I think that’s a better attitude to adopt than to go around making rude remarks about other groups whose methodology you don't follow. Ameenah, If someone tells you to be a good person and seek knowledge, only a fool would reject this advice. If I was or had claimed to be a Sh'ia, then I'd maybe, somehwat, have understanding for his concerns.

I think it has something to do with male pride, an attribute that has been nurtured from an early age...I don't think many men can cope with having a wife who's more successful and more educated. Xu, Pride is something only worthy of Allah SWT and any human with pride will be denied the fruits of Paradise. Our Noble Prophet SAWS was married to Kahdija daughter of Khuwaylid(may Allah bless her), who was at that time one of the richest (some say the richest) persons in Arabia. This didn't intimidate the Prophet SAWS at all, and if you take off her wealth, one cannot tell how the poor Muslims' lives would have been sustained. Her contribution to Islam (both monetary and other forms of support she gave the Prophet SAWS) is recognized by Muslims worldwide. Charisma, If a man and woman live according to the teachings of the Prophet SAWS, then it shouldn't matter who is wealthier or more learned.

Also, zinc supplementation was associated with one-third decline in hospital visits to in rural parts of Gambia- a valid measure that has been recognized and is implemented by WHO when estimating malarial incidence in endemic countries. If the zink reduced the diarrhoea, then it is only natural that the visits to the hospital declined. Dehydration through vomitting, fever and diarrhoea (I thought) were the main reason malaria patients visited the doctor. The children who are "luckiest" are those with sickle (hemoglobin) cell traits (not the disease) for they have a natural protection against malaria and usually don't die of it. Gaasira, Good sources of zink are meat and wholemeal.

I don't see what the fuss is all about! There's a women's forum and I don't think they feel discriminated for getting their own forum. They take pride in it (or it seems) and doesn't stop them from participating in other forums and discussing other topics. The people who can't respond when adressed in Somali are also (at times) patronised for not being able to comprehend. This will be avoided if there is a forum where people speak only Somali. In the future, other languages can also be added and Somalis who speak Swahili, Arabic, French etc can get their own forums where they have an option to communicate with people from the region where they grew up. As long as we are not split along tribal lines, I think we are okay.

You still have not answered why you believe in the absurdities of the Shia I posted, if you have no access to Al Kafi by Kuleiny which I doubt since you mentioned the Rawdah , you can say that if indeed these are found in the Shia literature they are indeed damaging to the credibility of the rest of their concepts which was the reason I posted these materials in the first place, I do NOT believe in any absurdities, if your memory serves you right, you'll have recalled what I said earlier about my beliefs. Bro Nur, I am not a liar (referring to the words in bold) and if you don't believe me, then that's your problem. Are you assuming I am lying because I know about Rawdah and Kuleiny? It's remarks like these that make me lose respect towards you (you thinking that I can't know about Rawdah without being a Shia). I always give you the benefit of the doubt and then you come up with things like these. Now coming back to the theoretical relativistic physics and space time relationship. Once more I feel that you are desperate to discredit what i write about Islam by cleverly using my discusion with Mr. Feinman, as an example... In this thread, we discuss Islam, why bring physics into it like Feinman did and later complained that I was using big words even his coworker is confused about? and is it fair of all the goofs I make, and I do, to pick the most complicated topic for a lay person and then build a case against me? As for the issue of dimensions, you were caught with your pants down however you try to explain it away with other terms. I wasn't trying to discredit you in anyway bro, but just pointing to the facts. There is also another post you wrote about the moon, fasting and water levels in the body. That again is another scientific fallacy that you presented, but am not here to discuss that either. In the issue of physics, Feynman reacted to your theory of "3+1 dimensions in Islam". This is the question he asked you after your remarks "Nur where does it say in Islam we have four dimensions-- three space and one of time, known as spacetime?". and we didn't see any clear cut answer or a retraction of the erroneous statement you attributed to islam. Physics is Feynamn's field, however, I wouldn't want to talk about his life on the forums but please trust me when I tell you that he knows what he is talking about. He was just warning you against attributing fallacies to islam, theories that aren't facts. He also explained WHY he changed the topic from Islamic to a topic of physics... I changed the direction from soul to spacetime, in order to prevent you from making the classical mistake, which almost all religious scholars tend to make. This mistake is, to try to use today's scientific facts as a justification for their beliefs. This is a dangerous road for one take and this is because today's scientific fact could be thrown out of the window tomorrow. Therefore, what I am trying to ask you is , where does it say in Islam, we have three spatial dimensions and one of time (i.e. four spacetime )? The reason why I went to String theory is not to impress or show off. But rather I wanted to illustrate to you and other readers that in science there is strong believe that, we might not just live in a three spatial dimension universe but maybe in one of nine spatial dimensions! Had I just said to you there were more than three spatial dimensions you would probably would have asked me where I got this daft idea from and hence the reason why I dived into string theory. On other hand, I can see in your reply instead of answering my simple question (where does it say in Islam, we live a three-dimension universe) you went on the defence and this time using big words, like K-theory, NCG and so on. I do not think that was helpful in just throwing big words, which very few people understand, and I am one of them. But instead of taking the critisism as a reminder from your brother in Islam, you go on the offensive. That baffles me everytime you do because I have respect for you and don't expect you to react in that manner. I am not out to discredit you sxb, you are failing to give me the benefit of the doubt once again by suspecting me of ill-intentions. Something sternly discouraged in Islam. but brother for the sake of fairness, why not take what the Sunnah say and defend the Sunnah against the Shia who blaspheme agianst the most revered generation who ever walked on earth accusing them of heresy after the death of the prophet SAWS? I have never said anything negative about the Sahaba and haven't seen anyone doing it openly here on the forums. So bro, I don't see anything to defend against. There also isn't a Sh'ia debator here except Mutakalim (the others are asking questions and people are accusing them of being Shi'a), who is yet to come forward with his research.

You still have not answered why you believe in the absurdities of the Shia I posted, if you have no access to Al Kafi by Kuleiny which I doubt since you mentioned the Rawdah , you can say that if indeed these are found in the Shia literature they are indeed damaging to the credibility of the rest of their concepts which was the reason I posted these materials in the first place, I do NOT believe in any absurdities, if your memory serves you right, you'll have recalled what I said earlier about my beliefs. Bro Nur, I am not a liar (referring to the words in bold) and if you don't believe me, then that's your problem. Are you assuming I am lying because I know about Rawdah? Or know of Koweiny? It's remarks like these that make me lose respect towards you (you thinking that I can't know about Rawdah without being a Shia). I always give you the benefit of the doubt and then you come up with things like these. Now coming back to the theoretical relativistic physics and space time relationship. Once more I feel that you are desperate to discredit what i write about Islam by cleverly using my discusion with Mr. Feinman, as an example... In this thread, we discuss Islam, why bring physics into it like Feinman did and later complained that I was using big words even his coworker is confused about? and is it fair of all the goofs I make, and I do, to pick the most complicated topic for a lay person and then build a case against me? As for the issue of dimensions, you were caught with your pants down however you try to explain it away with other terms. I wasn't trying to discredit you in anyway bro, but just pointing to the facts. There is also another post you wrote about the moon, fasting and water levels in the body. That again is another scientific fallacy that you presented, but am not here to discuss that either. In the issue of physics, Feynman reacted to your theory of "3+1 dimensions in Islam". This is the question he asked you afetr your remarks and I didn't see a clear cut answer or a retraction of the staement. Physics is his field, however, I wouldn't want to talk about his life on the forums but believe me when I tell you that he knows what he is talking about. He was warning you against attributing fallacies to islam, theories that aren't facts. But instead of taking the critisism as a reminder from your brother in Islam, you go on the offensive. That baffles me everytime you do because I have respect for you and don't expect you to react in that manner. I am not out to discredit you sxb, you are failing to give me the benefit of the doubt once again by suspecting me of ill-intentions. Something sternly discouraged in Islam. but brother for the sake of fairness, why not take what the Sunnah say and defend the Sunnah against the Shia who blaspheme agianst the most revered generation who ever walked on earth accusing them of heresy after the death of the prophet SAWS? I have never said anything negative about the Sahaba and haven't seen anyone doing it openly here on the forums. So bro, I don't see anything to defend against. There also isn't a Sh'ia debator here except Mutakalim (the others are asking questions and people are accusing them of being Shi'a), who is yet to come forward with his research.

The maligning of Islamic civilization in the US Caise D. Hassan A disturbing aspect of the Temple Mount Faithful's plans to destroy the Aqsa Mosque is the general tolerance for such actions in the US, a product of the debate about Islamic civilization's "stagnation and backwardness." American debate about the protection of religious sites and groups has spawned efforts to hold accountable those who persecute religious minorities or destroy sacred monuments. Two instances in the 1990s stand out: One was criticism of the Taliban government for destroying an ancient Buddhist statue. American condemnation here, in part, isolated the Taliban internationally. The US referenced this violation as part of the justification for invading Afghanistan. Another example is the pressure the US exerted on China to end repression of the Tibetan Buddhists. Congressional debate over sanctions on China is tempered only by America's extensive trade with it. The US has the power to pressure the Sharon government to arrest those plotting Aqsa's destruction. The latter have expressed such intents; their philosophical forefathers actually set fire to it. So, what is stopping the US from protecting the mosque? Notwithstanding messianic Christian support for George Bush, an important reason for silence over the threat to al Aqsa is that even mainstream commentators in America see the Islamic world as a monolith of violence, devoid of space that is sacred or significant. I am not referring to polemicists like Ann Coultier, who argue for the bombing of Muslim holy cities. Opinions that maintain American indifference or hostility toward Islamic settings also come from the likes of Ted Koppel and Dan Rather. Events in the Muslim world reported often in America are the violent ones. In respected outlets, such as CNN and the New York Times, descriptions of Muslims ooze with epithets like "extremist," "fanatic," and "terrorist." Here, Muslims allegedly act only when their blood boils; media, particularly television, explain this alleged psychosis by photographing Muslims in habitats of extreme deprivation. Americans see images of Muslims in deserts, crowded markets, and tents. These teach the audience that Islamic societies barely have escaped pre-historic times. Why should one care about their shrines? The Islamic high civilization that built the Aqsa mosque and advanced science and art is missing from American consciousness. If Americans assume that Muslim societies are now backwards, they might conclude that the Islamic past is a hindrance to Muslims and not worth preserving. This premise guided the American military in the Iraq wars. American bombs smashed several mosques that were centuries old. Despite pleas from archeological experts to the Pentagon to protect Iraq's cultural treasures, American officers allowed looters to rob Iraq's Islamic and pre-Islamic antiquities. Politicians, academics, and media have raised few resonant questions about the military's indifference to and destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage. The vulnerability of Aqsa receives even less consideration in American coverage. While journalists worldwide addressed the threat messianic Jews pose to the Haram al Sharif, America's leading daily reported that a vague "threat of violence" made Israel prevent observant Jews from performing their religious obligations on the Temple Mount. Giving extensive background about the significance of the Holy Site to Judaism, Joseph Berger of the NY Times News Service (7/28/04) does not suggest that the Temple Mount Faithful are a threat. They "simply wanted to pray" close to the "Temple Site." Ignoring Aqsa's history, Berger seems to belittle Muslim claims to it; he writes, "While this is among the holiest Islamic sites, it is where Jews believe the temple stood." The presence of mosques is not so valid as a Jewish belief in their claim. Given these perceptions about Islamic civilization, how should an American observer react to the threat posed to the Haram Al Sharif? This indifference to Muslim interests in Jerusalem will endanger both Israel and the United States. As Israeli officials have noted, an attack upon Aqsa could bring Israel into conflict with a billion Muslims worldwide. Certainly, Israeli civilians will bear the brunt of Palestinian Muslim indignation at Aqsa's ruin. The US might experience retaliation for its support of Israel. America's destruction of Iraq in 1991 was one of al Qaeda's reasons for attacking America. Many Muslims did not consider "Desert Storm" a valid reason for such enmity. However, if messianic Jews harm Muslim holy sites with American consent, the US will sink in political quicksand. One possibility is another attack in the US. Another is that Washington's allies in the Muslim world could be deposed. The governments that come to power promising retribution for the loss of Muslim holy sites will make Khomeini's Iran seem like a close ally. Americans of all persuasions, Muslims, and Jews need to add historical depth to the debate about Islam. If the trend continues, an inter-communal conflict in Jerusalem could escalate into a regional war where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others at the epicenter of the conflict but who do not hold messianic sentiments will suffer under the weight of others' prejudices and indifference. - Published 2/9/2004 © bitterlemons-international.org Caise D. Hassan is a Muslim American writer of Palestinian descent. Hassan is a human rights activists and is currently working on a book on the 1987 intifada.

The feeling of helplessness is very frustrating. The Zionists seem to take any measure that humiliates Muslims and the beseiged Palestinians. -------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 2004 The Daily Star Tuesday, September 07, 2004 Israel threatens Al-Aqsa: A view from the Muslim side By Ikrima Sabri In June 2004, the then Israeli Public Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi announced that extremist Jewish groups were planning to destroy the Aqsa mosque either with an unmanned plane filled with explosives or a plane flown by a suicide bomber. The Higher Islamic Commission and other Islamic bodies immediately issued a condemnation and warned that they would hold the Israeli government responsible if any harm befell the mosque. A week later, the same minister said the Israeli government could not guarantee the safety of the mosque against extremist Jewish groups. Again, Muslim organizations condemned the statement, saying that any attack against the mosque could not happen without the help of the Israeli government. The Aqsa mosque is not like other mosques. According to one hadith, or tradition of the Prophet, prayer at Aqsa is worth more than in any other mosque except the mosques in Mecca and Medina. The Aqsa mosque is the focal point for the miracle of the night of ascension, when the Prophet Mohammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there ascended to heaven. Thus, the Aqsa mosque occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of Muslims everywhere. What would happen should any extremist succeed in destroying it is hard to predict, except to say that it would unite the Muslims of Palestine with Muslims all over the world in anger, and no one would stand with their hands behind their backs. But these threats are not new. Since the Israeli occupation in 1967, the Islamic waqf, or religious endowment, has been constantly wary of attempts by extremists to harm Al-Aqsa. Most infamous was the fire set to the mosque on Aug. 21, 1969, at the hands of one Michael Dennis Rohan, said to be an Australian national. At the time, the Israeli authorities said he was insane so as to clear him from standing trial and the file was closed. In May 1980, a group of extremist Jews was caught with large amounts of explosives in their possession, apparently planning to dynamite the mosque. In 1983, four armed Jews carrying bags full of explosives were caught trying to break into the ground level corridor leading to the Marwani Mosque in the compound. The guards were able to abort the conspiracy before it was carried out. One year later, on Jan. 26, another group of extremist Jews tried to break into the courtyard carrying three hand grenades and six suitcases full of explosives. Just one day afterward 18 hand grenades and tens of kilograms of explosives were found near the eastern wall of the Mosque. The perpetrators were able to escape through the cemetery near the Rahmeh Gate. But small extremist groups have not posed the only threat. In August 2000, the chief rabbis of Israel formed a religious committee to initiate a project to establish a synagogue inside the Aqsa courtyard. In February 2001, an Israeli professor - Rafael Yisraeli - called on the Israeli government to divide the Aqsa compound between Muslims and Jews as a first phase. In between, of course, on Sept. 29, 2000, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - then opposition leader - entered the Aqsa compound with some 1,500 security personnel. Six people were killed that day in the Aqsa courtyard, and the "visit" resulted in the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa intifada. There have also been other similar incidents involving the Israeli Army. On April 11, 1982, Israeli Army reservist Harry Goldman opened fired on the courtyard and killed two people. Sixty others were wounded, by him and by other soldiers who came to protect him. He was released shortly after his arrest. On Oct. 8, 1990, Israeli forces killed 23 people and injured over 200 in the courtyard. In 1996, during the demonstrations against the opening of the Israeli tunnel that had been dug underneath the compound, the Israeli Army killed another 14 people and dozens were wounded. The tunnel demonstrations occurred because Muslims were fearful of Israeli excavation in and around the compound. Israeli excavations in the Aqsa area began in the 1970s and took the form of tunnels focused on the area adjacent to the outer western wall of the compound. The digging eventually led to several cracks appearing in a number of ancient buildings belonging to the Islamic waqf along the western wall in the area of the Chains, Iron and Qataneen Gates, which date back to the Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman eras respectively. In 1981, Israeli archaeological digs exposed a well in the western courtyard. At the time, the Israeli archeological department claimed the well was actually a tunnel that extended beneath the Dome of the Rock. Within hours, however, the claim was proven false; what the archaeologists had discovered was a well whose stones dated back to the Mamluk period. In 1984, the excavations led to the collapse of the stairs leading to the waqf offices at the Majlis Gate, and in 1988 to the collapse of the corridor leading to the Ghawanmeh Gate. The waqf does not have detailed information on the excavations, because the Israeli occupation authorities have barred access to waqf engineers. We can, however, say for sure that exposing the foundations of the Aqsa Mosque by digging up the ground around it will place the mosque in grave danger. In other words, Al-Aqsa is constantly under threat in one way or another. However, the extremists' threats are of particular concern because they may provide a pretext for international forces to intervene for the sake of internationalizing Jerusalem and "protecting" its holy sites. We reject any internationalization of Jerusalem, just as we reject its Judaization. Internationalization is even more dangerous because this means the world would have control over Jerusalem and would be able to "put their hands" on its holy sites. We already know that the West has control over international bodies and institutions; so therefore, it would take advantage of the new situation to once again return to the Middle East, under the guise of international legitimacy. If this should happen, it would be very difficult for us to resist. Currently we are only up against one party, so the Muslim world needs only to work to end the Israeli occupation. ------------------------------------------------- Ikrima Sabri is the mufti of Jerusalem. This commentary was originally published in bitterlemons-international, an online newsletter

That philosophical adage 'Always un-reasonable men adopt the world to themselves, where reasonable men adopt themselves to the world, thus unreasonable men are those who change the world is a touching saying, Those wise words by Shaw sorta gave me a hand through the qaxooti days, way before I got the sharci and understood the society I lived in.

What amazes me though is how zealous you are in coming to the aid of any shia or shia-would-be, and never speak for common sense when presented by a non Shia like me, and yet claim to be searching knowledge. I have yet to see a note of yours saying " Nur has a point here "! but never did I ever read that. I am not just coming to the aid of "shia or shia-would-be" as it may seem. I just pointed out something I thought was very obvious. If I was defending the Shia as you claim, I would be adressing the others for you are among the most lenient towards them (you can see some talk about them as if they were lepers) on these threads. As for agreeing with your "evidence" 9or refuting them), I would have if I had had access to Koweini's works. If you recall, lack of materials required for this discussion was one of the reasons I declined to participate. Bro Nur, you are a revered Nomad and your posts are read and enjoyed by many. Many are reminded of their purpose and learn a great deal from them also. Some (unfortunately) would even take anything you say as "law" without confirming. There was a time you stated that "in Islam we have the phyisical with al its four dimensions, 3+ time". This is a scientific fallacay that has no support whatsoever in our Deen. If Feynman (and later I) hadn't pointed out this erroneous statement, it would have gone unnoticed or even embraced as an Islamic fact by some. I know it may sound petty, but ascribing a fallacy to the Deen is pretty serious.

The funny thing is that you even you believe that the Prophet asked for a pen and paper as if he has done it anytime in his lifetime! remember he was the illitrate prophet ? his miracle! when you belive in a lie, make sure it is consistent before you pose it to us, if you are a good researcher! Nur, C'mon bro, do you seriously think that the Shi'a literally mean that the Prophet PBUH actually thought of writing, knowing he's illiterate and seriously ill? Are you also saying that the Prophet PBUH never asked others to write things down for him? How about the various scribes?

I don't think am actually meant to answer these questions but i'll go ahead and do it. Question 1: Do all of us think of what we write when starting a topic or posting a reply? Can't speak for others but i'd like to think that I do. Question 2: If there were students that learn from the wisdom of the words we write (in SOL), do we think our words contain any useful information that can benefit them (student)? I like to think of discussion forums as something like tv, some things are entertaining, some annoying, some instructive, some informative, some repulsive etc. Question 3: About chitchats, do our words in regards to general talk contain anything beneficial to any reader that browses SOL, or does our chitchat serve any purpose? Chitchat, according to the dictionary means SMALL TALK or GOSSIP. Chitchatting serves ONLY one purpose, wasting time. Question 4: When we start a topic what is our intention? Are we after learning from others' opinions or just to seek popularity of some kind? Every person has their own motives and only that person and Allah SWT knows the truth. Sometimes one's intentions aren't important to the readers; someone can have noble motives but can be interpreted as being exibitionism, or vice versa.

Maryan, Poor people don't like it when the little they have is stolen. Thieves are beaten in almost every poor country in the world, from East to West Africa, some parts of Asia and even South America. The burning of thieves is mainly done in the poorest places in Nairobi, places like Kariobangi, Mathare, Kibera etc. These places are infested with thieves and people are probably tired of beating them up. When one is caught in these areas, someone in the crowd usually volunteers and runs to buy some kerosene while another looks for fuel for the fire, tyres and/or firewood are commonly used.

Sophist, I don't know of the men you mentionned but agree that we don't have theologians capable of leading the Somali people. About Prof Samatar, there's hardly any nobler profession than teaching, so the man is doing something good. This is sadaqa that will live on long after his death. I have some pictures my father sent me, he was with among other Prof Gandi at a Somali Civil Society Workshop held in Nairobi a few years ago. Some people are involved in different aspects of building the Somali society, the political sphere is obviously the most visible. http://www.somali-civilsociety.org

Am not promoting the movie but was amazed by the story of this man. One has to have some loose bolts to do what he did... Copyright © 2004 The Daily Star Thursday, September 02, 2004 Iranian's 16-year wait in airport inspired Spielberg movie Nasseri now calls himself 'Sir Alfred' By Agence France Presse (AFP) CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT, France: Passengers at Paris's main airport who wander into the basement shopping section of Terminal One may spot a gaunt, moustachioed figure sitting amid a pile of boxes and scribbling fervently on a note pad. In the strange and timeless atmosphere of an international departure area, he pays little heed to the hordes who pass before him every day. He rises with the arrival of the first cleaner, washes and shaves in the public bathroom and eats takeaways from McDonald's. If there is an air of permanence about him, that is not surprising. For Merhan Karimi Nasseri has been in the same spot for no less than 16 years. Caught originally in an immigration trap - unable to enter France, nowhere to go - he has long since become psychologically dependent on his unusual choice of abode. He calls himself Sir Alfred, and this small section of airport parquet and plastic bench is his domain. It is a peculiar story, and one which came several years ago to the ears of the Hollywood director Steven Spielberg. He saw its potential, and the result is "The Terminal," which opens in Europe and Asia next week and across the Middle East soon after getting its European premiere Wednesday at the Venice film festival. Starring Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones, "The Terminal" is about a visitor to New York from eastern Europe who finds himself stranded at JFK airport after his fictional country erupts into civil war. The airport becomes his home, as he befriends the staff and has a love affair with a hostess. For Nasseri the film has meant tens of thousands of dollars (euros) reportedly - but unverifiably - paid over in royalties as well as a constant stream of gawking visitors and interested journalists. But life goes on unchanged, a movie poster above his arrangement of boxes and bags the sole concession to his new status as "the man who inspired The Terminal." "I have not seen the film," he said in an interview this week. "Maybe I will if they bring me a video. I have not been able to spend the money because naturally I cannot buy a house here and if I park a car outside they will blow it up. But one day when I get my passport for America ..." According to airport doctor Philippe Bargain, who visits him every week, Nasseri's physical health is fine, but his mental condition is another story. "He is on the same record as everyone else, just on a different track," he said. Thus details of his past life are hard to establish. It is known that he was born 59 years ago in Iran, and that he briefly attended Bradford University in Britain where he claims to have studied Slav languages. Returning to Iran he was imprisoned as a suspected dissident by the Shah's police and deported. After that he was shunted between France, Italy and Belgium, trying unsuccessfully to reach Britain where he said his mother - a British nurse - was living. However today he denies this story. After periods of imprisonment for illegal entry, he parked himself at Charles de Gaulle airport in 1988. Though he says he dislikes his life at the terminal, he had the chance to leave in 1999 when he was granted refugee status. However seeing his name on the papers as Merhan Karimi Nasseri - and not Sir Alfred - he said they were forged and refused to sign. He spends his days staring into space or feverishly jotting down passenger announcements. He refuses to move far from his encampment, which includes a hanging rail with a row of laundered clothes, for fear of theft. Occasionally he buys a book. At film's end, Tom Hanks learns the fighting in his home country is over and reaches Manhattan. Sir Alfred says he also intends to live in New York - indeed he claims the US visa is on its way - but the truth is more banal. The man who inspired "The Terminal" is staying there. By Hugh Schofield, Agence France Press Copyright © 2004 The Daily Star

Sophist, I understood you, I was just telling you that they (the 'intellectuals' you refer to) probably feel that they are not capable of making any difference. They hope that someone else takes care of the current problem, just as you hope they lead and do the work. I would personally have theologians leading the change than have secular thinkers, but what we need at the moment is stability, hope and peace. We'll take what we get.

VIKING, I remember watching that film a few years ago too. Can’t remember how the plot went though. I keep mixing it up with fight club for some strange reason. NGONGE, Now you are in Fight Club, all those elusive opponents... I saw a mouse trap with a mouse in it. It had henna on its feet! LOOL, that cracked me up!

I would not recommend for a guy to be present in a delivery room. I never thought it would be that traumatising :rolleyes: ...it was several years ago but I haven't recovered fully yet. lol@Boolbaro, You are one sick individual.

Sophist, There's an African saying that says, "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito." These 'intellectuals' you call upon probably feel (just as you do) that they lack the grit required. Baashi has a point, maybe a 'think tank' would help gather the momentum required to start change. Just look at what Chalabi, Alawi and co. have achieved with (destabilising and eventually taking over) Iraq; Somalis might not get the same backing but it'll atleast gain recognition and support from different sides.

MILAN - AC Milan announce that they have signed Rodrigo Izecson Dos Santos Leite 'Digao', the younger brother of Kaka, on loan from Sampdoria. Digao will join the youth team coached by Franco Baresi. www.acmilan.com -------------------------------------------------- IBRAHIMOVIC TO JUVE Swedish international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to join Italian Serie A side Juventus from Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam on a four-year deal, Dutch media agency ANP reported on Tuesday. According to media reports Ajax will receive a 19-million euros fee for the 22-year-old, who has scored 35 goals in 74 league appearances since he joined the Dutch club in 2001. Juve are also reported to have signed Fabio Cannavaro from Inter Milan. Olympique Marseille striker Ahmed Hossam Mido is joining Serie A team AS Roma, a source close to the French club said on Tuesday. www.eurosport.co.uk

Gediid, What you forget to mention is that since he took over, he has been asking the white farmers to return some of the land to their rightful owners. They refused and after two decades, the lands were confiscicated. Besides, this wealth you talk about was in the hands of the whites and if it weren't for the pressure from GB and the others, Zimbabwe would be doing much better and the transition would have been smoother.

Seeking Knowledge is not the issue my friend, its who you seek the knowledge from! You are someone probably residing in the west, someone who uses technologies developed in the west (like the PC you log on to) everyday. Waryaa Dude, He's just an oaf!

I read about this in NA last week. Am glad that people aren't duped by the evil image of Mugabe as potrayed by the western media.

I liked the way the Kenyans won the steeplechase, 1,2,3 - AGAIN

the author says that she has received even worse death threats than that directly from Sudanese diplomat Gamal Ibrahaim and from her ex-"sugar daddy", Sudan's former Vice President Hasan Al-Turabi (who is now on house arrest).... Kola Boof, has also finally admitted that she had a sexual affair for six months in 1996 with Turabi's protege...Osama Bin Laden. This woman is going for the most ridiculous stories in order to get publicity. She has posed naked in her website, doesn't that show she'd do almost anything to get attention? Dr Hassan al-Turabi is a spiritual leader who has been the force behind the Islamic ressurgence in Sudan the past decades. It is even said that the people in Darfur are being punished by the govt. for supporting him. Osama on the other hand is someone who has left a luxury millionaire's life behind him to live like a peasant and help poor Muslims around the world.