What decides the fate of any given society is whether or not it feeds its population and whether or not it uses the surplus of its food production, above the level of equilbrium, to educate its children, build bridges, ports etc. A settled society will then have a big stake in Peace, Law and governance, and collectively preserve the general interest. In Somalia, the only source of income is the political begging bowl or the so called Maandeeq,(madaxtinimo) and every clan wants a big chunk of that pie. So how can we overcome this parochial conflict. It takes a major paradigm shift and a change of attitude towards the virtues of self-reliance and hardwork. We get the resources but we lack the drive and knowledge to extract it. So it finally boils down to these questions. Do we have a unified leadership? Can we establish the rule of law and spread the arm of justice. Can we change our cultural excesses such as tribalism, indolence, and distaste for farming?

Aabayaasha af-Somaliga ee SOL sida nuune ama jamaal hala weydiiyo jawaab buuxda. The Somali language has two major dialects: Af-maay vs Af-maxaa.

Originally posted by Xudeedi: http://www.dhahar.com/article.php?articleid=8270 Thanks for this post. It's indeed sports that brings people together.

Originally posted by The Zack: So people are now speaking for Christianity and church just to find a way to criticize Somaliland? That is a false and seething assumption posed as a reasonable question. The way I see it is that Cawke is painting here the double standard of "Somaliland".

Originally posted by Xudeedi: Allaha Hu naxariistee Dr. Cabdulqaadir Maxamed Cabdalle Dadka ku dhaqnaa Dalka sucuudiga waxa ay Dr-ka ku xasuustaan in uu aad kaalmayn jiray soomalida ku nool sucuudiga isaga oo gurigiisa uu kadaganaa sucuudiga uu aha hoy ay ku soo hirtaan dhamaan dhalinta ducaada. Dr. Cabdulqaadir waxa uu dib ugu soo noqday somaaliya sannadii 1999 kii waxana 1999 kii xilligas oo uu wax ka asaasay Jaamacadda Bariga afrika taas oo maanta ay arday badan ka soo baxeen, waxana uu aha Gudoomiya guud ee jamaacada ilaa iyo sannadii 2007. Xilligaas kadib oo gudoomiyuhu noqday Gudoomiyaha golaha asaasayaasha Jaamacada Bariga Afrika Allaha u naxariistee Dr. Waxa uu ifka uga tagay 15 Caruur ah, 5wiil iyo 10 Gabdhood waxana ku geeriyooday magaalada jabuuti xilli uu halkaas looga ambabixin lahaa Dalka biritan oo lagu soo daweyn lahaa Hadaba Bahda Dhahar.com Dhamaan Ducaada, Ardayda Jamaacada Bariga Afrika Waxa ay tacsi u dirayaan Eheladii uu ka geeriyooday Dr. Cabdulqaadir Maxamed Cabdulaahi Waxana ay leyihiin samir iyo iimaan Alle ha inka siiyo Isaga Janadii Fardawso Alle ha ka waraabiyo. Amiin Amiin Amiin Saciid Baxwal Dhahar Radio [/QB] Ilaahow u naxariiso, samir iyo iimaana reerkiisa iyo eheladiisa, Aamiin.

Originally posted by J11: I think Oodweyne is a relation of ninkaa la qabtay hence his constant cry over Maakhir. Oodka, take it easy. I mean you cant do jack about Maakhir in a war now while you are still under Aabe Riyaale. Marka ma 'aabe kan yar (Riyaale) iga reeb oo kan weyn (Maakhir) igu daa baa?' Adeer, horta isa soo xoreeya, and then we can talk about settling scores. You don't see reer Maakhir talking war here - it's just you. But they'll be waiting for your move. Move or aamus. . To Oodweyne Aabe Riyaale was a democratically elected President yesterday and now he is a "honourable guest", a similar statement repeatedly made by emasculated SNM veterans. Thanks Xudeedi for the glimpse of history.

Originally posted by Oodweyne: Mr. Nassir , I see you are still telling yourself about all manner of “fairytales” in regards to Sanaag region, and in particularly, how it was “saved” in the nick of time against what you would call the then SNM folks; heh... dear lad .... Well, I guess, if all you have is to say, that we have conceding the “ownership” of Erigavo ( in the political sense of that word ), on the back of the pain of being militarily evicted, back in 1991 , and therefore, we accept, the “jurisdictional oversight” of that city in Somaliland's hand; and furthermore alludes that the bulk of fight was done “East of Erigavo” ( notice that is the territories of Makhirians , per se ); and also you accept that as of today the “fact of the ground” as established by the war of 1991 is still stand. Then, in that case, I won't be churlish enough to rain in your fantastical parade that says some “defeat” was given to the then SNM forces , by the “gallant Makhirians” in the years between 1991 – 1993 . .... [/QB] Oodweyne, of all the evidence put forth against your weak flying points, you are still stuck in a desperate appeal (a make-belief challenge) that the joint administration that currently functions in one of the 6 major Districts of Sanaag, to be dislodged in favor of your perceived original owners a.k.a Maakhirians. First, this make-belief reasoning has a flawed premise for it does not do any justice to other historical settlers in this District of Erigavo because you wholeheartedly paint them as the original downtrodden society or squaters who, with divine intervention, mounted a successful coup that overthrew the past unjust administrations and who, afterwards, conducted ethnic cleansing campaign to uproot its natives. This wild make-belief position of yours is baffling to all of us and it, truly, induces a guffaw in its best moment Unless your wish to construct a myth of a pestilential omen betide on reer Sanaag---a scenerio in which the interlude of peace between perpetual wars is measurable by a hand formula. However, reer Maakhir had long realized the value of peace with its neighbors and therefore want to keep it that way until we have a government of national union. As of Ilka-Jiir not visiting his birth city, it's a strategic and political. Strategic because the General does not want to disturb the delicate balance that currently exists in the city in which the residents greatly enjoy peace and security. And he has a broad political base, that he drews with complete support. Even though the secessionist clique claims his region, they know if they violate his base or entertain the idea of closing the artificial colonial border how unsuccesful would that adventure be and the vale of cries and fear that may ensue. I don't wish a catalysmic events to be unleashed on my brethrens on the North-west. It's a little reality-check on my part, one that safely lands your high flying delusions. I am a believer of Somali unity and if that perturbs those who like to dismember Somalia so be it. Ps. Fyi, In 2003, Colonel Abdiassis Haji Elmi, a deputy chief of Puntland Police and head of its CID conducted a criminal investigation in Erigavo City involving of suspect crack-jackers. In this old news,, you will find how the joint administration imposed an administrative curfew after a small conflict involving between a Makhiri and Northwestern clans over a land dispute. A reality-check again

Originally posted by Mr. Somalia: ^^ Nassir, You're using logic and common sense reasoning backed up with facts. Unfortunately the secessionists minions on SOL don't understand reason. They lack the capacity and will to deal with reality as it is. Coming soon. Thanks Bro. That is what it sounds like.

^Oodweyne, seriously, to think of a major defeat on the back of Makhirian in any major battle over the affairs and administration of their own cities would be an aberrant event. But this is a historic region for them along with the strategic advantages of centralized political adminstrations that preceded the Afweyne era. Thus, the argument that reer Makhir would be weaker relative to the SNM attacks does not hold much water. The Muslim sultanate that survived up until 1920s tells much of the strength of this regions' main inhabitants. The SNM-Makhiri wars lasted for about 3 years (this was all the Northwestern clans against Makhiris). The SNMs led a pitch fervor of revenge against a perceived segment to which Makhiris were one of the lineages that made up this segment, and an irresistable urge to pillage and loot the city and its residents. The decisive battle was in DamallaHagare and Carmaale(just 20KM east of Erigavo) , where over 500 SNMs killed in battle and 200 battle wagons captured. Since then, it was concluded that it was to the best interest of the region and by extension the whole north to bring the raging tribal wars to an end and embark on a long and ardous process of tribal reconciliation. Hundreds and hundreds of peace delegates were sent across communities, funded by the UN and other international NGOs. It turned out to be successful and peace reigned all over. Now, on a number of ocassions, there has been inter-tribal clashes in Erigavo between the clans of ElAfwayns District. There are live vidoes on Youtube that vividly describe the long dated feuds and enmity the two have for each other. It's the clan's customary laws and agreements that govern the city. We are talking about Western Sanaag. Of course, Somaliland administration on the city of Erigavo, but at the end of the day, what matters is clan Jurisdiction should a dispute over a farm or land triggers a major conflict. Second, Erigavo is not that important compared to Badhan, the biggest and the fastest growing city in Sanaag. Our disagreement over the future of "Somaliland" will center on Erigavo and other western towns Shimbiraale and Ceellaqodey. The most important cities and towns fall under the administration of Puntland and they are the most populated areas and the most economically advanced. That is what matters the most to reer Maakhir and they have never lost one inch of land to the secessionists, a feat they possess over their rival, seperatist-inclined Hargeisa fiefdom.

Without a doubt, The new Somali regime's embrace of Scientific Socialism even though this system was incompatible with our Muslim way of live, after the assassination of Sharmarke, was the turning point. However, in its 7 years of rule, the military regime implemented exceptional projects by building up new roads, airports, schools and hospitals. Public education was made free and a large scale commercial production of the country's resources were encouraged with government subsidy. Average life standards greatly improved and Somalia had become one of the most powerful military regime in Africa.

Originally posted by ThankfulSP: Nassir, Do you speak for all of Sanaag? Is that all you care about because that is were your Reer comes from? You should be upset about everyone I mention, not just your group. It seems you only care about the people of Sanaag. I don't speak for all of Sanaag but it serves the interest of both clans to diagnoze the root of this Sool debacle. When Sanaag is not occupied by the Somaliland clans, why tell the whole world that the region is militarily occupied and needs to be liberated? Doesn't the spread of such biased statements make a mockery out of its inhabitants, who have shed blood for its defense? It's wrong and unfair characterization of the region of Sanaag. The Sool issue is an internal and it needs to be resolved through an internal based mechanism, and if there is a place to be liberated, it has to be Sool, not Sanaag Region. We all share the political failure and division within reer Puntland, but focusing on the heart of the problem or its root lies the solution. Therefore, let us all be engaged in a grass-roots campaign with the end result of forging unity within and of liberating SOOL as a last resort. Efforts of Peace and Solidarity should be given a priority by the state of Puntland.

Oodweyne, Yes Erigavo used to come under Ina'Shire's Sultanate during and prior to the British Empire but the ownership and management have always rested on a shared principle unless you are made to believe, through a fraud account of oral transfers, that Makhiris colonized the city and its natives and thus the rise of its natives was an inevitable breakthough or liberation. Your post gives this widespread rumour being circulated around your triangle stronghold, but it's laughable to see it regurgitated by the supposed intellectuals. I said it, once, that The city of Erigavo(not most of its Makhiri villages) is co-owned while its control and management structure has neither violated nor modified the 1992-3 peace treaty and the jurisdictions it had set. While Sanaag is 90% Makhiri in terms of demographics, there is a binding peace agreement the Makhiris entered with the two "Somaliland" clans of western Erigavo and ElAfwayn from 1992-3. Vide this agreement, which preserves the peace and safeguards the territorial borders of Each clan. Regulations agreed at a Special Conference between the ********* and ******** at Shimbirale, 8-18 November 1992 With effect from 18 August any property stolen or looted should be returned immediately. Anybody who suffers injury cannot take revenge on the clans of the criminal but will seek payment from the individual responsible or from his immediate sub-clan. Those who suffer casualties should take no revenge measures themselves but inform the standing committee on peace. If they take steps by way of revenge, they will be treated as bandits. The standing committee on peace will use the services of the peace forces when needed. Anyone killed or injured while involved in acts of banditry will be treated as a dead donkey and should be denied any rights. Any sub-clans engaged in acts of banditry which cause death or material loss should pay whatever damage they have caused. In addition, they will pay a bond of 100 female camels. This bond will be made over to the joint administration of the two sides, for common use. ----------- In November 1992, some 400 delegates representing the ******** and the ******* met at Jideli. By the end of the conference they had agreed that each clan would be responsible for maintaining law and order in its own territory. A joint local committee of 30 members would be responsible for settling conflicts according to the terms laid down at conference. If more rain fell in the land of one clan, the guest community attracted by the pasture would be responsible for the protection of the lives and livestock of the host community.

ThankfulSP, please take Sanaag out of this mayhem and verbal assault. You are just as confused as your daily mantra of the sons of Faroole.

Lol @ food delivering trucks. Such a clown Oodweyne is. Xudeedi, ragan waa xiiqsan yihiin, let them relieve themselves.

Hatu, reer Gaarisa are extremely patriotic, judging from those I have seen. Ismahan, three things might strengthen our patriotism; we need to have constant vigilance towards the ill-designs of Somalia's enemies, particularly Ethiopia, and Kenya. We need Justice and we need a unified leadership.

Good read, Xudeed. Thanks. What do you think of the "imaginary USP revival"?

Here is a relevant argument I made 2 years ago J-11 and others, thanks for the clarification. It has helped a lot. The seeds of resistance has sprouted into sturdy tree and it is therefore imperative not to resist the intellectual debate of this important issue.I had the impression whether the semantics is a cause for concern or a matter for congratulation. Unfortunately, there is no right set of criteria to decide on both assumptions. I think we can steer the struggle into a win-win situation to balance obligations, minimize losses and equalize potential gains. Obviously, many fear that the word has sectarian and divisive content. It doesn't make sense to me that it is unthinkable to shed off the relics of colonialism but reasonable to stave off the challenges of a more primitive one with the same relics that divided Somalis. Let us evaluate the proponents of the semantical status quo. They may say the rest of Somalis in the region have failed to participate or perhaps they may be subscribe to a general perception that their active participation will have no impact on the struggle because of their relative weakness or size as Mr. Observer argues. Even so, we should not be shortsighted in reckoning the expected benefit. It may be worth accepting marginal applicants if there is a chance that they may become a regular and reliable allies. As they say Isolationism is no longer a practical policy and the reason why people cry out for comprehension out of this aggressive attitude and mounting clannish assertiveness. Another view I have is that this ethnical sense of the struggle is a tool that is manipulated. Ethno-characteristics (take the ethno as clan) is a powerful force when effectively mobilized and used as an instrument for political ends. As Dr. Hagmann who is a regional expert argues the O strengthens the incentives for the elites to financially engage their people (diaspora) both as a source of fuel for the movement and quest for potential leadership role in their territories such as power and status in case a full regional autonomy is negotiated with international actors playing a major facilitation role. Indeed this is one possible scenario intended on finding a viable political settlement with one end goal, which might be intended to save Ethiopia from increasing internal constraints towards peace and democratic reforms. Ethiopia is now very much discredited for its human rights violations and genocidal campaigns. The west is therefore getting increasingly frustrated with the draconian policies of Ethiopia and might withdraw their financial commitment. I believe there has to be a comprehensive, inclusive model for the struggle. With such mindset and perceptions, our people might not succeed navigating the treacherous waters of the colonial policies of Ethiopia.

Originally posted by Raamsade: Wealth ultimately comes from productivity gains and innovation not consumption. Remittance fueled consumption economy is not gonna get you anywhere. You're merely transferring wealth from more affluent Somalis in the diaspora to less well-off Somalis in Somalia. Giving with one hand, taking it away with the other. Well said Raamsade. The prospect of Somalia becoming an industralized nation is not that far fetched, methinks. We are already seeing the rise of mini industries throughout Somalia. Thanks Duke.

By Abdulkadir Nur Salah (Donyale) October 15, 2009 ...One of the biggest elements of unity is the Institution of Justice. Thus, if we can establish a system that dispenses justice to all the members of a society, then we are not too far from reaching unity. Many prominent scholars argue that Allah does not destroy a community, nation, or a society as long as they are doing justice. Allah says in surrah huud “In truth thy lord destroyed not the townships tyrannously while their folk were doing right” (11:117). The implications of Justice do not only concern individuals who hold high offices, rather it is obligatory upon every member of the society to uphold and defend the virtues of justice. No one defines justice better than Aristotle, who believed justice was a character trait, not a state of being. He continues his definition of justice by explaining the opposite of justice, which is “the injustice person”. The unjust person is someone who is over occupied by greed or self-indulgence. On the contrary the scope of justice is defined by everything that is good with respect to one’s neighbors/ fellow citizens. The other element that parallels with justice is unified leadership. Unified leadership plays a major role in determining success or failure towards the formation of a stable and unified society. The prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in a hadith “if three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them their leader.” Many contemporary scholars argue that even the formation of poor leadership is better than anarchy. One of the most prominent Muslim theologist ibnu Taimiyah (rahimahullah) said, “sixty years of an unjust ruler is better than one night without a Sultan”. He continues his argument and says, “it should be noted that to regulate the affairs of people is one of the most important requirements of the religion.” The vagueness of the term “unity” signals as one of the most difficult values to achieve and its meaning is relative in every given society. Unity is achieved through an inclusive effort that requires the participation of all the members of our society. Hence, if society was like a cell, the nucleus of the society would constitute its unity and the shield, which is the cell membrane, would constitute Justice. To obtain unity, we must learn to collaborate our interest with the general interest of the society. However, if the two afflict, we must take sides with the one that produces the greatest Output which is the general interest of all. Read more

He who boast himself is like a goat sucked by itself? Rudy, the owner of an arrogant action breaks, not its meaning.

Al-shabaab waa raaxeesteen ileen. Lol. Harqaanka lagu ogaa sheekadaas cabirka.

Loool Jamal. That was a big laugh. One of my uncles who was conscripted into the Police in Erigavo in the early 60s, was transfered to Alula, Bari. He came of age as a camel-herder. I was told he got sick for days out of his first time eating of Sardine. So Poet Ali Mah had seen and experienced the idiosyncracies of our culture in the hinterland. Isn't true that reer-xeebeedka do make fun of reer Xadeedka and Soolasha? That is what I heard.

Originally posted by 'Dalmar': Garaad run buu sheegay oo xaqa ayuu ka hadlay The snm malitia should leave the SSC regoin immediately, secessionists have no right to stay in SSC regoins, its a matter of time before people of SSC liberate their land from the clan faction of somalidiid-land At least the Garaad has a real country Somalia, and secessionists have no country at all after 2 decades no one in this world wants to recognize their fake country. The international community rejected to balkanize Somalia, and their support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia Dalmar, it's not Sanaag that is occupied. Why would Sanaag be liberated when it's out of secessionists' militia unless you are talking about the far western Sanaag end, which is inhabited by its Bur'o people. I agree with SSC people but I completely disagree with the Liberation of Sanaag mantra. Tread carefully with that mantra.

Originally posted by 'Dalmar': Garaad run buu sheegay oo xaqa ayuu ka hadlay The snm malitia should leave the SSC regoin immediately, secessionists have no right to stay in SSC regoins, its a matter of time before people of SSC liberate their land from the clan faction of somalidiid-land At least the Garaad has a real country Somalia, and secessionists have no country at all after 2 decades no one in this world wants to recognize their fake country. The international community rejected to balkanize Somalia, and their support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia Dalmar, it's not Sanaag that is occupied. Why would Sanaag be liberated when it's out of secessionists' militia unless you are talking about the far western Sanaag end, which is inhabited by its Bur'o people. I agree with SSC people but I completely disagree with the Liberation of Sanaag mantra. Tread carefully with that mantra.

Originally posted by Che -Guevara: From little coastal village to thriving business center, what could happen when we are not killing. Exactly.. Xudeedi, La-riba Micro-finance scheme would have helped many small businesses and farmers. It's all about the Hawala system, livestock and fishery as the main source of hard currency earnings. Businesses and families loan each other based on trust and of potential mutual benefits but there is no such institution. Perhaps Dahabshiil and others tranforming into a major banks might help.