I am sure Ms Frazer was speaking not from her head but from her other end when she uttered those irresponsible words. The US has so far only convinced itself to ever commit more blunder as far as Somalia is concerned. They are running like a headless chicken which just lost its head in the most unlikely of circumstances. All signs say that they will get shamed for the Third time in a row. The first time, their dead was dragged on the streets of Mogadishu like trash. The second time, they were taught what "Shock and Awe" is all about when their puppets were taken out of the picture in lightening flash. The US was left bewildered and they were left with jaws touching the ground in Awe and Shock. And it looks like the third time will even be worse. All signs lead to a very shameful ending for the US. 1. The resolution they put all their eggs on has not materialised and Frazier's words "Is too late" (Love it) 2. They realised the IGAD (read Ethiopia) that was supposed to invade Somalia was effectively excluded from the list... and their last luck (Uganda) has changed its mind 3. Now they are running around like a headless chicken trying to convince other Africans (namely South Africa) to send troops fast... which is most likely not gonna happen. And now, Al Qaeda is in Somalia is their last resort. What a predicament they found themselves in.

^^ I think HA is refering to your "Subxaan" comment. ------- If these reports are true, then it looks like the ICU is slowly pushing towards Baidoa. The witness told Reuters he could see fighting going on in Safar Noolay, 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Baidoa along the defensive line the Islamists have set up to encircle roughly half of the only town the government controls.

Hugo Chavez oo u dhigdhigaaya Bush on national television. Hugo Chavz I laughed at the setting: Xero Dameeraad.

The ban would prohibit participation in the force by troops from Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya — but not Uganda, which is the only country thus far to volunteer troops. Since Eritrea is not excluded from participation, its impretive for it to take part to catch any Xabashi soldier hiding in Ugandan uniform. On a serious note this quick fix resolution born out of the desperation of a badly bruised US policy will surely backfire as has been witnessed from the defeated Warlords's case.

Suldaanka,before you and everyone else here even started talking about Sheikh,I was into Shiekh.I have already decided that if I ever wanted a place to live and raise a family,it would be sheikh rather than raise my family in bigger cities such as Hargeysa(my hometown) and Burco,or the hot and humid Berbera. Red, there are places that need to be preserved for the future generations to enjoy. Shiekh is one of them. You might not believe it but Hargeisa itself was once a green lushful valley full of edible trees such Gob, Rumaan, Madheedh etc. Many people who remember those good old days are still alive. How disappointing is it that today you will hardly come across a tree outside the city? Awoowe, I would suggest you to change plans. Head for Berbera. walaale ileen nin aan socdaalin ayaad ahayed! Now I understand why you are an avid supporter of wadanka in laga gooyo. Cammi, wadanka marna wuxu mar askari haystay oo wada checkpoint ahaa, one could hardly afforded visiting anywhere without the usual checkpoint asking you "Galool Xagarle intee waaye Macaw?" Waar Galool Xagarle waa buurtan yar dabadeeda ee baabuurka noo sii daa... ""Maandhow 100 shilin iyo baakir sigaara ayaa lagu ganaaxayaa"... War maxaad ii ganaaxaysa ma danbaan galay? "Igaarka jeelka laguu taxaaba nooh, amar dowla mudeec aa tay"... waar yaa ilaahay yaqaan. Cammi Sophist, wali inta Maxakamad ku sheeg lagu soo taagin ayaan lagugu soo dacweyn dabiga ah "Ku Qosle Kabtan Kufay" oo lugugu xukumin 10 sano oo lagaa neefineyn. Only then you will understand wadankan la kala jaraayo. :eek: Jecliyaaye jamaa dhulka hooyo Jecliyaaye xornimo aan ku joogo... there is nothing like it visiting your country when its free and independent.

^^ But I've been to South of it, though.

^^ Howard is a political animal - he fights over like all his political career depends on it on any issue whether small or large. I don't think the ALP has any chance as long as he is in the helm of the Liberals.

I think the main reason why the JVA collapsed was the fact that Col. Hiiraale was pushing for the idea of Jubbaland. This idea was one which was divisive in nature, in that it sidelined some important members of the JVA, and at the same time Hiiraale recieved nods of approval from the TFG leader. It is important to underscore that the rift between the JVA itself was something of a local to the Kismaio politics. The ICU's involvement was not aimed at Hiiraale himself but was aimed at the broader enemy which was Ethiopia and the TFG who both were eying for Kismaio as a possible stop-over. So in essense, the ouster of Hiiraale was more to do with the internal rivalry and political wrangling between leaders of the now defunct JVA.

I think the main reason why the JVA collapsed was the fact that Col. Hiiraale was pushing for the idea of Jubbaland. This idea was one which was divisive in nature, in that it sidelined some important members of the JVA, and at the same time Hiiraale recieved nods of approval from the TFG leader. It is important to underscore that the rift between the JVA itself was something of a local to the Kismaio politics. The ICU's involvement was not aimed at Hiiraale himself but was aimed at the broader enemy which was Ethiopia and the TFG who both were eying for Kismaio as a possible stop-over. So in essense, the ouster of Hiiraale was more to do with the internal rivalry and political wrangling between leaders of the now defunct JVA.

I think the main reason why the JVA collapsed was the fact that Col. Hiiraale was pushing for the idea of Jubbaland. This idea was one which was divisive in nature, in that it sidelined some important members of the JVA, and at the same time Hiiraale recieved nods of approval from the TFG leader. It is important to underscore that the rift between the JVA itself was something of a local to the Kismaio politics. The ICU's involvement was not aimed at Hiiraale himself but was aimed at the broader enemy which was Ethiopia and the TFG who both were eying for Kismaio as a possible stop-over. So in essense, the ouster of Hiiraale was more to do with the internal rivalry and political wrangling between leaders of the now defunct JVA.

This is Sheekh General Hospital which has a similar history. It is still in deplorable state and has not yet been restored since it was destroyed during the civilwar. But there are some selfless guys who are in the process of reviving this once beautiful hospital to its former glory as well. Sheekh General Hospital

Too bad I never seen the area. born and raised in Hargeisa and never went anywhere east or west of it. But, I got an uncle who is so fond about this school and the high standard education it used to provide. I showed him these pictures the other day and he just went on and on about stories. He said one of the main things the school taught the students were the sense of independence and maturity required of young studends who often were away from their families for the better most of the year. He said, one of the most enjoyable aspects, besides the high standards of education, was that you make friendships with other like minded students who often came from all over the country some from as far as Mogadishu and Djibouti. seems like they had a very good times.

This is one of the famous schools in Somaliland. Its where many Somali intellectuals who became very successfull in their respective careers gratuated from. The list is too long... Its located on the lush green hills near the town of Shiekh between Berbera and Burao. The school was badly damaged during the civilwar and was largely left to ruins before selfless former students decided to revive it. Thanks to their efforts the school has been restored to its former glory. ------

So is the premier of my home state Victoria, Steve Bracks (who i will be voting for in a few hours ). He is back! Rahima free public transport not enough to merit your vote? That is a very desperate policy designed to lure for unsuspecting working-class voters (The Libs are for the rich and well off... you gotta wonder when did the rich and the well off ever cared for public transportation?). Those Libs are "kiss-up kick-down" sort. Don't trust them.

Congrats Bishaaro. Wiil iyo Gabadh

I heard the Argantine footballer Batistuta (spelling?) has Lebonese blood.

^^^There is no proof of that, since the Siyad Regime lasted 21 years with an army and no millitia including the USC could even capture 30% of the nation. The first ten years, he had the support of the Somali people. But the next years he has been on a downward trajectory till he was ousted and chased out by ragtag clan melitias. A trained army is stronger than any millitia. For example the clan courts of Mogadishu defeated the millitia of the warlords because they had on their side outside elemnts with adequite millitary training while the warlords relied on their "fierce" clan millitias and look what happened. The melitias were never the enemy in this regard. The warlords were. And the Warlords were never liked by the people. At the end, the melitias stayed, the warlords fled.

One thing the Somalis are reknowned for is their fiercely independent mindedness. This sort of training compromises that dynamic quality of performing indivitually in the battlefields. I've read the book "Sun Sand and Somalis" whose author had a military background "a Major", and he talks about how the Somalis are "full of valour" and yet "they are not as savage" as other Africans. He talks about how an il-equipted Somali ragtag army overwhelmed a huge Ethiopian Royal army and even captured the leader but then let him go free. This ad-hoc ragtag mentality of warfare is deeply rooted in the Somali genes and is not something which just came about during the last 15 years of civilwar. I've no doubts that such melitias will always prevail over a trained army in the open desert fields of Somalia.

When did the Somali ever needed training? They were born to kill each other. Just hand them a gun and they are as deadly as a soldier can be.

Tv Somaliland Europe reporter Mr. Dalmar goes to Adhicadeeye to interview the head of the SL Army Eastern Division. 70 MB Video

Are you sure this the house that Madaxweyne Rayaale will retire in? The president deserves a better looking mansion. ps Is it my eyes or was the picture taken in 1995?

National Conference on correction of Institutional differences (Shir Qarameedka Turxaanbixinta Golayaasha Qaranka) opens in Sheikh Town. Delegates from the various branches of government (executive branch, Parliament and House of Elders) have arrived in the mountains side town. --------- Kulanki ugu horeeyay ee Turxaan bixinta Golayaasha Qaranka oo Saaka ka Furmay Sheekh hadhwanaag 2006-11-16 (Hadhwanaagnews) SHeekh(HWN) waxa maanta magaalada sheekh ka furmay kulankii ugu horeeyay ee ay siwada jira isku soo hor fadhistaan gudiyo ka kooban sadex labada aqal ee somaliland iyo horin wasiiraa oo ka socda xukuumada uu hogaamiyo Madaxweyne Daahir Riyaale Kaahin. Shirkan u Biloowday Gudida Xalinta Khilaafadka Golayaasha oo ka Kooban 9 Wasiir, 13 Xildhibaan oo ka socda Aqalka Wakiilada iyo 13 Xildhibaan oo ka Socda Aqalka Odayaasha ayaa la doonay in heshiis buuxa laga gaadho arima dhawr ah oo mudooyinkan Danbe ku kala dhex jiray Golayaasha Xukuumada Baarlamaanka iyo Asaaxaabta Mucaaridka ah waxan Soo jeediyay Sameynta Gudidan turxaan Saarka Qaranka Madaxweynaha oo markaa Magacaabay 9 Wasiir oo arintaasi ka shaqeeya. Gudidan ayaa mar hore kulan ku yeeshay Magaaladda Hargeysa lakiin hada waxay Kulamadooda u soo wareejiyeen Dhanka magaalada Shiikh Halkaas oo la filaayo inay ka sii wadaan Hawlahood. Waxi ka soo kordha kala soco hadhwanag.com Wariye Cabdisalan ilkacase Hadhwanaag.com ilkacase1@hotmail.com

The authenticity of the report is very questionable specialy in regards to the links between the Shia Hizbolah group and the ICU who have if anything only have "Islam/Muslim" in common. Somali oo ah aabaha hadalka iyo wax sheegsheega ayaa mar hore hore laga maqli lahaa ama ayaga oo ku faanaya ama isku eedaynaya. The developments in Somalia represent a setback for the United States, which had sought to prevent the militants from taking power. But the report provided no evidence to suggest that the United States provided clandestine support to anti-Islamic forces, as officials in Somalia's interim government have alleged. It did, however, underscore the degree to which the United States' chief Middle East rivals, Iran and Syria, and its allies, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are prepared to challenge U.S. interests in East Africa. source Its funny how the authors shamefully try to downplay the clear hand the US had in the defeated criminal warlords. While at the same time trying to magnify something which if at best is only an "allegation" when it comes to Syria or Iran or other states that they are accusing of providing support to the ICU. Shame on you. UN.

Xeel dagaal ayan dib ugu gurannay ,nalakamana guulaysan" sargaal u hadlay Ciidanka Cabdi Qaybdiid Must be Col. Barre Hiiraale who provided that tip.

Bashir Goth's latest work has been widely circulated in the Western media. -------------- Adopt villages, not pet children Adopt villages, not pet children By Bashir Goth Fri, 10 Nov 2006, 09:07:00 Email this article Printer friendly page Access News Photos THE current celebrity craze for child adoption took me down memory lane. I happened to be in hospital in Hargeisa, today's Somaliland, at a very young age for injuries I sustained after an air raid on our border village. Being very young, around seven and due to the lack of a vacant bed in the male wards, I was admitted to the female ward. One day, an American woman, a Peace Corps teacher, visited me. She was walking outside and she saw me from the window. She stopped and looked at me for a while. Then she entered the ward and asked permission from the staff nurse to talk to me. She sat next to me on the bed, held my right hand in both her hands and looked at me with eyes full of kindness, motherhood and inquisitiveness. As I couldn't speak English at the time, we communicated through natural ways; touches, looks and feelings. I somehow felt that this strange white woman sitting next to me and holding my hand was not a stranger at all. I felt as if I knew her forever. I felt completely comfortable in her presence and I was gripped by a strange sense of not only familiarity but love of motherhood. After more than forty years, I can still envision her face. I can see a woman in her late twenties, a little plump, with an angelic face, a shy look and a held back smile. She said few words to me and when I couldn't respond, she called the staff nurse, Sakin Jirde, to translate for us. Sakin told me that the American lady whose name I never learned wanted to visit me everyday and teach me English. I accepted it immediately. Then she left me but not without a motherly stroke to my head. As soon as she left me I felt loneliness. I looked at her as she departed and she glanced at me several times. For the next six months she was coming to me almost every evening and teaching me English. She brought me a book called Fifty Famous Fairy Tales, which is still in my possession. When the time of her departure became closer, she showed her interest to adopt me. She loved me so much she said and wanted to make me her son. I had also developed such great affection for her. A word was sent to my father and his answer came back with a simple no. The American woman did not want to give up and she asked the hospital staff to convince my father that I would be given good medical treatment and good education in America and that she would bring me to visit my family once every couple of years. But still my father's answer was in the negative. I loved my father, my mother, my siblings and my village Dilla but if I was given the choice that day I might have accepted to go with the American woman because we had a genuine feeling of mother-son relationship for each other and I had such a burning desire to learn English and speak as she did. We departed each other with broken hearts. When I was discharged from hospital and returned to our home, I couldn't stop crying for a whole week. Retrospectively looking at the event, I cannot but admire my father's wisdom in following his parental inclination of no other love or material comfort ever equalling that of a father looking at his own child growing before his eyes and passing down to him his people's culture and history. I wonder if my culture and my village would have a home in my heart if I were raised abroad. I have related this story to show that there was a time when child adoption was a case of a strong and genuine feeling of motherhood that a stranger child had evoked in a woman's heart. A feeling that grew bigger with time until it became impossible to deny. This is contrary to what we see today with American celebrities who go on a spree of child shopping to Africa and other poor countries. It just hits them like that to get a toy brother or a toy sister for their pampered children and all it takes is to make a media-hyped trip to the open African market to view poor naked children and select the best toy that money could buy to satisfy their fantasy, just like they would hit the nearest boutique to satisfy their craving for the latest fashion accessory. Just as the Europeans justified the scramble for Africa in the19th century and the slave trade before it that it was the white man's burden to civilise the "Half-devil and half-child," the celebrities of today justify their child poaching for being in the name of philanthropy and altruism, saving poor children from the heart of darkness and bringing them to the world of light. Anyone who thinks my argument to be unfair or hostile, may convince me how could a person go to an orphanage in a foreign poor country, ask the children to be paraded for them, pick up "a lucky" one, pay cash and get away with their prey. Adoption by itself is a genuine human need and a noble action that gives a child to a childless person and a good home, comfort and a future to an orphan or poverty stricken child. Needy children however are everywhere; they are in America as they are in Africa and Asia. But why do the celebrities not adopt American children instead of going overseas to adopt African or Asian children. The answer is that there are no children for sale in America. Anyone who wants to adopt goes through years of gruelling procedure to qualify for child adoption. Over there, children are human beings and cannot be bought as toys, playmates or pets for celebrities' children. But in Africa people are still sold in exchange for beads, tobacco and petty cash. And as a Malawian journalist said: "We are showing to the world that our poverty has extended to the brain." One may ask, however, what if these celebrities are really honest about their feelings to help poor African and Asian children? No doubt that sometimes the most honest feelings could be misrepresented by the means it is fulfilled and changing child adoption into child shopping is a grotesque representation of a noble gesture. But with such big hearts and philanthropic feeling to save the children of the world, the celebrities can do a better job and save more children from poverty if they adopt whole villages in Africa and Asia instead of only one or two children. By providing whole villages with schools, clinics and water wells, we will have thousands of young Zahara's and David Banda's owing their welfare and future to celebrities' charity and Africa would reap large revenues as curious visitors throng to see and learn from the Angelina Jolie and Madonna villages that would make drastic change in the way we do charities and foreign aid and embody the epitome of western altruism and philanthropy. The Colombian singer Shakira is already leading the way in this trend and it is a trend that is worth emulating. (Bashir Goth is an African Journalist based in the Middle East. He can be reached at bsogoth@yahoo.com)