I am reading the 'Black man's burden". In line is Ngugi Wa thiango's autobiography. Why bother with this hogwash? Abdi Aw Geedi and labadii tukoow gave me glimpses into what is there. It won't broaden my horizon one bit, so why waste time on it?

Rituals we seem not to outgrow There are some irritating political idiosyncrasies that we, Somalis, simply seem not to outgrow. As soon as Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected as the new president of Somalia on 10 September 2012, the fawning industry started its work with searing efficiency. Artists, the flag-bearers of this industry, composed stirring songs and obliging media-men started colliding chins for catchy paragraphs from the newly elected President. There is nothing wrong with this evanescent buoyancy. A nation that has endured two decades of turmoil and national despair deserves brief moments of national catharsis. Leaping in joy with maudlin optimism when new men are sworn-in for national leadership, only to be followed by immediate vilifications as soon as these leaders start governing, is an abiding and ductile feature of our national politics. Not only that. We also have this absurd habit of transforming otherwise promising leaders into human political deities through servile flattery and hyperbolic applauses. Pseudo-events and choreographed appearances, sound bites and headlines from newsrooms create a hero out of an ordinary and untested individual, simply on account of his ascent to power, defying the widely held view that leaders are not heroes at the beginning. They become heroes at the end, through their work, their sacrifices, their triumphs, and their accomplishments. The songs, colorful billboards and effusive felicitations soon get into the psyche of these leaders and insulate them from reality. They quickly forget that they are only fallible beings that need other men and women, and more importantly strong institutions, to deliver. They soon get infected with indispensability syndrome and start to think of themselves as the magical Elixir that will single-handedly cure their nation’s chronic illness. Soon enough, these synthetic heroes come face to face with ugly reality. The profligate cheerfulness and euphoria that usually accompanies the election of these new leaders dissolve in a span of months, if not weeks. Having burdened a mere mortal with responsibilities much too onerous for one single man, and having propelled this man beyond his capabilities and appropriate station in life, the cheerleaders soon realize the facileness of their initial exuberance and expectations. The anticlimax sets-in hurriedly, as it becomes apparent that solving Somalia’s problems need more than the wisdom and effort of one man. Then, deja vu’! Faced with mounting discontent and scrutiny, the national leader feels besieged and political survival becomes his sole preoccupation. http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Sept/Muktar/25_President_Hassan_Sheikh_Mohamud_not_yet_a_hero.html This also applies to whoever is elected as Prime Minister.

I just confirmed this news is false! So let us tame our felicitations!

Still, the degree of plausibility matters in terms of forming the majority opinion on historical events or personalities. In that regard, this reer-hebel book will struggle to convince many readership outside the clan to change their opinion about the Sayid. In other words, nothing changes sidaad sheegtay!

Adeer, social research is a manipulated facility and you get as many "facts" as you need to arrive at a preset conclusions. Luckily, there is no such thing as 'truth' in social science and however tidy, no matter how reasonable, new findings about a historical figure or anything else for that matter will still remain an 'opinion' or at best a plausible conclusion.

This is what I am getting from Mogadishu.

I don't have to read it. I know what the clan says about the sayid and the "facts" they use as evidence. But are you disputing it is a reer-hebel fight back??

Well, I for one do not think the Sayid was a saint. Far from it, there are many unsettling tales about him as much as there are many positive sides. His poems could not have been contrived for the consumption of post-colonial Somalia. They were real reactions, real thoughts to the events of their times. So, it is futile to deny the mad mullah was a brave anti-colonial nationalist. Unless we are fond of the total vilification or total adulation simplicity which Tacitus warns against when narrating the legacy of fallen historcial figures, it is hard to take the new book on Sayid by a Somalilander as a breakthrough. There are lots of better revisionist books on the Sayid and the Dervish by more established Somali historians. Yet, there is one commonality in the narratives of all these books: they are written by angry men, and anger makes people make mistakes. While it is fine to re-write the true history of the Sayid, exposing his blemishes while acknowledging his triumphs and good deeds, it is not helpful to churn out vengeful literature which can serve no purpose other than buttress the bruised egos of communities that feel wronged by the Sayid. I for one do not like the Sayid's attitude to SNM clan. It is primitive, it is unbecoming of a nationalist. But it is also true the SNM clan has been an ally of British colonialists and as much as we understand the SNM-clans's grieviences against The Sayid, we also find it hard to forgive the lackey mentality on the part of the SNM clan! Speaking of historical facts, that the Sayid was a killer is a fact, that the said clan were british subjects who accepted british colonialism is also a fact. So, the new book is just yet another fightback by a clan tormented by the vile labels of the Sayid. It could have been a poem, and I am sure there is no lack of talent in that department. It could have been a drama or demonstrations, but now it is a book. I saw Jaamac saying the book is not written for you folks to one guy. He is right. The book isn't written to impart new knowledge on the Sayid. It is merely a wriiten version of the bile and bitterness that the SNM'ites express everyday when the name of Ina-Cabdille Hassan is invoked. As such, it is a book written for a particular clan. Let that clan enjoy it!

Lucky man! "Hadii gurii aad leedahay Oo lagula eqel galay Duco aan gaboobayn Ayaan kugu galbinayaa" Johnny B + Abtigiis si wadar ah baan gabadha u wada jecleeyn!

There is also another book coming out in Nairobi this week. The title is " Ina Cigaal ma wuxuu ahaa wadani mise fat.aal?"

I agree with you. Yours is the position of the hardcore SNMites in Hargeisa, who will table quite unreasonable demands at these talks. Given that those demands will not be accepted by the South, the talks only delay the eventual showdown which is sure to come.

The so-called Somaliland-Somalia talks serve no purpose other than fortify the hard-core secessionist clique in Hargeisa while at the same time confusing the moderates in SNM and most of the distinctly unionist communities in the north. This is the verdict of Abtigiis and many faithful unionists who are aware of the fragility of the secession agenda. In the village, they say gossiping about the troubles of your neighbours does not gurantee a happy family life in your own home nor does it preclude the eruption of discord in own house. With the South showing signs of recovery, and Awdal, Khaatumo and Makhiir stealthily winking at Somalia to stimulate its national virility, Somaliland is not in a strong negotiating position. This is a fact. Which is why evertime the issue of Somaliland-Somalia talks are invoked, it is the Somaliland media who are feasting on it, fully aware that right now what is fatal for Somaliland is a conscious inattention by the south more than anything else. The talks are detrimental to the union cause and while the intentions behind these talks might be good they are unlikely to lead to any positive outcome. The right policy for the south would have been to ignore Somaliland right now and focus on getting the south right. If they succeed to pacify the South and work and business opportunities bloom as expected, Somaliland will implode from within politically and the hardliners will be isolated and gradually defeated.

No one can arrest you in Hargeisa Alpha. I mean you are not arab (clan), the shoe of kulmiye.

Alpha Blondy;872255 wrote: i'm currently under arrest after threatening to shoot someone this morning. walahi, my situation is not good. i may be in trouble. What is the name of the woman you threatened to shoot??

"I met last night in stealth with wisdom's elder Begged him to divulge in full life's secrets This he softly, softly whispered in my ear: It must be seen, it can't be told, so hush!" Rumi, in Swallowing the Sun" The other thread about Hargeisa is now beyond repair, so I opted to do the real chronicles afresh. If you are looking for the secrets of life in Hargeisa, don't look at the roads, at the grey and white buildings, at the colourful dresses of people walking in droves along the dusty roads, look at the insides of the people of Hargeisa. The people are the soul of Hargeisa. Tenacious, optimistic, cooperative, kind and by far the most generous people on earth, if you don't fall in love with the Hargeysaawis, then you have the heart of a sinister pirate from Garowe or a jealous anarchist from Galgaduud. Hargeisa is home to bright young professionals and competent businessmen, but it is the tenacity and self-belief of the ordinary folks that is what I admired most. Beyond that, life is pretty calm and nice for those who earn some good money. You will be spared the headache and stress of big cities and you will enjoy fresh meat and vegetables free from fertilizers and pesticides. If you are not working, it can be pretty boring, particularly in the mornings. Life gets more relaxed and interesting after 5:00. Best places to go for food include Kaah, Ambassador, Fish and Steak, and Village D'Aafrique, but then these are not the one's with the best food, they are most scenic. Hadhwanaag for instance is a horrible place but they have a nice fish finger meal. ....more updates...

After wallowing in love-less wilderness for eternity, the sensual ordeal is finally over. Bluelicious loves me and hey my wonderful mother should break skirt in leaping joy!! Ilililiiiillllliii! Wada dhalasho iyo dhiiga chants should herald a blissful wedding of Abtigiis and the bootylicious! Ladies and gentleman, the fury with which Blue reacted to my comments to her kind words is the final confirmation of the depth of feelings towards me on her part. Let the sky and the earth, the rivers and the desert bear witness to this momentous moment of true love as i say "I DO" to Blue's " will you marry me". Ha naloo duceeyo kolka. All I don't want to hear now is Blue's family asking me for a hefty dowry, so that i don't say, sidii ninkii dantu seeteeysay: "Xoolaa laxaad leh ee, wax kale libin ma hooyaane Lixdan adhi ah iyo qaalin, bay igaga laaleene Liil geliya caawana wixii, lagula laabmaayo Wyre, on the contrary i enjoy scorn and hate praise. I believe the first is sincere, the second false. Yet, i believe Alpha was sincere when he said those words. I appreciate his kind words but i think they are too generous. Adiguse kolka wax xun la iga sheegana inaad u riyaaqdid, kolka la i amaanana aad cadhootid, ma daw baa?! ninyahow ma xaasidnimada carabtaa ku daartay?

Juxa, if I were you I would trust my gut feeling over the maudlin testimony of a young teaser like Alpha. Anyway, I can confess I do like Juxa as a person, or rather as the person I see here as Juxa. And I am not saying this as a tactical retreat. I am being honest.

The long-footed community is not yet mentally ready for the PM position. As much as I hate to acknowledge it looks the long-held view that 's are deficient in intellect is true at least in the politics sphere.

Alpha, waryaa don't discuss real events and issues here dee. Now, that doesn't mean you can talk abou going for dinner as long as you don't give other details. Spin it waryaa. :D i liked when you say we hunted for chicks with AT. Now that is fine, but don't give the size of the women I got for instance. I somehow can't answer or taunt sister Juxa. Si bay iiga buruuj wayn tahay inantu. Markaa ii ducee unbaan odhan karaa hada.

Apophis;872007 wrote: Abtigiis, have you thought about a toupee? Something like this maybe? :D Apo, you left me with no option but to invoke this cheeky Amharic saying: Dhaabo yelem injii Sukaar binoor nooro Shahi afliteen Qursi in balaa neber which translates to: There is no bread here but only if we had sugar we would have boiled tea and have a great breakfast! Ibti, I intend to do that. Infact, it is a shame my personal baloney's are overshadowing this thread where I wanted to narrate substantial issues on Hargeisa. Alpha, speaking of the looks, we shall see how you look when you turn +45.

The race for the Premiership of Somalia is hotting up. Farole’s calls for this and that in the last couple of weeks were more of a desperate plea for attention than a genuine belief in better political prospect for his region. And much to the chagrin of Faroole, it looks Somalis have finally exhausted the ardour of the quisling politics this particular region have spawned for long, as the role of regional powers in determining who gets what in Somalia is waning. There is a real and present -fatique in the Somali political arena. A fatique which means either Gedo or Khatuumo are likely to get the PM post. This fatigue is clear for all to see, but what is also almost sure to happen is that the sabotage culture of Puntlanders will kick in the moment a new non-Punt PM is sworn in. Meanwhile, the president is getting pressured from three sides: A) His clan b) his party C) International community. So far it looks he will listen to his party first, second to the international community and last to his clan.

our own Mohamed Barre could surprise people. He works for UNDP somalia, is a close relative friend of the President and left to Mogadishu yesterday to campaign. He is from Gedo.

war ileen tan oo kale! juxa, reerka maxaad sheekan u soo dhex gelin? I have the right to look for a young love like other men? :D What is wrong with managing mid-life crisis online? I mean isn't it better than go and mess your life for real? Abtigiis reer ma leh by the way. If you don't undestand this, please refer to the Nicholas Cage-Castor Troy duality!

ugaaso Malika, salaams dear. Who are these men you are talking about? I know Alpha is one such but that is because he doesn't have daughters. Ngonge is another, but that is because his attitude is shaped by the misogynic Arab culture! And also to liven up this dicussion, what about women who have low opinion of old men like Blessed? :D You have read what she said above!

Bootylicious’s gratuitously foolhardy praise of me would have received a cheering mouth and flinging chest were it not for the fact that, on closer inspection, it equates to the proverbial rousing words that a caring mother tells to her heartbroken spinster after one more engagement proposal flops yet again, following weeks of preparations for a grand wedding ceremony. “Dhaban kaana waad leedahay, oofna kuma jabna, calafkaaga oo faras duulaya saaran baa kuu iman ee ha is xumayn”, the worried mother says to the old girl, more in desperation and confusion, less in hope and genuine assessment of her girl’s worth! The old girl, who is only too aware of deeper creases, coarsening flesh and imminent gaps in a drooping mouth that once kissed sweet, that once radiated scented breath, can hardly leap in joy on account of the thoughtful words of the distressed mother. Likewise, far more useful to my wilting self-esteem than this patronizing benevolence would have been a direct private message where ‘the Blue” expresses her love and admiration furtively. That did not come, and therefore I reject Blue’s comforting appraisal of me as a coquettish courtship of a cat-walking cyber script. It gives me pain not pleasure to know those who love me are only those who can’t or haven’t seen me! So, I agree with Mario’s assessment that rather than help restore my faltering love ego, Blue has fired the killer bullet! That said, Blessed’s assertion that my predicament is to do with ‘decent girls’ setting ‘some standards’ is not supported by either theory or practice. Theoretically, I take the words of Oscar Wilde, that scandalized Irish poet, who suggested that ‘it is the ugly and the stu.pi.d who have the best of this world’ over the untested utterances of Marwo Blessed. So, even if I agree to the charge that I am of a lower standard, that shouldn’t be a barrier to get a decent girl. If Abdi Iley can have one, if Sheikh Sharif can get two, if my own friend Mo Jama can be beleaguered for attention by three, I should get one decent one chasing me. Come on! In practice, I met many men of my age and intellect (low-medium), who always tell me “haa, maantaan gabadh cusub soo xareeyey”, and when I ask what is happening to the first one, they say “way iska dagtay, waxoogaa hinaaso-tir ah ayaan siieyey”. I mean, if mine is talking of macabre things to happen should I move a hand, and if no other girl is ever asking me for a relationship, how come all of these men are forgiven by their wives and chased by more vibrant girls? Therein lies my chagrin! Ordinarily, Blessed’s not-so underhand insult against me would have invited an in-kind retort. But we all know that despite the bad name that I carry in this forum, no nomad, no man in this site, can take abuse magnanimously more than me. In part, it is because I believe Nicholas Cage cannot sue tabloids and movie-lovers if they write hate messages against Castor Troy in Face-Off. As long as Blessed is attacking a character called “Abtigiis”, it is a fair game for me, for I hardly associate myself with that online character. That explains why I do not unnecessarily get worked up about who said what about me in this forum. I hope Blessed understands that. :D Not to forget that marwo Blessed is a marwo in the real sense!