Even in such a system you still need to campaign. But the bigger point I was trying to make was that the candidacy of the General has managed to attract more attention than any one else.In my judgement he is the only who has so far attracted support outside his base. His is also the only campaign that was covered in the mainstraem Somali online media (WardheerNew and Hiiraan). Secondly I was trying to get across that there is nothing wrong in campaigning in your hometown as some in this forum has suggested. You need to solidfy your base too. Xaruuri

What is wrong in campaigning in your rgion or home town? This guy have generated a lot interest, enthusiasm and huge crowds wherever he visited from Minnesota, Toronto, Ontario, London England, Cloumbus, Ohio UAE and now Puntland. This I think could only be from savvy and sophisticated ampaign with a credible candidate. Others have attrcated little attention even from their home regions. Xaruuri

I believe this was the way people used to write in those days. Read this article by Ismail A. Ismail at Wardheernews: http://www.wardheernews.com/articles_07/october/10_I-have_honor_ismail.html In my humble opinion these young were brilliant and we should all be proud of them. Xaruuri

As some of the Somaliland supporters in this forum claim what Faisal said is not open to interpretation. Instead of being outraged at what this crazy loony suggested, they are attacking the author. Does it make any difference whether what he said is directed at the people of Puntland or those of Sool and Sanaag. Calling for genocide is reprehensible and does not absolve him from his call for criminal actions. The examples that the author gave are relevant here and Faisal should be held accountable for his deeds. With regards to Silanyo, the strange thing is he even tried to explain it away by saying he does not think that Faisal meant this or that. That was pathetic to say the least and criminal in its own right. Finally the fact the secessionist camp is defending Faisal here is a testament to what the author calls a mute response from the leadership or masses of Somaliland. Otherwise Faisal would have been in trouble in his own home turf. He is still free and preaching his hate right in Hargeisa and that itself is enough of proof for the tolerance of hate in Somaliland. Xaruuri

Xargaga: What the author is saying is Faysal’s outburst amounts to incitement, which is something that should not be tolerated. Politicians should learn that there is price to pay when they misstep or commit a gaffe. But if we continuo as if nothing has happened, that is what the writer rightly describes as blameworthy. And mind you calling for Xasuuq is not a minor misstep. That is where the comparison with Rwandan Intrahamwe comes in. The author is also drawing attention to the fact that no one from the administration or elsewhere condemned Faysal’s call for Xasuuq. With regards to Mr. Red’s characterization as cowards to those who draw attention to the genocide call of Waraabe just says a lot about the sad state we are in. What is worse though he is trying to minimize it and that is shameful and he is a shameless character. Xaruuri

Waa arrin yaab leh. Before we jump the gun one needs to read throughly the links attched with the post. Per these links It is these two men are well known gay activists. However what we do not know is whether they are in Hargeysa or not. So I will keep my comments to myself untill we know more.

The long response from Odweyne was just hogwash and full of meaningless empty statments. However, the most important thing he said is the admission on his part that he is from Gashaamo in Zone 5 (The Somali region in Ethiopia) in case any one missed it. So this guy who is extreme in his support for the breakaway region of our country and the dismemberment of the Somali nation is not from the northern Somalia after all. So my advice to him is to worry about his country and the multitude of issues that face his nation including the current fratricidal war in Daror and leave Somalia alone. He has no say what so ever in what happens in Somalia. With regards to the NSPU he can shout all he wants and call them names, but that is not going to change the facts. Salaam to you all. Xaruuri

Why is this chap calling himself Odweyne get incensed when people express themselves? Oday, you are from the bushes of Odweyne and you can speak for yourself and be a sectarian clannish ******** if you like, but we too are from the north and we do not subscribe to that sectarian whimsy project they call Somaliland. We are proud of our heritage and those crazies who claim that they run Somaliland do not represent us. Whether you like to hear or not the northerners are very much divided when it comes to the secession project. If you believe otherwise you can continue to live in your castle in the sky and Cuckoo land. By the way the funniest thing these days is the (the secessionists) started calling the despot who runs the Hargeisa administration the Prophet of Democracy. I think they are probably beginning to become nostalgic for the Aabaha Ummadda of the past! What an irony? Xaruuri [ February 22, 2007, 01:04 AM: Message edited by: Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar ]

This shows how flawed is the thinking of the secessionists. They are putting the cart before the horse. Instead of first getting support for their project from the entire territory of the former British Somaliland they are running around certain capitals of the African nations trying to hoodwink the international opinion as if the people of the former Somaliland protectorate support this flawed project. If they are serious about this I think they would have tried to sell it first to their fellow compatriots. Another thing also is why these secessionists are so single minded? Why are they not looking at other options? If they did I am sure they would have realized that secession is the worst scenario for both themselves and the rest of Somalia. That is why as a northerner myself secession never made sense to me. This project is now reduced to a program that spends over 80% of their energy denigrating other Somalis. Xaruuri

You sometimes wonder and question if some members of this forum are rational. One such member is this chap who calls himself Mujaahid Red Sea. He is accusing the writers of the articles presented here as hell bent on defaming the entire region of Somaliland. These two writers are condemning only Mr. Faysal Waraabe who is nothing but an embarrassment to that part of the world which FYI I am also from. Indeed I do agree with the writers that the burning of the Somali Flag was despicable act. It is beyond me why this gentleman is making this Yahoo and Loony known as Ina Cali Waraabe synonymous with Somaliland? In my opinion there is no worst defamation than that to the people of Somaliland. It is a ridiculous claim and he should be ashamed of himself. From what I gather from his writings I believe Dr. Ali Bahar is a northern unionist who is from the great province of Awdal. Like any other community, the people of the North have diverse views on any issue including whether to secede from Somalia or not. Only those are delusional would deny that fact. We should respect that if the democracy that Mr. Mujaahid and company shove on the throat of people exists in Somaliland. Otherwise it is a mirage and we should admit that. Xaruuri

Good article Mr Munsa. This chap Heyna is an embrassment to the Somali people and somebody need to shut his filthy mouth. His only vision is hate and vilification for the other Somalis. But that for sure is not going to take him any where. Xaruuri

According to this editorial PM Meles Zenawi was quoted as saying he will crush the Islamic Courts in one or two weeks. May be his assessment is not that far off. The Islamists despite being the ones who started the war are falling apart in front of our eyes in few days of active fighting. Probably they shpuld not have attacked Baydhabo and the TFG military camps. Xaruuri

Thanks Mr. Munsa Musa. Indeed it is an excellent and timely piece. It is true Somalia has been damaged and reduced to a non entity by its own sons and daughters. This generation will be remembered for what they did to Maandeeq. Let us all hope as the piece states that the lunatics who populate the somali political scene would come to their senses and heed the call for stopping the conflict and resume the peace talks. The solution is clear and simple; War is not the answer and only thru negotiations will our nation be brought back from the abyss. Xaruuri

This thread is becoming Yooyootan. It has nothing to do any longer with topic that was originally posted: The far fetched comaparison between The loonie (ina Cali Waraabe)and the leader of Iran made by Mr. Red Sea. I thougt that was crazy to say the least. But in any case no one is talking about that anymore and I think it is about time that we move on. Xaruuri

This is a great article about a great conference on Somali unity. Probably the best we had since sectarianism has overtaken Somali nationalism. This also shows the world and the Somalis for that matter that there are also constituents in the North who are for united, prosperous and peaceful Somalia. The days when the secessionists were the only voice you hear from the north are over. I fully agree with objectives and support this Organization. Their goals are noble and have a national focus. SOPRI on the other hand is trying to resuscitate and propagate the clannish view that failed to lead us anywhere for the last 15 years or so. By the way did anybody from this forum go to the conference? From what I gather from friends in the DC area it was a smash hit and a success in the literal sence of the word. Xaruuri

I honestly do not understand why Mr. Red Sea is accusing Mr. Me of being a hater. Me. On the one hand he is defending the Numero Uno demagogue of all Somalis and on the other hand is accusing Mr. Me of being a hatemonger. Adduunyada nin noolow maxaa aragti kuu laaban! Secondly why is he pretending as if he represents Hargeysa. My friend you can support any bigot you like or be one if you choose so, but please do not bring Hargeysa into your little muddy world. Hargeysa ka weyn meel aad adigoo sidaa u hadlaya metesho. Xaruuri

A timely conference. It will probably wake up a sleeping gaint from a long stupor. the conference agenda is superb.I wont be able to go, but I am looking forward to the outcome and proceeding of the conference. Xaruuri

There is nothing wrong with an apology given to people who were wronged by their own state. Probably the ICU should start how to broaden this issue and modalities of how to bring justice to those who have committed crimes agianst humanity who are still alive and most likely live within their own jurisdiction. It is not an easy process and should probably be dealt in a more comprehensive and serious manner than just issueing apologies here and there. Xaruuri

Who is going to gag the Loose cannon Ina Cali Waraabe? I believe that is just wishfull thinking and has no grain of truth in it. Xaruuri

From what I gather from the official website of the conference and the sponsoring organization (somaliunity.org), the conference will take place on Dec. 1st and 2nd at the premises of the Centre for strategic studiesin DC. The item on Hadhwanaag seems like it is reporting from a hostile point of view. But then again isn't that what all the websites who support the secessionist point of view do. They usually act like the mouth pieces of Somaliland and are hell bent to suppress any other view. The news article from hadhwanaag looks like it is rallying the troops of the secessionist forces in DC to open their eyes and ears and discourage the invited guests (probably those whom they think should not have s different view from theirs)not to participate. Per the literature of this conference it seems the organizers and the sponsoring agency are trying to organize the pro union groups from the north and I believe that is a voice we need to hear even for Somaliland's own sake. Xaruuri

I am not surprised to hear these statements from Ina Cali Waraabe. Fomenting hate and discord is what he does best. What else do you expect from Somalia’s born again leading neo Nazi pseudo politician? This is how he is described by one commentator in Hargeysa: [“Ill read and ill educated, Faysal is an ignoble demagogue who made himself the laughing stock of Somali’s of all walks of life. Unpopular in his home turf, he is known to have a loose tongue for venomous rhetoric and thoughtless diatribe…” A. Duale Sii’arag in his commentary on: The challenges to Social life in Hargeisa.] The sad story is there are many bigots like him who are at large. Let us all reject these visionless characters or reap the benefits of tolerating these charlatans. Folks our core values of decency as a society are at stake here. Xaruuri

Thank Signor Mansa: This is a great piece. The author has clearly outlined how our neighbors are making the somali saga worse. I am sure history will not be kind to the pseudo politicians who currently populate the Somali political scene. It is a shame. Who has ever thought that we will see the day that the so called Somali leaders would compete against each of who can serve the hated Habasha's better? Talk about the tragedy of the commons! Xaruuri

Gentlemen: This is an irony to say the least. Rayaale is not only a corrupt leader and a thief, but is an autocratic ruler who surrounded himself with dubious characters who are recycled like him from the previous regime. Rayaale is paid more than any head of state of any nation recognized or otherwise in the world. It is reported that he has a budget of over $500,000.00 out of a total national budget of less than $25 million. Furthermore he has his hands on every item of the national budget and treasury. The guy acts and behaves like the Arab monarchs of the Middle East who own their nations wealth. The sad thing is as long as he continues to utter and parrot that famous phrase “Somaliland has withdrawn from the Union” he knows he is safe and can continue to pillage the national treasury. For him the presidency is a lucrative business. He has businesses and mansions not only in Cairo but Dubai, Djibouti and South Africa to mention a few. It is beyond me why our people tolerate such characters and entrust and reward them with leadership positions. Probably that is the kind of leadership we deserve.

Thanks Caamir. I take it that you are one of the regulars here. I have read some of your postings and I believe you are a measured fella. Khayrul Umuuri Awsaduhaa. Extremism is always a terrible thing. Xaruuri

My dearest Mansa Musa You reminded me an incident that I was trying very hard to forget. I do recall that incident which was very much covered then in most of the cyber media that cover the region. To tell you the truth I was very much offended by what the little shortsighted rascal said about the parties involved in the conflict. I read the editorial peace of Wardheernews and was very much impressed with the depth of their research. You see this is an area that I have some experience with and probably as the objective of the article is to simply point out how people can benefit from the experience of a similar community. That is something that is a fact of life in today’s world and scholars write books about these issues. The irony is, however, that these Bush men from Togdheer can not comprehend that simple fact. To them everything is black and white. Probably they are content to listening to Ina Ali Waraabe’s thrash talk which fills them with false pride and makes them feel larger than life. They have no capacity to comprehend such a piece of scholarship. What they like most is “Yo Yo tan” which is probably what they do best. Whether Hargeysa was shown in a not so good picture or not is frankly not the issue here. Unlike you, though I do believe that a lot can be learned from Somaliland’s experience in the area of land tenure as the piece suggests or in many other areas of experience that deal with conflict resolution. It is true that conflicts usually start between individuals, but has always the potential to transform into a wholesale clan conflict. That is not something unique to Somaliland, but is the case in all Somali societies. That is the culture of our people whether we like it or not. If these Bush Men from Togdheer want to deny that, they can be guest. They don’t have to look far, for all they need is to look at their own backyard. As those of you from the north probably know, Togdheer has more of these conflicts than any other place in Somaliland. The gist of the article identifies the main problem as the week institutions of the Government of Somaliland and proposes plausible remedies which are grounded on Somali customs, traditions and modern law or code. It is a superb piece that highlights the experience of Somaliland. I very much doubt if these Bushmen who are critiquing the article understood the magnitude of the issue that the piece is addressing. It is a classic piece on conflict resolution. If they can not appreciate an article like this, they can go ahead and enjoy reading the multitude of Pravda like sites that are available in the internet. Oodweyne is probably familiar with Qarannews which a friend of mine once said even puts xiddigta Oktoobar to shame. Salaam to you all. Xaruuri