Paragon, you can make this easy. Tell me Yasmin's dad isn't Awad Ahmed Ashareh, and then tell me why the half-dozen or more people who told me it is are wrong, and why the Globe and Mail was wrong when it printed that Yasmin's father (who was not named in the article) was a political figure who returned to Somalia in 1999 or soon after. But if you can't, then explain why this is not a valid line of questioning. It might be sensational, but that doesn't make it illegitimate.

I have to learn a lot of Somali culture, and I understand now that honour killings don't seem to be part of the fabric. But I was shocked to learn about Yasmin's links to the highest levels of Somali politics, if indeed she is Ahmed's daughter, so the question of a political motive can't be discounted. No one can deny that Somali politics is very violent. Also, there is the question of the ICU/SICC, which by accounts I have read includes in its ranks foreigners who are bringing a very un-Somali approach to Islam into the country. My most recent post quotes reports of demonstrations in some regions in the country demanding that the ICU stay out of their business. Everything I've read about the ICU and their leaders suggests they don't care what other people think or want. This is not happening in a vacuum, by the way. The police have arrested a man, but the arrest seems...odd. They had him under surveillance for days, which is very unusual. After the arrest, they asked for people to tell police if they had witnessed the suspect engaging in strange activities, which suggests they have a case based on circumstantial evidence and not physical evidence. He is awaiting trial on other serious charges. But he was out on very little bail and the story behind the charges he is facing sounds contrived.

Originally posted by Naxar Nugaaleed: steve, I don't know anything about Awad Ahmed Asharah or Yasmin, If I come across anything by asking family members, I will let you know. Mean while, ignore the ignorent fools in here who have lately choosen hostile characters. What ever your intention, there is nothing wrong with asking questions and there is nothing to be gained by hiding the truth or facts. Thanks Naxar. I have been subjected to some hostility before. Some has been justifiable suspicion, and I've always answered questions honestly and openly. Most of the time, people have overcome my suspicions to answer my questions. I will say that not everyone likes where the answers are pointing, but it is not for me to define the truth -- I'm just trying to uncover it. Some people have been abusive (called me a Nazi and so forth), but I just ignore those. "If you can't ignore an insult, top it; if you can't top it, laugh it off; and if you can't laugh it off, it's probably deserved."

Originally posted by Paragon: ^^ Good questions. These days, you never know what some wicked individuals would imply of others. "I'm interested in the years before he became Minister for Religious Affairs in Puntland. Was he in Dubai and Canada" What is the next question? Sorry, forgot to answer this. Next question? Depends on the answer. Probably a run down of the last in the political situation in Somalia with regards to Ashareh and the TNG and other factions, such as the SICC. Also interested in what insight or knowledge people would have with regards to his family if it turns out to be relevant to Yasmin.

Fair enough. I am researching her murder, but as a journalist looking for the full story. I am not a lawyer or a police officer. There has been a claim made that she is related to Ahmed Ashareh. Can anyone substatiate or refute that claim? I'm just looking for the facts here. You can email me at agwnblog@gmail.com if you prefer. My name is Steve, and I blog at www.stevejanke.com. I'm not Somali, or even Muslim. I'm sure I would have a lot of disagreements with people on this forum on a lot of issues facing the world today -- there's no point in glossing over that. But I think most anyone would agree that Yasmin's death was tragic. I hoping those who would agree would also like to help.

Can anyone help me with a biography of Awad Ahmed Ashareh? I'm interested in the years before he became Minister for Religious Affairs in Puntland. Was he in Dubai and Canada?