things that we're trying to do is to work with the African Union to get that security force, the peacekeeping force, ready for Somalia," Rice testified in Congress. Rice said problems in Sudan, Cote d'Ivore and other parts of Africa had made it "challenging" for the African Union to raise troops simultaneously. "The A.U. has its challenges because they're trying simultaneously to raise forces for Sudan, for Somalia, to keep efforts going in Cote d'Ivoire and in other places. So it's a challenge. But we are very attentive to what needs to be done in Somalia," Rice responded to a question which was particularly raised by Congressman Donald Payne. Payne last month managed to have congress pass a controversial bill [hr 2003] which has had supporters and critics. The Democrat from New Jersey also inquired regarding the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and asked the Secretary of State Rice what the United States was doing to pressurize Ethiopia to accept the boundary commission's ruling. "...the Ethiopia-Eritrean situation and bottoming the demarcation of the borders had not been accepted by Ethiopia, our big ally in Africa. And I wonder if our administration is urging Ethiopia to accept the agreement that they said they would accept from The Hague as relates to the border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia?" In answering that question Rice said that while the US is "saying to the Ethiopians that certain things need to be done," it had however been difficult to get Eritrea to cooperate. "It has been difficult to talk to Eritrea, frankly. We've had trouble getting them to talk to us. And I sent our assistant secretary to talk with Mr. Isaias, and he didn't see her," Rice said. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called for restraints two weeks ago between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as both countries are trading blames and reports are indicating that there has been an increase in troop deployment in and around the Temporary Security Zone. The Secretary-General, who called on the two countries to exercise "utmost restraint" and maintain their commitment to the Algiers Agreements, also said they should preserve the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), where UNMEE is deployed as peacekeeping mission. UNMEE's mandate expires on 31 January 2008. Source: Camtex

Caano Geel You are right but all news media, whether TV or print, local, national or international, have one thing they all share, the existent of values. Just to show how important values are to the news, one might say that the news is worthless without values. In recent and past years, applied researchers have become increasingly interested in these values. One writer in particular who conducted a research on values is Herbert J. Ganns in his article “Values in the News.” Ganns studied the (American) news extensively and contrasted a list of eight values he found including individualism, social order, moderatism, altruistic democracy, ethnocentrism, responsible capitalism, national leadership, small-town pastoralism. Although most of these values can be found in the news today, some of them are difficult to locate and others only exists in a limited number of news media., so I was highlighting the cross cultural values the news, particularly the Nytimes convey to its wider readership. They are at most biased against Islamic values. I didn't mean to divert the chief content of the article but this is an implicit message I personally thought was useful to highlight.

Originally posted by Caano Geel: Even in the most advanced genetics labs at King Abdulaziz, the women wear full face coverings, and female students can meet with male advisers only in carefully controlled public “free zones” like the library. Scientists there tread carefully when they do research in genetics, stem cells or evolution, for fear of offending Islamic social mores. [/QB] While the aiming of the king for an initiative like this in his country is commendable, the unfolding of this intimation seems to be blemished with a social tendency towards a progress as if it is a western achievement. NYtimes is not known for its impartiality of different values. It flagrantly paints a glitch in Islamic values as though our values are an obstacle to the natural progress of a society. Can anyone whisper closely into their ears that Islam does not and did not project strict regulations into the research and development of scientific enquiries and our values are mainly like that of the cultural values of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Manshallah, keep up the good work.

Mirqaan is not ME. To hell with it. Originally posted by Gediid: Paragon The song waxa iska lahaa AUN Ahmed Gacayte and not Girrig. [/url] [/QB] Gediid check. I love this song

This development is quite unexpected since Las Anod is now besieged by the clan secessionists. I think it is best to carry out such projects after the whole nation is stabilized and the transition to permenant government. Wildcats plan is set for Somalia October 25, 2007 Onshore action by companies awaits rig tender results Perth-based Range Resources and partner Africa Oil are aiming to sink two wells back-to-back in the autonomous Somali region of Puntland from the end of next January. The partners are also planning to shoot a 3D seismic acquisition programme on their Puntland acreage that could initially see them shoot 5000 square kilometres over the Dharoor concession. The wells alone will cost about $25 million. Extra seismic is not needed on the Nugal concession, where drilling will begin on the seven targets revealed from data collected by ConocoPhillips. The supermajor operated the concession before the civil war tore Somalia apart and forced its departure. The drilling tender will be issued this week for Nugal. A contract is likely to be awarded by November and a rig mobilised in January. Range director Peter Landau said: "Africa Oil is looking right now to recruit a drilling manager for the Puntland operation." Range currently operates with 100% of the licence but Africa Oil is committed to spending $45 million in the next two years to earn an 80% stake in the licence for the two onshore basins, Nugal and Dharoor. The company also operates the offshore portion of Puntland, a semi-autonomous province of Somalia which has been self-governing since 1998. Landau said: "The offshore is a bonus to us but the real benefit is going to our 20% of the onshore, including areas formerly demarcated as Blocks 28 and 29, where Sproule International this month reported to us an upside potential of 10.4 billion barrels on today's data alone." He said each of the targeted prospects has possible recoverable reserves of 500 million barrels of oil. The pair's debut well is likely to go down near ConocoPhillips' abandoned Kallis-1 probe on Block 28b. Kallis-1 was drilled to 10,000 feet, short of a target depth of 14,000 feet. ConocoPhillips capped it after hitting an over-pressured zone but never returned. Drilling targets will be formally released in a few days by Range and Africa Oil, formerly Canmex. The latter's Calgary office also played host to Puntland's director general of Minerals & Energy Hassan Mohamud to discuss moving the timetable forward.Mohamud will release a proposed exploration schedule after briefing President Mohammed Hirsi 'Adde' in Garowe. •• Range Resources finally listed its share price on London's Alternative Investment Market on 23 October. It closed at 33 pence on the first day of trade. In the same week, Range directors Peter Landau and Liban Boger head for Somalia to brief authorities in Puntland on its fast-tracked exploration programme. Source: Upstream

I think Saudi Arabia's invitation will not lead to a healthy mediation between the two leaders. It is best that this debate of allegations on the PM be left to the lawmakers who can decide this case through a no confidence vote. Saudi's involvement will only exacerbate the Somalia's situation.

Originally posted by Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar: Caalamka kulahaa. Xabashi Soomaali ku xasuuqaayo Soomaaliya [including Soomaali Galbeed], ku ciribtiraayo Soomaalinimo whenever it can get opportunity at, isla Xabashadaas aad u alaalaseysid only because naceyb loo qabo a certain clans and maxaa-iga-galay attitude since because dadka la xasuuqaayo are not from my fellow clans. [/QB] Your questoins are irrelevant to the topic at hand but still it is not the TFG that are causing this mayhem but those who hide underneath the protection of the civilians, those clannist insurgents who had held the public property and loot ever since the collapse of Somali regime and those whose political aspiration lies with maintaining anarchy and those whose mindless tactics and lack of foresight excluded the whole Somalis from their short-lived rudderless Islamic fiefdom. Originally posted by Xoogsade: I know 100% that the concern of Muqdisho residents is not yours and will never be unless Allah looks kindly towards you and puts some light in your heart. [/QB] Mogadishu is a Somalia's capital and majority of its residents fully subscribe to the plans of the TFG for now and later. If I were you, I would have condemned the few insurgents and their satanical method of resistance. Fatah-Al-Sumal, I know Puntland does not bear the usual marks of a functioning regional state, but it was a hard lesson that will never led to another forcible seizure of Las Anod and as the Economist stated that this was quite anticipated from the secessionists. I called for the extension of TFG's mandate to enable the completion of its unfinished job. Its work was seriously hampered by the rift of the then MPs, house speaker, the international pressure on the government to accomodate the good elements of the Islamist(which I also advocated) and now the heads of state and government. As of now, it is difficult for the TFG to carry out national census, write the constitution or establish functioning regional adminstrations. Hunguri, I only raise a number of critical thinking questions of our national affairs which can be employed as springboards for further discussion. It appears nevertheless that some folks here look after the interests of their own clan(s) above our national interest. When will they realize that a bad government is much better than a no government at all

Miskiin, how narrow minded can you sound. You surprise me with your daily spews and hidden motives not to mention your seemingly irreversible deficiency in understanding the difference between a National effort and Tribal enclave. The TFG is a national effort endorsed by the international community. You can't draw comparisons with the situation in Las Anod, a peaceful city invaded by another tribe that is bent on aborting our national dreams of uniting our people. I don't know what to argue with you or where we should start from this. The Somali government can ask, according to the internatiol law, principles, norms, the assistance of another nation. Why do we have Ugandan troops in the port. They themselves were attacked by the Islamists yesterday. According to the international press, "Asked if Uganda would pull out of Somalia, he said: "We have a mission and the mission has not yet been completed. The Burundian contingent is also going to be deployed soon. The force commander is currently in Bujumbura over the issue." Such is the hallmark of the efforts the internatinal community extends to the hapless Somalis while you are here condoning the daily killings of innocent people, children and public officials. Ps. Your symapthy with the people of Sool is never asked and your are free to hold your views but refrain from hypocritically mixing the two. Garyaqan, thanks for the insight. I think that where things will head.

It seems to me that the temporary invasion of Las Anod will unleash the biggest assault on the tribal-led administration known as "Somaliland". It will go into the records of the history that this reckless adventure into the hearts of Sool will reverse many strides made by 17 years of unprecedented effort, that of the fever pitch financing of the castle they built in the sky and total breakdown of political institutions and public services. Beware that the invasion has sewn the disparate threads that could have held together exquisitely this Nation of Sool for many years. The people of Sool are now positively doing their best to court success and muster all of the resources in the next campaign to liberate their ancestral city and to flash out the local collaborators who condoned the mass exodus of their people. [i Preparations for liberation of Sool - whether at the level of Puntland forces, clan militia, or possibly the establishment of a Darwiishland liberation front - are either on place or in the pipeline. Time is on the side of those who own this land and against those who are trespassers. [/i]" What Next in Las Anod

Video Ciidamada Dowlada Soomaliya TFG Building the National Army

Originally posted by xiinfaniin: But here are two hypotheses on this yaa Castro! 1- Melez is setting up Somaliland for a bigger catch! First by his advice they will become a part of the civil war by initiating a military venture which they will not be able to win. Secondly, after the foundations are laid and some stances are loosened, Melez may find the project of creating a bigger, united client state in Somalia more feasible, and provided the Yanks are willing to fund it, he may as well embark on such a project! I partially agree with your first hypothesis

Originally posted by xiinfaniin: But here are two hypotheses on this yaa Castro! 1- Melez is setting up Somaliland for a bigger catch! First by his advice they will become a part of the civil war by initiating a military venture which they will not be able to win. Secondly, after the foundations are laid and some stances are loosened, Melez may find the project of creating a bigger, united client state in Somalia more feasible, and provided the Yanks are willing to fund it, he may as well embark on such a project! I agree with your first hypothesis