^Who knew SOL politics is the place for serious intellectual discourse .

^There's all brigade of them..tag teams, but their hero is little sweet talker.

^I give him the benefit of the doubt Gheelle.T Jee Ashkiro....He's cunning. Talk about unholly alliance. P.S. You can't post anything about Sharif without his boys on SOL beating it to you

Talks sweet, but how would translate into real world..He's quite the politician though unlike some others.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 DJIBOUTI, 12 February 2009 (IRIN) - Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was recently elected President of Somalia at a parliamentary meeting in Djibouti. Before returning to Mogadishu where he will appoint a prime minister and form a government, Ahmed talked to IRIN about the challenges ahead. Below are excerpts: IRIN: What are the biggest challenges facing your administration? Ahmed: The biggest obstacle is trying to get people to believe and have hope again that things can and will get better. The people have suffered and are still suffering. They have been divided. Rebuilding the unity of our people and nation will be one of our biggest challenges. Every time they were hopeful, they were knocked back again. We must keep this hope alive. We also face the task of building government institutions from scratch. We are basically broke and the country broken. All these in my opinion are obstacles we will have to deal with urgently. What role do you expect donors to play? In the past donors have put money into Somalia but unfortunately, it did not have [the] impact it should have had on the people for various reasons, including corruption. Often, aid did not reach the intended targets. We hope and expect that donors will increase their support. For our part, we have to change the way things are done and make sure that any money given will be used appropriately and in the manner intended, that it will reach the people. We will not allow corruption to take root and public money [to be] misused. Do you think the international community is serious in its support and will give the necessary help to allow your government to function effectively? It is too early for me to answer that question. Give it time and we may be able to answer it. There are groups that do not support you, including the more radical Islamists. How do you intend to deal with them - negotiate or fight? First, I don’t have any desire for more fighting. The Somali people do not want any more fighting. Those who think that more fighting will resolve things, I want to tell them it will not. Let us try to find a better way for them to accomplish what they are looking for. The best way is through dialogue and negotiations and we are open to talking. We will talk to anyone willing to talk. We will not engage in war. I am for a negotiated settlement to our differences. You will need a security force. Where will you find them? Security will come from a combination of the TFG [Transitional Federal Government] forces, our forces in Mogadishu and other supporters and of course the Somali people who want to see the government succeed and are ready to join the security forces. So, yes we are going to create security forces. Do you need outside help in forming a security force? Obviously outside help is necessary but then it must be done in a way that they can help without inflaming the situation and creating instability and animosity among the people. It will have to be an approach that is appropriate and will help without hurting us. Does this help need to include military as well? Do you need arms, soldiers, maybe even blue helmets? Because we are in a new situation we need to figure out what exactly we need. We need arms and security forces and of course we need the world to help us. However, we have to figure out the best form that help should take. Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the new cabinet to come up with the best way to ask for the help. In the past two years, thousands have been killed and over a million displaced in Mogadishu due to the fighting. What plans do you have to alleviate the suffering of the people? I am deeply saddened by the suffering of those people affected by the fighting. Taking care of them and resettling them is going to be one of the biggest challenges facing this government. We [will] do our part in assisting them … but we are also going to invite humanitarian agencies to come and help. We are putting in place plans to ensure the security of the city to enable people to return home. With this two-track approach, ensuring security and providing the necessary help, I am convinced there will be changes that will lead to the return of the displaced to their homes. There is an enormous naval taskforce fighting piracy off the Somali coast. Do you think that is the best way to combat the problem? I think the best way to fight piracy in Somalia is to have a strong and functioning government capable of taking charge of security both on land and at sea. But I also understand that while ships are being hijacked nations will not stand by and watch. That is why foreign forces at sea are taking action. Some Islamist groups have been very rigid in their application of what they see as Islamic law. People are flogged and even stoned. What is your view of their interpretation of Islam? I believe that the way they deal with people is not right and has nothing to do with Islamic Sharia law. Islam has a legal framework and courts. So for individuals to take their whip and flog people on the street is wrong. The clan structure in Somalia has been a problem. Do you think it will pose a problem for you when it comes to naming your government? I don’t think the problem has been the clan but the way it was used. It has been misused and I think we will find a different and positive way and whatever problem it presents, I am confident we will be able to deal with it without resorting to its negative side. How do you plan to deal with Somaliland and Puntland? Both are enjoying real, tangible peace and stability. Therefore, we must acknowledge the contributions of those who made this peace and stability possible. We are opposed to anything that will jeopardise the peace and stability enjoyed by those regions. We are determined to resolve any misunderstandings through dialogue and negotiations. I trust that we will succeed in finding common ground.

^We need a person that could make difference in the south in terms of finding a political solution and pacifying the region. I don't know how effective someone from Puntland would be. But choosing someone from Sool/Sanaag should crack something open. EraserHead...He is superbly cunning or simply, but whatever he is, we need to remember he gets his own plans regardless of people expect from him.

Lest we forget, Sheikh Sharif is also a political actor with his own agenda and strategies for fulfilling it, which are revealed by his words and deeds since he carried his faction of the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (A.R.S.) to Djibouti in 2008, after splitting with his rivals in the political opposition to the T.F.G. who remained in their base in Asmara. After the split, Sheikh Sharif made it plain that his aim was to institute a broad-based Islamic-influenced state in Somalia through a dual-track strategy of using diplomacy with the donor powers to turn them against the Ethiopian occupation of the country while condoning armed resistance against the occupation to wear Ethiopian forces down so that they would be forced to withdraw. Sheikh Sharif's strategy involved wooing the "international community" by agreeing to negotiate a power-sharing deal with the T.F.G. in Djibouti brokered by the United Nations and supported by Western and regional powers, except for Eritrea. web page

Originally posted by Ms DD: This made me crack up..considering the subject! Anigaa wax iga sheegtaa marka Fredurian slip perhaps LooooooL@Wafayrer..Freaks me out when I see one of those knitting things.

Geeljire-Vegan tree huggers are difficult, but they could be domesticated if you touch (figuratively ) them in the right places.They will thank you for taking the time. DD....Waxaba.?

Geeljire-I like the woman enviromentalist...very passionate, all that energy could be channelled into other venues I have three options, the enviromental nutjobs (which all in honest deal with policy issues), the state dem party, and the gay rights org. I have worked with the first two in some capicity one time or another, but I never did with the last one...They are very organized and efficient organization policy wise, .They managed to advocate for policy issues including gay marriage but of course, there is downside!

LoooooooooL@Geeljire...Is it he or she?

Originally posted by Aw-Dhubad: Which chase are you talking about horta? When Margon was chased several times or the famous Afguduud chase ?

^The Greencorp is enviormental nutcases, and I had worked with the local dem party...Just imagining looks on people's face if I mention interning with gay rights org

I getta do an internship this summer. I have three option, the Massachusetts Democratic Party, GreenCorp, and Massequility-A gay rights organization. I was thinking of going with the last one.

What Somalia needs right now is someone who could make difference..not someone that has no following or lack the support in Xamar. Besides, Puntland had its chance and failed horribly!

^The man has good with good ties with Puntland dee

Originally posted by HornAfrique: Che, greedy and opportunistic politicians don't speak for the majority of Reer Puntland. I don't know about that, silence sometimes could be equated with endorsement

^He's crook miyaa

President claims to have spoken with anti-govt groups 10 Feb 10, 2009 - 11:48:25 PM MOGADISHU, Somalia Feb 11 (Garowe Online) - Somalia's new president, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, has said that he spoke with anti-government groups in the Somali capital during his brief stay in Mogadishu, Radio Garowe reports. President Sheikh Sharif held a press conference Tuesday at the Villa Somalia presidential compound in Mogadishu moments before flying back to Djibouti, where he is expected to appoint a new Prime Minister. "Officers from Al Shabaab and Hisbul Islam [islamic Party] were among groups I met with, and more talks are expected," the Somali leader said. Sheikh Sharif said he appointed a special commission to oversee the security situation in Mogadishu, including representatives from the insurgency. President Sheikh Sharif's first trip to Mogadishu since being elected late last month included discussions with African Union generals, government officials, insurgency commanders, civil society representatives and business leaders. Villa Somalia was targeted with mortars on Saturday, hours after he arrived in the capital for the first time as Somali president. But Mogadishu has been relatively quiet in recent days, as negotiations continue among various insurgent groups and the Horn of Africa country's new Islamist president. Source: Garowe Online He did not specify the names of officials he met with, but Somali media widely distributed reports that President Sheikh Sharif met with Muktar Robow "Abu Mansur," al Shabaab's spokesman.

^Wadaadka waxma wareerin SOL iswaashe muuyaane

Warsidaha GO oo fursad u heley inuu wax ka waydiiyo Wasiirka Maaliyada Puntland Farax Cali Shire bixinta mushaharadka shaqaalaha Puntland in la bixiyey ayaa sheegey in dhamaan Wasaaradahu qaateen marka laga reebo ciidamada oo iyagu raashin la siiyey madaama tirakoobkoodu socdo. Wasiirka ayaa xusey in bixinta mushaharka timid sideed bilood kadib oo aysan shaqaalaha Puntland qaadan wax mushahar ah taasina sababtey in howl wadeenada Wasaaradahu ilaawaan xuquuqdii ay ku lahaayeen Xukuumada. Farax Cali Shire ayaa yiri " in shaqaalaha Puntland oo hela mushaharadkoda ay tahay qodobka ugu muhiimsan ee lagu doortey Xukumada uu Madaxweynaha uu ka yahay Cabdiraxman Maxamad Farole". Barlamanka Puntland ayaa ansaxiyey dhowaan misaniyad ku-meel gaar ah oo Sadex bilood ah taasoo ay horey ugu dhaqmi jirtey Xukuumadii uu Madaxweynaha ka ahaa Mud.Cadde Muse Xirsi. Xukuumada cusub oo barnaamijkeedii siyaasadeed la ansaxiyey ayaa waxaa looga fadhiyaa misaaniyad cusub iney Barlamanka Puntland horgeyso muddo Sadex Bilood gudahood ah iyada oo golaha Wasiirda xiligaas ansaxin buuxda heli doonaan. RADIO GAROWE, Bosaso

Imagine Somalia without its problem child...Not bad idea

Muqdiso(AllPuntland)- Hogaamiyihii hore ee Ururka Al-Itaxaad Soomaaliya Sheekh Xasan Daahir Aweys ayaa ku sugan Magaalada Muqdisho ee caasumada Soomaaliya, sida ay sheegayaan Warar Madax banaan oo soo gaaraya Shabakada Wararka Soomaaliyeed ee AllPuntland. Xasan Daahir Aweys ayaa Magaalada Muqdisho soo gaaray labadii maalmood ee ugu dambeysay, wuxuuna ku soo galay safar dhinaca lugta ah ka dib markii uu ka soo dagay meel ka mid ah gudaha dalka Soomaaliya. Xasan Daahir wuxuu la kulmay qeybaha kala gedisan ee taageerayaashiisa ku sugan Magaalada Muqdisho, wuxuuna kala hadlay xaaladaha Siyaasadeed ee Soomaaliya iyo dawladda cusub ee dhalatay. Hogaamiyaha Isbaheysiga Dibu xoreynta Garabkiisa Asmara ee waqtigan, wuxuu sidoo kale lakulmay qaar ka mid ah Culumada Magaalada Muqdisho oo ay ka wada hadleen sidii wada hadalo lala galo dawladda Faderaalka ee Soomaaliya ee uu hogaamiyo Shariif Sheekh Axmed, waxaana Xasan Daahir ay usoo jeediyeen qaar kamid ah dadkii uu la kulmay in uu ka qeybqaato nabad ku soo celinta Magaalada Muqdisho ee caasumada Soomaaliya. Warar hoose oo ka soo baxaya raga aadka ugu dhow Xasan Daahir Aweys ayaa shaaca ka qaadaya in uu Xasan Daahir Aweys aqbalay in uu wada hadal la furo dawladda Faderaalka ee Soomaaliya, wuxuuna aqbalay dhexdhaxaadin ay sameeyaan Odayaasha iyo Culumada ka soo jeeda dhalasho ahaan Magaalada Muqdisho. Wariyaha AllPuntland ee Magaalada Muqdisho ayaa soo wariyey in ay jiraan Siyaasiin ka soo jeeda beesha uu ka dhashay Sheekh Xasan Daahir Aweys, oo ka balan qaaday Shariif Sheekh Axmed in ay heshiisiiyaan isaga iyo Xasan Daahir Aweys, isla markaasna uu kala shaqeeyo arimaha nabad ku soo celinta dalka Soomaaliya iyo sidii dawladda Shariif Sheekh Axmed unoqon lahayd mid aan dagaal lagala hor imaan. F. C. Geylan AllPuntland

Tsvangirai becomes Zimbabwe's PM Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been sworn in as prime minister in a unity government with President Robert Mugabe. Mr Tsvangirai won the first round of last year's presidential election - but he withdrew from the run-off, citing violence against his supporters. However he later agreed to share power with Mr Mugabe. In a speech after his inauguration, Mr Tsvangirai called for an end to human rights abuses and political violence. Addressing a rally of his supporters, he also pledged to do all in his power to help alleviate the suffering of Zimbabweans. "Political violence must end today," he said. "We can no longer afford brother against brother, because one happened to have a different political opinion. web page

This one even more disturbing.He is already charged since he is an adult Alleged Facebook scam nets Wisconsin high school student on sex charges By CARRIE ANTLFINGER , Associated Press Last update: February 5, 2009 - 9:27 AM MILWAUKEE - An 18-year-old male student is accused of posing as a girl on Facebook, tricking at least 31 male classmates into sending him naked photos of themselves and then blackmailing some for sex acts. The kind of manipulation that occurred here is really sinister in my estimation," Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel said Wednesday. The students go to New Berlin Eisenhower High School in New Berlin, which is in Waukesha County about 15 miles west of Milwaukee. Anthony Stancl, of New Berlin, was charged Wednesday with five counts of child enticement, two counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child, two counts of third-degree sexual assault, possession of child pornography, repeated sexual assault of the same child, and making a bomb threat. Stancl's attorney, Craig Kuhary, said Stancl plans to plead not guilty to the charges and hopes to reach a plea agreement with the district attorney "It's too early in the case for me to make a statement, other than the fact at some point we are going to go into events that had taken place earlier that might have had some impact on what he did here," he said. He wouldn't go into specifics. The incidents allegedly happened from spring 2007 through November, when officers questioned Stancl about a bomb threat he allegedly sent to teachers and wrote about on a school's bathroom wall. It resulted in the closing of New Berlin Eisenhower Middle and High School. According to the criminal complaint, Stancl first contacted the students through the social networking site Facebook, pretending to be a girl named Kayla or Emily. The boys reported that they were tricked into sending nude photos or videos of themselves, the complaint said. Thirty-one victims were identified and interviewed and more than half said the girl with whom they thought they were communicating tried to get them to meet with a male friend to let him perform sex acts on them. They were told that if they didn't, she would send the nude photos or movies to their friends and post them on the Internet, according to the complaint. Stancl allegedly used the excuse to get the victims to perform repeated acts, the complaint said. Seven boys were identified in the complaint by their initials as either having to allegedly perform sex acts on Stancl or Stancl on them. The complaint said Stancl took photos with his cell phone of the encounters. Officers found about 300 nude images of juvenile males on his computer, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said the victims were as young as 15. A preliminary hearing for Stancl has been scheduled for Feb. 26. The maximum penalty if convicted on all charges is nearly 300 years in prison. .