The Point, Records tell us that these representives weild no authority and their claims thereof is by default to the eyes of Sanaag people. None of them has ever visited the countries which they claim to represent, so their representation is severely limited and continue on a very restricted domain of influence. To the Sanaag people, they are the black sheep of the society. The only credit I reserve for them is that they haven't posed immediate challenges that threaten the lives of their people like this one, so do your home work, make a diagnosis and recommend solutions in a way that is consistent with the fact on the gruond.

Communique released by Sultans, Garads and elders of Sanaag people. Isimada Puntland qeyb ka mid ah oo ka hadlay xaalada colaadeed ee ka soo cusboonaaday Dhahar Qaar kamid ah isimada dawlad goboleedka Puntland ayaa galabta beyaan ka soo saaray magaalada Boosaaso beyaankaas oo ku saabsan colaadda ka soo cusboonaatay gobolka Sanaag gaar ahaan degmada Dhahar. Beyaankan oo ay isimadu ugu tala galeen saxaafadda madax bannaan ayaa ayaa sidoo kale ku socdo madaxweynaha Puntland, dadweynaha reer Puntland iyadoo sidoo kale la ogeysiisey dawladda federaalka Soomaaliya. Isimamadu waxay beyaankooda sheegeen gardarrada qaawan ee ay maamulka Somaliland ku soo qaadeen gobolka Sanaag, waxanay soo saareen qododbadan hoos ku qoran: Weerarka qaawan ee maamulka la baxay Somaliland uu ku soo qaaday gobolak Sanaag iyo joogistooda degmada Dhahar in uu yahay gardarro aan marnaba loo dulqaadan karin. Inuu gobolka Sanaag si aan mugdi ku jirin uga mid yahay dawlad goboleedka Puntland, sidaas darteedna Puntland uu waajibkeedu yahay difaaca xuduudka dhulkeeda. Midnimada Puntland iyo xaqiijinta nabadgelyadu waa muqaddas. Cadowga dalka ku soo duuley in xoog lagaga saaro, wax kalena aan lagu labayn karin. Wixii khasaare ka yimaadda dad iyo maal waxaa si aan muran lahayn mas’uul uga noqon doona nimanka dalkayaga ku soo duuley. Ugu dambayn waxay isimadu maamulka la baxay Somaliland ugu baaqayaan in aanu caadaysan kana waantoobo isku daadinta dhiigga dadka walaalaha ah ee deriska ah, sidoo kale, in laga waantoobo siyaasad xumada ku wajahan marin habaabinta dadweynaha reer Somaliland ee u baahan nabad iyo nolol. Beyaankaan waxaa ku saxiixan isimada kala ah: Garaad Cabdullaahi Cali Ciid Suldaan Ciise Xasan Cumar Suldaan Bashiir Muuse Koonte Suldaan Siciid Guuleed Islaan Maxamuud Yaasiin Warsame. Maxamuud Faarax Bile Source

Verification of what I said. Wasiirku wuxuu sheegay in ciidamada Puntland ay laba Jiho oo dhinaca Boosaaso ah ka soo weerareen galabta 4-tii ciidamada Somaliland ee duleedka Dhahar ku sugan BBC

Dhahar: Press Release(NSPU): Secessionist ‘Somaliland’ Embarks on a Dangerous Course of Desperation PRESS RELEASE April 14, 2007 For Immediate Release The unfortunate, but internecine, conflict raging in Mogadishu between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and its opponents as well as developments elsewhere in the country have apparently thrown the secessionist camp in Somalia’s Northwestern Region (‘Somaliland') into disarray and confusion. Early this year the secessionist camp made a series of demonstrations in the UK, followed by a petition to the British Prime Minister to recognize the enclave – a petition which was naturally denied. The secessionists have now – perhaps as a result of that denial – abandoned their claim to peace and quiet in contrast to “southern Somalia,” and have opted for a belligerent policy designed to bring two pro-Unity northern regions, Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (which rejected their secessionists’ project) within their camp through military conquest so as to demonstrate to the outside world that they control the entire area of what used to be called British Somaliland. Fully aware that Hargeisa does not have the ability to do that, perhaps this is a Machiavellian effort to instigate and drag the fully engaged TFG into a new conflict in the northern regions. Accordingly, mobilizing from far away Hargeisa, the Secessionists tried during the past two weeks to make armed incursions into some of the towns and villages such as Huddun, Aur Bogeis and Dhahar only to be rebuffed by the local populations. The bulk of their militia is made up of former SNM militia re-cast as a ‘Somaliland’ national army. At the same time the secessionists spared no effort in adding fuel to the fire raging in our national capital by trying to forge an alliance, albeit false, with the ****** – a clan which is unswervingly committed to the unity and territorial integrity of our country. We, the Northern Somalis for Peace & unity (NSPU) condemn in the strongest terms these nefarious acts on the part of the secessionists and we pray that our people throughout Somalia will surmount their difficulties and unite for peace and prosperity with a view of securing a more stable future for posterity. Therefore, consistent with NSPU advocacy and commitment to peace and unity among all the citizens of the Somali Republic, we strongly urge and appeal to: The international community, specially the International NGOs, the UN, the EU, IGAD, and aid Donor countries/organizations to condemn the naked aggression of the secessionists entity, Somaliland, against the peaceful population of the Sool and Sanag Region and use their influence and leverage over the Hargeisa secessionists to refrain from undermining the current international efforts to stabilize the country; Call upon the ***** elders and intellectuals, specially those from Western tip of Sanaag and Togdheer Regions, to condemn these heinous acts against your neighbors, which if continued, will trigger tragic conflicts which will severely impact the relative peace and stability in the area; Call on the remnants of the Somali National Movement (SNM), an ***** militia which in the confusion that followed the collapse of the central government in 1991, orchestrated the creation of ‘Somaliland’, to shed their banner of hate and refrain from actions and words that will once again lead to a conflict among the brotherly northern clans; and Call upon the Diaspora 'Somalilanders' and 'Somaliland' Part-time politicians, with their families safely in foreign countries (read: Faisal Waraabe, Ahmed Siilaanyo et al), to momentarily reflect on their doings and refrain from incitement and hate mongering the consequences of which may not directly affect them but will surely impact on the poor folks back home, irrespective of clan affiliation. May peace prevail among the long-suffering people of Somalia and may a new horizon of unity prosperity and prosperity dawns on our country. And may wisdom dawn on the bearers of hate. Sincerely, Gamal Hassan, Director, Communication & Public Relations info@somaliunity.org NORTHERN SOMALIS FOR PEACE & UNITY (NSPU) is a grass-roots Somali advocacy organization with Branches in Somalia, United Arab Emirates, Canada, USA, UK, Sweden, and South Africa. We are dedicated to the promotion of peace and unity among the long suffering people of Somalia. We believe the ‘Somalia problem’ can only be dealt with within the framework of a holistic strategic approach aimed at the empowerment of a central government to rebuild national democratic governance institutions and restore law and order throughout the country. NSPU believes the balkanization of Somalia is a recipe for future conflicts and a bleak future for the Somali people, who are bonded by ethnicity, language, religion, and shared centuries-old culture and traditions. Source

Kat-induced bravado, not kat-induced people. You should be able to differentiate their implications. The Point, Since you are not from the North Western Somalia, it is understandable that you steered the connotation of the word as clannish . lol. [edit]

Originally posted by ThePoint: ^Caamir - If that is the case - why are SL govt delegations received and welcomed over there? Doesn't that send a mixed signal? Or are those reports all false? To my knowledge - there are people who claim to represent Sanaag in Hargeisa. Doesn't that also add to the confusion? The point, you have one-sided info of the story, gleaned from sources loyal to the secessionists. No, Dhahar residents did not welcome or received delegates from Hargeisa but was caught on a cross fire because the Hargeisa group attempted to impose itself on the city through forceful means. My sources tell me that they remained on the west side of the city and remained there in anticipation of armed conflict with Puntland. The first conflict, they were forced to retreat , but this time they managed to be stationed on the outskirt of the city, as I said, in anticipation of another conflict. It does not appeal to the common sense that officials representing clan fiefdom will be received well in times of crisis. Don't you think that innocent residents are apprehensive of what is to come? Not only are you denying the fact on the ground, but you are suppressing the political views and standpoint of the Dhahar people.

The point, Sanaag is not divided into east or west. Much of Sanaag are with Puntland, their brethrens. Puntland is a temporary adminstration that proved to be a "panacea'' to Somalia's long standing anarchy. However, if they want to create their own state and be an independent entity, i will support, but the fact that the platform of Puntland is not that of seperation between Somalia and its territory, I don't see why would few people of Sanaag hold unexamined assumptions that is contrary to the support of Puntland.

"Two – The Puntland force has retreated peacefully earlier, but now a convoy of technicals from their meagre resources have been stretched out onto the long stretch of road from Bosaaso on their way to Dhahar, i hear. Though the situation can easily be resolved peacefully, an aggressive front as this would only further the campaign of hostilities and put the other side on the defensive." Labaxininyod, This was a surreptitious escapade like a wanted truant child in desperate need of companions that would intervene in a glimpse of magnanimous gesture. They also with clear intention eluded the exact direction or road to Dhahar. It backlashed on them and put a big disgraceful stamp on their back.

Unless you hold an oversimplified concept of kat, the author only applied the term to describe the bravado as an adjunct. In my understanding, he is not refering to a clan or group but hinting concise description of the bravado exhibited by the intruding militia. --------------------------------- "Kat-induced bravado will not grant the misguided ‘Landers’ their secession dreamboat; a scheme that is conceived for the sole purpose of forging a territory where clan hegemony holds sway. Unbeknownst to them, though, theirs is an idea, which its time has long since passed. Today in Somalia, the veritable lesson taught by the civil war is this: no clan can dominate another. So the sooner they understand this fact the better for all Somalis. For that is when the society as a whole will shift gears and mobilize its resources (human, knowledge base and natural) to build the nation for the benefit of all in an environment of justice and fraternity. -------------------------------------- I will rather post the whole article since many people are confused of the crucial message and the scholarly depth with which the article was written. Is “Somaliland” Whistling Past the Graveyard? By Ali A. Fatah April 13, 2007 After seventeen (17) long years of existing in the margins as nonentity and with no hope of ever receiving international recognition, the bottom seems to be falling out of rebel-held territory in northwestern Somalia, calling itself “Somaliland”. The signs supporting this sensible observation are many. Suffice to say few irrational actions taken by the splinter group in Hargeisa, of late, reveal how deeply distressed and anxious the ring leaders there must be feeling just about now. Consider the foolishness of their unprovoked cross border raids against Sanaag, Sool and Cayn jurisdictions in the past few days. On the evening of Monday, April 9, 2007, a caravan of at least ten (10) technicals armed to the hilt, have descended on the peaceful town of Dhahar located in Sanaag region, Northeastern Somalia. Dhahar is a city populated by good natured people and it’s known for its hospitality. In their daily interactions, residents do not brandish weapons. Only the security forces of the autonomous Puntland state, with which the region is affiliated, are authorized to carry fire arms. The intruding force was sent many hundreds of miles by the secessionist regime in Hargeisa. They arrived at the town center in the dead of night. Residents reached by phone indicated that the “Somaliland” force came uninvited and that it exhibited menacing behavior. Furthermore, they refused to heed the request of the community leaders to leave town peacefully before sunrise. Instead they proceeded to issue threats and repeated their nonsensical claim that the region is part of their fictitious state; a state that lacks historical legitimacy, legality and is recognized by no country on earth. The secessionists have done this before. After the collapse of the Somali national government in 1991, their clan-based militia, the so-called SNM, had attempted to invade both the Sanaag and Sool regions as well as Cayn District. They have massacred non-combatants in all three jurisdictions. In the eastern part of Sanaag alone they have killed in cold-blood upwards of 600 people (602 to be exact), most of whom where unarmed civilians. Despite their overwhelmingly superior armaments and the use of militia that acted as a standing army, however, the secessionist forces were roundly defeated. And they left many, if not most, of the war dead behind. In the current situation, after invading a peaceful neighbor, secessionists rebuffed the pleas of the elders and community leaders of Dhahar City to cease and desist from their aggressive posture. At that point, the community adopted defensive measures to protect their families. In the ensuing battle, secessionists suffered one fatality and two of their militia conscripts were wounded. The citizens of Dhahar have not suffered any casualties. Nor did they sustain significant property damage. The fleeing secessionist force was briefly detained in Xingalool town in Sanaag along the road to Ceerigaabo. When the town’s folk learned that the fleeing force has not caused much damage in Dhahar, they allowed them to proceed to their final destination—back to rebel-held territory. The secessionists have recently made similar incursions into Sool region and Cayn District, all of which were repulsed. So why are the rebels, from far away Hargeisa, who are up to their eyeballs with internal problems making these foolish forays (that are doomed to failure) into the territories of neighboring communities that have demonstrated, time and again, keenness for peaceful coexistence? Some believe that these are desperate moves designed to distract and further mislead the population of the Northwest enclave, under the control of the ruling secession-obsessed clique in Hargeisa. Other knowledgeable observers have indicated that the rebels must have miscalculated, overestimating their strength and underestimating that of their opponents. This, it must be pointed, is a characteristic haste on the part of the secessionists. The great military strategist, SUN-TZU, wrote in his book “The Art of War”, more than two thousand years ago, the following lines that would have been instructive for the Hargeisa-based rebels had they possessed the presence of mind to appreciate its wisdom: Armaments are instruments of ill omen, war is a dangerous affair. It is imperative to prevent disastrous defeat, so it will not do to mobilize an army for petty reasons—arms are only to be used when there is no choice but to do so. Chapter 12, “The Incendiary Attack”. There is clearly an identifiable element of self delusion in the affairs of this sad enclave in Northwestern Somalia that calls itself “the Republic of Somaliland”. The land is Somali alright, but there is nothing Republican about the dealings of the clan oligarchy that operates there. That is why the people of much of Sanaag, Sool and Cayn would need to associate with that group’s treasonous, secessionist project the way one would need a hole in the head. Kat-induced bravado will not grant the misguided ‘Landers’ their secession dreamboat; a scheme that is conceived for the sole purpose of forging a territory where clan hegemony holds sway. Unbeknownst to them, though, theirs is an idea, which its time has long since passed. Today in Somalia, the veritable lesson taught by the civil war is this: no clan can dominate another. So the sooner they understand this fact the better for all Somalis. For that is when the society as a whole will shift gears and mobilize its resources (human, knowledge base and natural) to build the nation for the benefit of all in an environment of justice and fraternity. Here, it is important to make an important distinction between the decent Somali citizens living throughout the Northwestern region and their self-seeking politicians. The people have the same hopes and aspirations as their fellow Somalis in other parts of the country. They want peace and a chance to rebuild their communities without rampant corruption and the study diet fear-mongering that is dished out to them by their cunning politicians. Hence the tragedy of a community that is held hostage to the whims of a group of craven political hacks hell-bent on a campaign of self-aggrandizement. If history is any guide, the kat-crazed political elite of “Somaliland”—ever so reliant as they are on the handouts of their foreign enablers, whose aim is nothing more than to wreck Somalia, once and for all—will be probably whistling past the graveyard before they come to their senses and stop being such a destructive force in society. I hope I am wrong on this. But, as the saying goes, time will tell! Ali A. Fatah E-Mail:amakhiri@aol.com

He highlighted the facts that the entity called "Somaliland" is a clan based movement whose platform is to secure recognition as a result of a claim that they were marginalized historically in Somalia. Thus, the author does not mask or drowns out the subtle and vital information that the real "Somaliland" is, not to mimic the fallacious rhetoric that you love to hear. Yet, you resist acknowledging the truth that is beaming like the sunlight and which on your attempt to do so proves his point. The "somaliland" project is reluctant to give up its never-ending victim cards and cries and its hit and run tactics.

Saxib, they dared to enter the city, but never so, surreptitiously, in the meantime standing sentinel on the west side of the city. Anyway, this was an unfortunate political tragedy committed by unthinking and utterly narrow-minded individuals from Dhahar. Elders of Dhahar must declare and disown these fools championing disaster to their own territory while the family of the very people they work for live in peaceful and amicable environment. Shame on these Fools!!

First to Oodwayne, time and again, leveraging your illusive competencies to give a preferential access to your clan-based militia wreaking havoc on a peaceful territory is a new phenomenon that is as excessive as factors that serve to erode the values of the so called stability the secessionist region has ever achieved. Having said, the SL militia has dared to enter Dhahar with the blessing of some unfortunate stooges, thus creating endless circumambulations of thousands of your militia all stranded in strange land and surrounded by rugged and heavily armed contingents of Puntland troops triggering a war on such a grand scale. However, albeit the cumbersome costs, this is a new conflict that rests on a collective decision by the officials of Puntland that would necessitate the shift at the expense of human scale unheard of. We will even take it to Burco since the "Somaliland" militia has been pathetically trying to send idiotic and unpretentious war signal. Our problem is that we are too smart for our own good, and for that matter, this unintelligent move by the ''S-land'' militia commanders conditionally disabled by the kat-crazed mindset is an attempt to psychologically reopen a new war frontier. They have been desperate to maintain belief in unlimited, uncharted vistas within our territory(Sanaag and Sool), our borders. The backlashes is yet too early to predict, but it is one that will find out how spurious this freedom of State you claim is and how that illusive state is one that is possessed of arrogance, deliberate fatuity, greed, hate, jealousy, treachery, and the impulse to revenge, all of which may erupt spontaneously. To Badacas, saxib you are too naive to know what you write. If plain fatuity is typically your quickest means to enter a discussion, I feel pity for you. The man you are talking about and the author of the article have been to the states before your father was even born. He is also a very successful and influential person at Washington, being CEO of the DC GIS division.

"On the other hand though, you do have a clannishly inspired movement who wants to abort anything that resembles a government. And that worries me." You do have realized now that the ferocious culture of the factions in Mogadishu who burned the dead soldiers had no boundaries or had done nothing of that nature before? The Islamist supporters are even condoning the acts of committing horrible crimes in the name of our beautiful religion. What do you say if they are being nurtured with stiff measures to effect the right dose of pacification even it takes using raw force to disarm and civilize them. In his interview with VOA, the president indicated that the government is cognizant of the source of the recurrent hit and run tactics, but they have been refraining from responding with barrage of blows for the sake of the people under its protection. Reuters reporters said that crowds were chanting "Allahu Akbar" and pelting stones with the burning corpses.

The Diaspora will go back Inshallah If they know with certainty the existance of a strong legal system and an oasis of peace and prosperity. It is the Diaspora that built both Somaliland and Puntland and it will be them who will start building up the rest of the country.

I think that was one of the gravest misconception slanted with conceit and fatuity done to these boys. They lacked the right training and reinforcements. They just sacrificed their lives with gusto offering their very bodies without shield and without ever thinking of the consequences and their future. Simply put, they were brainwashed and indoctrinated into an raw ideaology alien to their grandparents and nation. Those who preyed upon their vulnerabilities will be asked in the hereafter.

One Step forward. Thanks Duke for sharing with us this beautiful governmental building.

One Step forward. Thanks Duke for sharing with us this beautiful governmental building.

Cambaro, well what is the objective of the conference if not for a solution to our problem? Asalamu Alaykum. I have to go.

The TFG is doing its best to transition us from the current cul-de-sac of Somalia. They envisioned that reconciliation in the country would work best at least to bring together those at the helm of the contentious issues. Whether they are the drivers or not is not important although I very much doubt that they are not the drivers, but what is important is the TFG’s administrative mechanism to the recurrent violence and the level of leadership they have projected to its adversaries. The TFG leadership is indeed proactive and committed to the responsibility of communicating with the people. However, what is quite startling is how some quarters of our society have arrogated ownership rights to the capital that the city is theirs despite the fact that the capital has been home to all Somalis from all over Somalia.

Instead of opening a new thread, why don't you expand on the questions raised by Baashi. Your question boils down to the need for negotiated settlement, which the Good Baashi has alraidy raised. For some reason, Alla U baahne might have wrongly influenced your thoughts and others as well that that thread was not good enough.

Now that their illegal properties have been confiscated and preserved for the nation, they can't simply accept that or give up their cult of Warlordism, which gave them the freedom to hold and occupy lands of innocent, defenseless clans. Again, the Islamists who used Islam as a political tool threatened the government’s administrative city and finally attacked to unseat it hoping that engagement of war with the TFG might give them divine victory and by extension bringing the whole Somalia under their control.

Buuxo, the movie can't be released because of the outstanding debt and it will be held until a new government begin functioning all over Somalia, no matter how long it takes for a new Somali government to rise from the ashes. Buraanbur Conference 2007 By: Melanie Plageman March 8, 2007 Saturday, March 3rd, San Diego had the privilege of experiencing buraanbur (Somali women’s poetry). I, as the very American intern for the event sponsor, the Center for Bridging Communities, had never before experienced anything like it. In surveying the crowd, one could spot several Americans observing attentively, mesmerized by the rich and multi-faceted nature of Somali culture. Somali cultural artifacts and Somali women’s poetry were on display throughout the room, and traditional Somali music, dance, and food were provided. These Americans were given a rare glimpse into an ancient and dynamic culture that they may not have known existed within San Diego. After the conference was officially opened by Ambassador Abdillahi S. Osman the program began with a phenomenal and multi-faceted panel discussion. The panelists harkened from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and locations. The sheer breadth of the topics they discussed was impressive, but more impressive still was the depth to which the panelists discussed these topics. The panelists, as cultural scholars, are obviously experts on these topics, and, as such, I would expect no superficiality in ability, however, the overall tone was so academic. The ability of the panelists to retain the rapt attention of the crowd while discussing such esoteric topics as Somali onomastics in such great detail was astounding. The only difference between this panel discussion and a stuffy collegiate affair was the unexpected sudden bursts of laughter. Each speaker garnered his or her own amount of room-wide rollicking guffaws. Looking at the program, it would seem that there is nothing funny about the “structure and traditional art of the Somali language,” but Dr. Kapchits managed a hearty round of chuckles and giggles for this particular discussion. It was evident that the panelists were all incredibly proficient and entertaining orators. In total, there were five panel discussions. The topics were incredibly wide-ranging: Saiid Salah discussed Somali folktale, informing the public of the importance of language and storytelling in the home. It was fascinating to discover that a traditional Somali children’s folk game recited throughout Somalia with the same melody has nine different geographically-specific versions. Depending on the area from which the individual reciting the rhyme hails, the lyrics will change: What is, “naysha deylan oo dabo oogan…” to one Somali may be “biitoy biito biito xariira shilin baa…” to another. Abdirahman A. Farah “Barwaaqo” reiterated the importance of retaining the Somali language in its original form. He pointed out how the richness and depth of the Somali language has been overlooked by the average Somali. For example, Somalis have resorted to using Arabic names such as “Sahra” and “Yasmin” when the Somali name “Ubax” is as profound and meaningful as these Arabic names. Most Somali businesses have been either Anglicized or Arab-ized. The average Somali business is “Amal Express,” “Mustaqbal Village,” or “London Fashions.” He encouraged Somalis to return to their language, naming their children and their businesses traditional Somali names. He urged action now, before it is too late, and the Somali language is lost. Anwar Maxamed Diiriye eloquently explored the topic of teaching Somali youth in the Diaspora about their culture in order to reaffirm their identity. He discussed the advent of a global culture, and the attractiveness it poses to Somali youth. He related the advantages and disadvantages of Somali culture, advising young people to embrace the best parts of their own culture while selecting positive influences from the new cultures they experience in the Diaspora. Dr. Georgi Kapchits shared his wide knowledge of the Somali language in an entertaining and humor-filled discussion of Somali grammar and phonetics. He discussed the number of vowels in the Somali language and other complex grammar-related observations. It was his recitation of several old proverbs that received the most attention, however, with vigorous laughter following this proverb, “Dani ama guur ama guurso bay ku tiraahdaa.” Following the majority of the panel discussion, the Center for Bridging Communities honored the young women of its Emerging Leaders Program for their dedication to the program. Five of the young women from the program shared poetry that they had written. This segment of the program was very beautiful, connecting this newest generation of Somali women to the very same traditions and struggles of their elders. Forming a bridge between the remainder of the panel discussion and the buraanbur recital, the magnificent Saado Cali Warsame performed a song specifically written and composed for the conference by Saiid Salah called “Magacu Waa Murtida Giish.” She inspired and stimulated the crowd with her tantalizing voice and expressive artistic style. The buraanbur recital portion of the conference followed this performance by Saado. This beautiful and traditional recital and accompanying dance was very powerful in its ability to sum up the conference. All of the women swaying in brightly colored fabrics seemed to be affirming the importance of retaining this cultural tradition. Some of the young women from the Emerging Leaders Program not only watched but also participated, dancing as well as the elder women. It was beautiful to know that, in the Diaspora, this tradition would not be lost within one generation. Dahabo Elmi, the talented Somali poet performing the buraanbur, effected much emotion with her recitations. Her rhythm, words, and elegant recital were equally well-received by the crowd. She is a woman who truly moves women to the center of the discussion, and in the process it is not only hearts and minds which are moved but bodies. The expression and emotion inspired by her work is truly beautiful. The following lines elicited particularly strong emotion from the crowd, bringing many women to tears. “Walaaca nafta iyo walbaahaarka nalaku riday, rasaastaas wadhafka jaan oo la waabin karin, waxyeelada jooktada ah waa beryey iyo galab. umadan waaq lih iyo lagu laayey weerarada, wado wadiiqadba dhabaha meydku waranyihiin, weerka loo saaray hooyooyinkii wacnaa…” Sado Ali and Yasmeen M. Hamud This event was meant to serve the Somali community in San Diego and enrich the lives and cultural identities of Somali people in San Diego. The event attracted at least two hundred people. For one day, the inter-generational gap was absent. There were Somali elders seated alongside teens from all over San Diego including some from the East African Youth Group and the Center for Bridging Communities’ Emerging Leaders Program. There were Somali elder women dancing with Somali teenage girls. There were discussions, laughter and smiles. There was joy. There was nostalgia. The event reminded people of the past, of what has been lost, and also what can be regained through positive events such as this conference. Altogether the event ran smoothly and achieved its lofty aims: connecting multiple generations of the community, providing Somali elders in the community with an event of interest conducted in their own language, reconnecting Somali youth to their beautiful cultural identity, and uniting the Somali people in San Diego. By the end of the evening, all involved parties were exhausted. Buraanbur Conference 2007 was a success. Here’s for hoping it begins a tradition of Somali cultural events in San Diego. Melanie Plageman The Center for Bridging Communities Program Manager/Intern Home page: www.c4bc.org E-Mail:Bridgingcomm@gmail.com Source: Wardheernews.com Btw, Melanie as you see her in the picture with the 'dirac' and the author of this great article is a young girl who is recently admitted to Harvard University. They are working on other programs that would allow Somali girls go to prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, or UC Berkely.

"They suggested that Somalis are not terribly good at having a good time (other stuff that came out of her mouth I can not write on her). " good time like what?

Does this organization recognize the seperatist entity?

Originally posted by MKA Yoonis: Sorry I don't want to bring anything apart from the current debate to the discussion here but I've to note that people like Abwaan who are supporters of the court movement are now advertising love films to us? Can you see something wrong with it? I certainly can do. It amazes me too. Waraa Hunguri, that would be great but the story must be directly set to the one in the book. Supplemental addition that would peg the movie to a contemporary trend would help also. Paragon, I have listened to the director's interview. The story is totally different, but he chose the names for publicity purposes. What is bad about the director is that he did not give credit to the names except being obstinate with the selection of these names as natural and Somali, which again contradicts his former view point of publicity.