Originally posted by Alle-ubaahne: ^If a whole clan, or presumably their majority, agrees one thing, which is to defeat Allah's religion from becoming the rule of law in the country, isn't that a sign of something that makes them not only the problem of our nation but the enemy of Islam? the family is known for everyone, and that family must be the family of Sheytaan, or a clan that is taken by sheytaan for its evil projects against the Muslims. that is an observation, not a Quran or a hadiith, awoowe! If you mean by the clan/family possessed by Satan as in a symbolic way the anti-Clan Courts camp comprising all qabiils? Than why say majority of this supposed clan if this 'clan' is a symbol for all 'Anti-Islam' Somalis? Don't display your lack of intelligence by insulting ours.

The patience of Abdullahi Yusuf over the past few months, as the Clan Courts Union have surrounded his bastion, has paid off and he has begun to enjoy the start of its fruition. Even though the Clan Courts Union are the initiators of this new war and are the ones that foolishly challenged Abdullahi Yusuf and his Addis Ababa lifeline, the Clan Courts Union seem to undergo an azzwhooping that will probably last weeks. Beledweyne, Gelinsoor, Cadaado, Caawdwaaq, Bandiiradley, Buuloburde etc. have all fallen. Jowhar, Diinsoor, Hobyo among others will follow suit. It would be foolish to think that the advancement towards Benaadir will end here or soon, this trend will continue till the Transitional Government gains the upper hand in any future negotiations with the Clan Courts Union under Aweys. Taking over Mogadishu is not the objective! Some argue that the Clan Courts Union might have rushed themselves into war, but in all honesty they should have started this war much earlier if they ever wanted to achieve what they have set out to achieve from the beginning; conquer the entire ex-Somali Republic! Now it's too late, the Transitional Government has: - combined and mobilized its own Transitional Government forces with the allied forces of disgruntled ex-warlords and Puntland militias with horrifying military support by the Ethiopian military. - received their 'licence' by the UN with the help of the US to amass serious military hardware for the weak Transitiona Government's army. - pulled off the deployment of a peacekeeping force that will strengthen the position of the Transitional Government on the ground. So as you can see the Clan Courts Union haven't seen nothing yet. It's in their interest to call for a ceasefire, before they lose it all. Calling for a ceasefire means losing face among the Somali populace, but they will at least save some baggage for any negotiations with the Transitional Government of which its president was elected fair and squarely (the election was supported by all Somali parties, except for the entity named Somaliland). We've all expected a showdown of epic proportions entering 2007, but nothing like this. Will 2007 be the year Abdullahi Yusuf will control virtually most of Somalia? Arrive in Mogadishu? The total elimination of the Clan Courts Union in much the same way as Al Itihad Al Islamiya in the 90s?

LOOL that was just hilarious. Thanks for the laughter. This was a classic.

An Australian doc about Range Resources, a company that has created a lot of buzz last year, and their African adventure. You'll get to meet the Range Resources officials and their meeting with the Puntland and Somali government officials in the regional capital Garowe. The Conoco exploration camp and Range's local office in Bosasso are also featured in this doc. PART 2 It was kind of painful to see how ill informed these Aussies are on how to shake hands concerning Somalis. They assumed that the double handshake that is common in most African countries, also applies to Somalis. Just watch when they shake hands with the tribal elders after handing out the $250.000 dollar check to help construct the Conoco airfield north of Garowe.

Originally posted by Devilangle: Other than a woman's face, I can also see a man playing the sax in it.

I believe I've seen this picture somewhere before. Oh I remember it was here . Strange enough, the source says it's Garacad Beach in Puntland, rather than Batalale Beach in Berbera.

Dooxada Nugaaleed of course. What a silly question. The best and most arabian horses in Somalia are found in that valley. Sanaag occupies a very distant second place. Siad Barre [RIP] touring Nugaal province.

Amazing scenery. Abdullahi Yusuf jokingly said once during his visit to Sanaag that he couldn't understand, with such beautiful sceneries, how on earth his tribesmen hadn't dared to take a piece from it for all those centuries. Maakhir can you tell us what kind of wild animals still roam in those mountains. It looks conveniently isolated.

I have no problem donating my organs, as I won't be using them six feet under. But do I want my body to be cut up from head to toe? No thank you. You can have my clothes.

Amazing pictures, but most don't do Puntland much justice to tell you the truth. These 3 pictures are of Buurtinle and not Gaalkacyo. I recognized a small mosque (red cariish) and Alla Aamin Hotel (green cariish) at the left of the road coming from Garoowe's direction. On another note to Sakhar; I remember that another SOLer was kind enough to share those pictures of Eyl with us all, so also be kind enough not to trespass on its copyright.

We shall see what the future of the Jubbas is about to behold. Barre Hiiraale unwisely ignored the famous saying: "dagaal wiil baa ku dhinto, will kuma dhasho." Embarked on an allready futile attempt to recapture Kismaayo from the very start, he is about to feel the truth of the aforementioned saying. His clan will end up a lot weaker, more hopeless and divided than ever before because of his decisions.

Nobody is able to watch rape scenes. The tought that the actress changed her mind right after the director says: "ACTION!", leading her to being raped by her colleague, all the while the director admires her convincing acting, consumes our mind. No? Than maybe it's just me. I watched SAW I with a buddy during the afternoon. We were this close to end up in each other's arms. But a group of girls were babbling next door and they could just barge in at the wrong moment.

GD, Either Cadde's authority is not taken seriously in Puntland or he has given the green light to this looting himself. Either way he is the loser. MMA, You speak as if Somali people at large are not uneducated, ignorant and illiterate? I'm not saying our people are dumb, but don't you think that if education is what develops a people, than this is the result of no or insufficient education? Xamarna laftigeedaba wadooyin qalqaloocan beey lahayd in some areas during colonial and government eras, it only added to the charm of Xamar cadey.

It's a given fact that the Puntland administration is corrupt to the core. The secretive, amateurish and corrupt handling of these affairs by the Puntland administration is a crystal clear indication of how the revenues will be managed in the future. Cadde turned out to be even worse than Yeey. Yeey was surrounded by thieves, whereas Cadde is the thief itself. I wish you good luck brother Sophist. You're a noble man in my book.

Originally posted by HornAfrique: Hadee tani dhab tahay, I suppose I will have no choice but to give back my confidence. You gave back your confidence a little bit earlier when you found out that your clan was given more positions by the ICU in the Kismaayo maamul than you thought. Don't deny, you are to transparent. It has always been about qabiil with you. If my eyes are not deceiving me and really see Cayrow being praised as the favorite son-in-law, than may Allah protect the Somali people from itself. Enjoying the spoils of the rich Shabeele, feeding itself from the Mogadishu war booty wasn't even as worse as compared to the collective embarrassment Cayrow inflicted upon the Somali people when he dug up the remains of the Italian graves, while at that same particular time the Italians gave washed up dead Somali bodies on its coast a proper burial with Somali flag and the works. Masaakiinta iskaba dhaafe, even those who have been dead for half a century or more are haunted by this character.

ETN TV is one of the leading TV Channel Network in Somali. Staffed 24 hours, seven days a week ETNTV.net features the latest multimedia technologies, from live video streaming to audio packages to searchable archives of news features and background information. The site is updated continuously throughout the day. More... This Somali TV channel operates from Puntland and is working on getting ETN on the sattelite dish in London so Somalis abroad can follow news and views from Somalia and especially Puntland. ETN gives here an interview about their expansion The ETN studio in Boosaaso

Dear Mr Oodweyne, Cabdiqaasim Salaad Booy plays a gigantic role in this Somali underworld. Booy and his clan-cousin Deylaaf were very close with this Boore character. A relationship that has cooled off dramatically after a set of blunders concerning the printing and transporting of counterfeit money during the TNG-Carta period. Boore was also promised expected building contracts in Muqdisho during the Carta period. They have never materialized and Boore's interests in Muqdisho have diminished, so too the importance of Booy and his clique in Somali politics. Even though their revenues in South Muqdisho, Shabeellaha Hoose and Kismaayo are increasing, they have lost their most important asset, the leadership of a recognized Somali government to their archenemy, Cabdullaahi Yuusuf Yeey. Time should tell wether Yeey's TFG is going down the same road as Booy's TNG and uses its privileges for a short-term goal to enrich and empower the lucky clan of the day or to genuinely try to pacify Southern Somalia. I know Oodweyne, at the end its a sad situation for us Somalis and the future generations that are stuck with the past's wrongs. Think about the man-made environmental disasters and extreme polarization and mistrust between the Somali clans that the Somali children of tomorrow will have to face. I refuse to believe in the saying that a people deserves its leader wether good or bad. The man who coined this must have been mentally challenged. Every nation deserves the best leadership possible or fight to get it.

Because of the fall of the government, many doors have opened for the criminal minded in Somalia. Printing of counterfeit money, toxic waste dumping, human trafficking, arms trade, drugs trade, modern piracy. There are also minor criminal activities like charcoal trade, wildlife trade and import of outdated foodstuffs and medicines. A lot of this started out small, some of them existed before 1991. But what many people don't realise is that foreign elements fuel and facilitate these criminal activities. Forget about the countries that indirectly benefit from it like, Yemen from the arms trade and the Emirates from the charcoal trade. The number one boogie man is Djibouti, its president and his cronies. Djibouti has an extensive relationship with the Italian mafia and recently also with the Russians. These mobs have businesses in Djibouti, from shipping and construction to drugs, gambling and prostitution. Their Djiboutian friends, one among them the president Ismaaciil Cumar Geele, have even gone as far as protecting these illicit enterprises. Here is where Somalia comes into play, the Mafia under Cumar Geele's patronage opened more doors in East Africa. One of the many clan-cousins from Dirir Dhabo Cumar Geele surrounds himself with is the well-known Cabdiraxmaan Boore. Just a nobody in the beginning of the 90s turned into a powerful business tycoon. His Holding company is very successful, but he earned his wealth by his monopoly of the tobacco trade by bringing Benson & Hedges, Royals, Players cigarettes to the East African markets. The most popular brands in Somalia and Ethiopia. Both Somaliland and Puntland once banned his business activities and Somaliland even went as far as burning his tobacco products in Berbera port. But in Somaliland his business is booming again because of Daahir Riyaale Kaahin, a close friend of Djibouti. Via Boore and his Djibouti connection, not only did the Mafia spread its tentacles to Somalia, the country once partly and briefly occupied by the land of Ferrari and pasta and therefore not totally unfamiliar with the Mafia, but criminal minded Somalis themselves were strengthened with new facilities and partners. The Italian Mafia controls all the toxic waste facilities in Italy and has been dumping toxic waste in Afar coastal areas and Western Somaliland coast initially. At the fall of Somalia, the Mafia with collaboration with local warlords and businessmen became active in dumping toxic waste in Somali coasts from Puntland to the stretch between Hobyo and Marka. Many Puntlander businessmen whom engaged into these contracts signed away areas outside Puntland, which made them seek refuge temporarily in, where else, Djibouti's Sheraton Hotel which at the time was owned by Cuma Geele and Boore. As Muqdisho had been the centre of Somalia's criminal activities for obvious reasons in the past, Puntland and Boosaaso in particular took over that title. Its interesting to note how Italian business interests in Muqdisho like the Pasta industry were relocated to Boosaaso in the 90s. Ironically Puntland and its Boosaaso are one of the most tranquil and fastest developing areas in Somalia, but where criminal activities are flourishing to this day. Arms destined for the Bakaaraha Market and therefore all the factions of Southern and Central Somalia are mostly imported from Yemen through Puntland. Drugs, charcoal and wildlife [in 2005 a container loaded with Lion skins were discovered in Boosaaso] have an outlet in Puntland. Modern piracy in Somalia which quickly made Somalia's waters top the list of most dangerous areas in the world, originated and seasoned in Puntland. The latest payment was for a pirate group in Eyl, Nugaal that managed to receive $650 000 after holding a Greek ship hostage. Just like piracy, human trafficking has found a safe haven in Puntland. Hundreds of innocent Somalis are dumped in the Red Sea by ruthless thugs whom continue do so because they are protected by their kin in Puntland and given a blind eye by the incompetent Puntland administration. That this organised crime will probably get worse is almost a fact. Organised crime doesn't end with the end of lawlessness and anarchy as the Puntland case demonstrates as well as the TFG who by its president Cabdullaahi Yuusuf Axmed make use of this criminal network by printing counterfeit money as he used to as Puntland president to oil his political machines through his clan nephews. One of them, Siciid Cabdi Firin, is handling the shipment of a large load of counterfeit money for the TFG destined to the Puntland central bank in Boosaaso and Interim capital Baydhabo that will damage the Shilling for the upteenth time from Burco to Kismaayo. One of the TFG ministers, Xasan Abshir Faarax a notorious opportunist, is reported to use his Marine resources ministry to make money out of issuing fishing permits that encompasses all of Somalia's coasts. And with the money laundering network in Djibouti, Somali criminals can make use of, this disturbing legacy of the disintegration of Somalia will be sealed.

You should have changed your topic title into: Abdulahi Yusuf recognizes the idea of Hiiraale as the ruler of Kismaayo? Because that is what you are thinking about. You hope that this will mean that Hiiraale and his cohorts will forever be left alone and Kista will be 'owned' by his folk from then on. The annoying claims and threats by a certain clan will hopefully end. Just like Baardheere, Kismaayo will be taken over just like that. Aint gone happen. Kismaayo is different. Its not just another city in the outback. For someone who never trusts a word Abdulahi says, you trust him now somehow. Abdulahi is just using Hiiraale against the likes of Qanyare, Yalaxow, Cabdiqaasim. And Jubbaland will never be agreed upon in a grand shir, let alone materialize if people are under occupation in that region. That means as long as Hiiraale is in the picture, Jubbaland will just be a dream. If you want a port you control, build a dock on the river in Gedo. After 7 years all JVA has managed to come up for Kismaayo port with is, dhuxul dhoof! dhuxul dhoof! While we are talking about one of the best ports of Somalia. Look at Boosaaso and Ceel Macaan. Some serious money could have been made in Kismaayo, but the will for the nessecary investment wasn't there. Certainly not from the senior JVA members from Dhuusomareeb, but now with Abdulahi's 'approval' will there be a change on the side of the JVA juniors? I personally think that it is too late. Let me explain why. If you want me to speak in your language. Don't forget that the JVA's firm rule stems from the power of the partner of Dhuusamareeb and not Caabudwaaq. And as Dhuusomareeb ay ka dhergeen TNGda in those days, now Dhuusomareeb are not as they were with Cabdiqaasim. No more Arab millions shamelessly pouring into a subclan's business interests and military strength, while a man who is now in Cabdiqaasim's shoes and who used to be far far away in Boosaaso is now in the heart of the south mobilizing troops and getting armed to the teeth. You thought the JVA's future was bright, well guess again.

This conflict is blown out of proportion. Its a mere confrontation sparked by the presence of Puntland troops sent to Majayahaan, 30 km southwest of Bossasso in Sanaag region, to secure the area for exploration activities by Range Resources. The local militias felt intimidated and some fighting occured. Even the desperate cries of the Somaliland government about Puntland's dealings with companies interested in the Sanaag and Sool regions were more threatening than this skirmish that can be easily solved. Majayahaan was functional during the 80s by a Bulgarian mining company, so there shouldn't be significant problems now. That Cadde Muuse's subclansmen from Karkaar region are encroaching upon their neighbours in the Sanaag region by illegally setting up new villages and chopping trees for charcoal is a matter to those two groups. Like Carmo this can also be peacefully settled. Carmo was located in a disputed territory south of Bossasso on the paved highway. Reer Qandala flocked to Carmo and turned it into the subclan's primary settlement. At the end things have been settled with Reer Sanaag. Some like to draw a correlation between this and Majayahaan to raise tension in Puntland and the two brotherly clans. Some pictures of Majayahaan

Allaaha Yarxaama PICS of the boqor's funeral at Xabaalaha Xaaji Aadan outside Qardho, the capital of the boqor's realm. http://www.horseednet.com/hrpics/FrameSet.htm

I wouldn't read too much into Col Yeey's words. He wants to get political points by holding hands (!) with Cismaan Caato and posing for pictures. Now, Gen Cadde Muuse is back and he immediately flew to Galkacyo to meet with Col Yeey and further busy himself with "federal" matters while overt corruption destroys the political and economic fabric of Puntland! Puntland needs to be saved. You're right, Col Yeey is probably saying that to win some brownie points. Unconfirmed reports say that Col Yeey requested Gen Cadde to transfer $300.000 from the Puntland treasury to Baraxley. A request that pissed Gen Cadde off. Especially after Afqudhac approved to give the Speaker $500.000 after Col Yeey's request. For what exactly? The parliament meeting in Baydhabo will be financed by the IC! Even though Puntland needs to be saved. And the one to do that is Cadde. I do believe that the TFG is more important than Puntland for the time being. So I can understand why he flew to Gaalkacyo to meet with Col Yeey behind closed doors. I was for once advocating for a 'separation' wall to be build in order to protect 'ourselves' from the criminals inside 'baraxley' Sayid, you can't be serious. The people of Glkacyu have a choice of uniting and prospering or keeping these sensless divisions. Puntland should not put too many conditions to the "other side", nor should Southern Mudug keep to the stuborn side. United police force and city council and a share of all public institutions. Galkacyu will then compete to become a truly great city in comparison with the rest of Somalia. Gaalkacyo has a lot of potential without the tension and separation that it currently sees. It is a win-win situation. Once Baraxley is integrated into the rest of Gaalkacyo and the rest of Gaalkacyo opens up to Baraxley and both parties lose their hostile attitudes towards each other, we will see Reer K/Mudug iyo G/Guduud in the diaspora and Muqdisho investing in Gaalkacyo.

[On the way to Taar City Hotel - 2 miles north of Gaalkacyo] [At the far Northern end of Gaalkacyo] [Finally arriving at Taar City Hotel] [Local school girls waiting in the hotel to welcome the speaker] [From L-R: PL Speaker Dalmar, TFG Speaker Sharif and the president] [The speaker and president between Minister of Planning Cabdirisaq Jurille and Prime Minister Cali Geedi] [On their way to the dining hall for the Qado Sharaf for the speaker and his Wafdi]

We were all slowly surprised when Gaalkacyo, the capitol of Mudug hosted the president, prime minister, speaker and a large number of ministers, MPs and ambassadors at once. Especially with the controversy hanging around Gaalkacyo as the primary stronghold of Cabdullahi Yuusuf's politics and as the home of the civil war's most bloodthirsty and ruthless warlords. I don't understand the statements coming out of Gaalkacyo of the past week. Its very good that the TFG wants Gaalkacyo and Mudug in general to unite. But how will that be done? Will Southern Mudug become part of Puntland? Something I don't see happening easily. But when Cabdullahi Yuusuf, a man from Northern Mudug says, deep in Baraxley, that Southern Mudug is part of Puntland and that Cusmaan Caato, Ducaale Xaaf and Maxamed Furux (All Mog Warlords) cheering after that statement makes me wonder. [speaker's plane arrives at Gaalkacyo International Airport] [Mayor of Gaalkacyo Yabaq at the airport] [Local women in traditional and nationalistic outfits at the airport] [Puntland and TFG MPs in line at the airport] [From the airport driving through Gaalkacyo] [Driving passed the ex-military base Dayax at the right of which the land has been privatised by Cabdullahi Yuusuf a few years ago after Gaalkacyo has grown so explosively that the Xero is now located in the city instead of outside the city]

Gaalkacyo hosts momentarily the president, prime minister, speaker of parliament and a great deal of ministers and parliamentarians. This is quite an achievement if we compare it with the situation before the Sanca agreement. Hopefully the result in Mudug's capital city will be that all differences between the officials will be settled and that the never-ending wars in Mudug and Galguduud will be ended indefinitely. Here are some more pics of the Speaker's arrival.