A total disrespect and an insult to our intelligence! What is even worse is to simplify a complex issue and deny the whole conflict that took the lives of many people. There are still no solution in sight but the sanction of militirization of western Bari, intimidation and false propogation of a bad security image of the regions of Maakhiris (including Sanaag and Haylaan). Despite the groundswell of discontent shown by the people of Dhahar District as they're, by blood, related to the inhabitants of Western Bari Region (Laag, Galgala, Ceel Daahir, etc) on the main strategic road to Bosaaso, the fact is that thousands of innocent people have been displaced and their farms burned. The so called administration have even resorted to unusual tactics that crippled the communication infrastructure of the region putting further the lives of the inhabitants at risk. The raid by Puntland militia of Golis headquarters in Galgala, Laag, Ceelaayo etc was again intended to muzzle the outside press like BBC by stopping them from contacting the leaders of the local uprisings and the people in the affected area. Day after day, Warlord Faroole's announced plan to uproot the community in western Bari is gradually working in a manner that is subtle but brutal and with far-reaching ramifications. In fact, it's proven that people hardly return home when they are forced to flee by man-made disasters. Second, the whole region continues to be isolated by Faroole's allied militia and that no vehicle (even humanitarian) goes in and out of the region and if does seen or spotted, the consequences are harsh. Third, Faroole has ordered that the communication lines of the region be cut off in order to further punish the inhabitants by bringing their economic activity to a complete halt and cement the subjugation process. All of these sinister policies won't have happened were it not for the paid agents of "Somaliland" and "Puntland" such as the so called deputy minister of sports now touring Dhahar not only to manifest his loyalty to Garowe's incompetent elite but to get his salary cap raised. In the city of Badhan, delegation of ministers from "Somaliland" arrived and promised to deliver services to the locals. I have said it long time that the people of Sanaag, Haylaan and western Bari are stuck between the devil (Puntland) and the deep blue sea (Somaliland) facilitated mainly by their policies of divide and rule. The formation of Maakhir state is the only solution, and it's up to the royal Moorasaante (both inside and abroad) to have one voice and help each other in this trying times of Somalia's anarchy and Regional Warlordism.

Xudeedi, we have selfish, greedy leaders who sold the people of Maakhir to the wolves. They must be exposed and confronted.

What's all the fuss? President Shariff and Aweiss split long time ago. One has maintained an insular perspective and the other broadened his mind to accomodate reality. I remember an interview with President Shariif when he was still in Asmara on a number of issues. He somehow articulated and put into context the sentiment of the populace against the occupation of Ethiopia. He wasn't opposed to the traditional role of our women and he accomodated the presence of AU troops to protect key government installations. His demands that Ethiopia withdraw from Somalia was accepted by the International community. Shabab emerged strong after President Yusuf allowed them to occupy Kismayo out of tribal vendetta. Instead Yusuf's decision to define Shabaab's initial invasion of the port city as "clan issue" turned to be his Waterloo. Shabaab also emerged strong of the split of the Asmara Group. Back then, Sharif was an inexperienced and venturesome but moderate in outlook. Thus dynamic changes either in real events, process or personalities can't be ignored.

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro: Give him 8 more months and he will be gone just like the other ones ......... Wondering who is next ... What if he stays...remember there won't be a new reconciliation conference because there're only two main players, al-Shabaab and TFG. "Puntland" is affiliated with or is part of TFG's political process and "Somaliland" maintains a different political outlook and it has won international respect for its growing democracy, thus receiving 40% of Somalia's aid development. So it's TFG + AU vs. Al-Shabaab. I read there will be a process and strategy development. Next government (PM) has to do a lot of reshuffling. And the total number of MPs needs to be slashed in half or less..

Pleasurable read yet aesthetic and sophisticated, saxib.

JB, isn't he more qualified than any other candidate?

"At one point, only the Ugandans (the main contingent in AMISOM) were fighting," the foreign observer said. Very good report. .. "When they ran, they exposed us and made our positions more vulnerable, we had to move to take tactical advantage," he added. ahaha, TFG troops plus ASWJ run with their tails tucked btw their legs. It was Ugandan troops alone who held up their ground and inflicted more damage on the crazed Shabaabs.

Maslax can do the job given his long long experience. Didn't he surprise everyone @ the Djibouti conference? If appointed, he would probably get extension, for there won't be a new reconciliation conference but a process and strategy development and how to contain al-Shabaab. Xaaji, odayga aad buu ugu eg yahey.

Very good. I'll try it. I get three e-mail accounts.

GG, will do that... Lol@Maaddeey, how about Shariif and Wyclef connection? Shariif even chose to speak Arabic at the UN General Assembly in New York, last year. Reminds me of Nurrudin Farah's article, "My life as a diplomat" published @ NYTimes..

Waryaa Gallad, u reside in the twin cities?

NORF, c'mon, why negatively stereotybe a whole community? That was uncalled for unless it's kaftan

Btw, very good interview overall. I like it saxib. Thanks 4 posting it.

The interview clears the cobwebs more than I thought I would glean from other diverse sources of News. On the Contraversial draft constitution The minister thinks that the departed primier explored all diplomatic channels to bring the standoff to an end. Perhaps it's tengential to assume that his close affiliation with Puntland's power brokers is the main reason why he sides with former prime minister. After all, it was Omar who nominated him for this Ministry of Energy and Minerals as to give the state of Puntland free rein on the legality of its oil and mineral exploration. He is truly suspect as to where his loyalty lies. On the pattern of political rows within the TFG leaders and TFP I agree the disagreements and infighting have permeated into every aspect of our society. But that is not a sufficient explanation to divert the blame from the elected representatives, esp the top leaders who have failed their people time and again. The first priority of all priorities was to undertake an internal framework of delineated task, commom purpose and vision that goes in tandem with the Federal Charter, and to show the suffering masses that they can at least work together in harmony despite the relentless war al-Shabaab is waging on them. The international community is cognizant of the predictable pattern of this squabble amongst Somalis and when the task of national leadership converts into one with clusters of opportunistic, tight-knit groups opposed to one another at a time they are fighting for survival. Abdirahman puts the dismal situation they are in as rowdy prisoners whose guards happen to be the AMISOM. On the Galgala Conflict It's good to know that he is calling for an arbitration between PL and Sh. Atam. PL has now lost a very important son who actually advanced its interests at the federal and international level. However, for PL to regain its prestige and internal cohesion and peace, he urges the leaders like Faroole and Gen. Ilka-jir to sit down with Sh. Atam and resolve outstanding issues. Of course, we humans are bound to run into grave mistakes. There's also room for improvement.

"After considering the political crisis in the government and increasing insecurity in Somalia, I have decided to resign from my post as prime minister," Sharmarke said. Good decision by Omar.

^who is he, Mohamed Abdirizak?

Originally posted by Abu-S: Nassir, I not campaign manager for AbdulKareem but I was telling you the news in Nairobi; he my dear friend is a front runner. He is insider and is from Puntland. Anyhow, I will let you guys know what is up by Saturday morning Insha Allah. S Insha'allah, old chap. I'll support Abdelkareem if he gets the post and he can seize this limited opportunity to be a force of unity for Puntlanders as well as the rest of Somalia. Keep up the good work.

Shariif has until August 11 of next year to complete the tasks of his mandate. It's unlikely he will even accomplish a tiny fraction of it. He should have supported Abdirashid for the draft constitution, for that would have registered one important step in the right direction. This is an Interim Governement and nothing more.

^Indeed! How many have seen interim prime ministers resign or interim presidents ousted?

I ask whether Shariif is an independent minded leader or he goes at the suggestion of his inner circle?

Bari has a beautiful landscape, but the region like Sanaag needs a network of roads. It's hard to access the remote part of the region. Thanks 4 the stunning pics.

Juxa, there's stock market in Harardheere or Hobyo, so if u invest in it, you'll probably earn double ur money. Pirates might be the symptoms of anarchy but they have indeed discouraged 'pirate fishing'.

Originally posted by *Ibtisam: Nuune, educate her probably will ya, she is the future. It is always so sad when I see Somali kids on the jarareer this and that and the other path. Ibti, Jareer might be a pejorative term, but of course u already know what racial group GG is talking about. Maaddey, I believe Somalis are semitic+Cushites. And there is scientific study I read once which argues the people of Faroole's geographic region as "strongly Arabized" in facial features. . The study lists Somali, Oromo, Tutsi and Amhara.

Btw, do keep us updated saxib.