The good thing is he didn't go out and get some white girl.

^Arbitrary - a single woman on welfare can give birth to a child and care for him/her. But a couple on welfare will have a very hard time fostering a child because of criteria set by child welfare advocates. Is that arbitrary enough for you?

<cite> @Safferz said:</cite> Inane. The CSC has a particular narrative about Somali Canadians, almost assimilationist in its understanding of Somalis in Canadian society, and they have a need to mold us into a community that can be perceived by dominant society as successful, respectable and responsible citizens. It makes perfect sense that someone like Ahmed Hussen sees Jewish Canadians as a model for Somalis to aspire to. The problem here is that they are willing to sweep issues like the high dropout rate under the rug to focus on the "successes" of Somali Canadians. Honestly I wish I still lived in Toronto right now, I'd offer my services to the Somali task force to manage their optics in the Somali community and beyond in the short term, as well as launch a longer term project of annihilating the CSC lool I'm not sure the mandate of the CSC is to tackle the social problems faced by Somalis at the nittty gritty. It is to project a positive face for Somalis in Canada given all the negativity surrounding our community and to be an advocate for the general interests of the community. So I"m not sure your critique is entirely fair. Quite frankly given the stereotypes and the negative image of Somalis - I support anyone who wants to highlight our successes and change the narrative.

^They did try to foster/adopt - I read an article where it said 4 or 5 of the relatives of the family tried and failed to meet the 'criteria' for foster parents. Sadly - in western countries any idiot can have a child but - the family of a child put out for foster must be subjected to arbitrary criteria in order to care for their own. If the policy was proper and fair and taken to its proper conclusion - we would have committees to determine which individuals fit the appropriate criteria and allow only them to conceive and have children.

^We'll see how it works out Mooge. I've never seen a situation in Somali politics where appointing more people results in better decisions or lasting support from constituents that you aimed to please with the appointments. <cite> @Illyria said:</cite> These are the ministries that matter: Planning, treasury, interior, security, education, health and justice. And true, 3 of the appointed ministries were presidential candidates, which does not disqualify them, but Dr. Eenow (a medical doctor), Shire H. (a successful financier and entrepreneur) and Ali H. (an educated young businessman) are very capable individuals who can carry the weight. are you disputing their proficiency? It is not a matter of proficiency. I'm sure you could find other proficient individuals. It is a matter of perception. And no it is not a magnanimous gesture a la Obama appointing Hilary Secretary of State as Mooge would like to believe. It is a straight forward quid pro quo that harkens back to old scratch your back politics. Abdiweli was supposed to be the new leaf - not the one perpetuating old style politics. I still don't see what Cali Xaaji brings to the table in education. Is there anywhere where we can get the job descriptions of the Wasiir Cafimaadka and Wasiraha Dowlaha Caafimaadka? I for one can't fathom a real difference.

^Cadre of technicians for coveted ministries? Coveted ministries and appointements: Amniga - Allore Maliyada - Shire Xaaji Waxbarashada - Cali Xaaji Caafimaadka - Eenow Unless I'm mistaken - all of these were folks who ran against him.

One in 36 for whites in Minnesota as opposed to 1 in 88 for rest of country? Damn forget about Somalis and find out what is going on in Minnesota.

The KDF pacified nothing. Afmadow and other villages were not facing insecurity and banditry. It was that Al-Shabaab was not an administration that was desired by many inside and outside the country. But there can be no claim that pacification was not there before the Kenyans arrived.

I don't believe Abdiweli delivered on his first test at all. If at the outset you decide to please every clan and constituency by naming a minister for them - then you're setting out on the wrong foot. There are too many ministers and hangers-on. Decision making will get bogged down and clear lines of responsibility and accountability will be lost. How can you hope to get things done in a reasonable manner with so many actors involved? If he wants to engage the Khatumo consitituency, I'm not sure that the two previous presidents are people with the backing and support of their clan. In rewarding Cali Xaaji and other candidates for president - it reveals a naked quid pro quo that is at odds with choosing folks for ability. Is anyone familiar with Cali Xaaji as teacher/educator/planner or as Islamist cum businessman? At least Eenow is a doctor. Finally as the article below hints at - this move ultimately shows weakness in the face of pressure - which is in the shark infested world of Somali politics is a big fail for any politician of good will. From another Horseed article: http://horseedmedia.net/2014/01/28/somalia-puntland-president-abdiweli-gaas-names-new-cabinet-members/

^I don't like it. If Somalia was more prosperous - then it wouldn't be a problem to employ foreign nationals. But we have tons of talent and lots of need for jobs. I'm not sure how the owners of the hotel thought this was a good move. There is very little wadananimo left in Somalia.

It's cool - though I'd like the posts I'm reading to cover the whole page rather than hafl the page with links on the right.

<cite> @Safferz said:</cite> Morons struggling over power at the expense of Somali children in Toronto. Why do Somalis do this? They are misinformed and have no real critique, yet they are hell-bent on destroying the school board's Somali task force because they're not on it. If I had known about this protest, I would have shown up just to ask them what the hell they hope to accomplish by attempting to cut down the efforts being made to curb the high dropout rate for Somali students in Toronto. Why are they morons? Power? The article didn't really explain what the taskforce's recommendations are. Are other communities with high dropout rates and issues getting a special taskforce too? After 20 years in Canada - I'm not sure that particular actions targeting the Somali community won't stigmatize them.

This is a fantasy. You need to harmonize rules and regulations first before you can move to a common currency. The European Union was an integrated common market for some time before the euro was adopted.

Safferz;988979 wrote: It's not just Somalis, it's much of the Muslim world that has reduced the Muslim woman's spiritual identity to her biology and sexuality through the valorization of the hijab as *the* sole marker of piety and religious commitment. The hijab is used far too often as a blunt instrument by the ignorant and malicious to measure one's quality as a woman and as a Muslim. It's actually quite perverse and male-centric when you stop to think about it, as many have come to elevate the hijab to the status of a pillar of Islam for reasons more cultural and social than religious. Let's remember what prostitutes in Somalia look like: The hijab is an important part and parcel of modesty for a Muslim female. Nothing more and nothing less. I find it fascinating that you and Marksman are engaging in hearsay strawman arguments to justify your issues with it. Who is 'much of the Muslim world that has reduced the Musilm woman's identity....to hijab'? Who has elevated 'the hijab to the status of a pillar of Islam'? Offhand I would be shocked to discover any scholar who would elevate hijab to a pillar in Islam.

N.O.R.F;987809 wrote: What does Saudi Arabia want? Saudi officials fear that, at best, the US is not interested in curbing Iranian influence and, at worst, actively seeking a return to the days of the Shah, with Iran serving as policeman of the Gulf at the expense of the so-called Sunni Arab monarchies. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/11/what-does-saudi-arabia-want-201311186368635816.html They want to be the only Muslim power in the Middle East and the only interlocutor the Americans deal with. And they don't want a rival Shia power that may inspire their own Shia minority to rise up for a better deal. Muslims are so divided - everything is a zero sum game. Same with Somalis - if qabiil hebel is in power my qabiil is done for and vice-versa.

Safferz;988106 wrote: Interesting... I just read the interview. Looking through his filmography, it seems there aren't many movies he hasn't been a part of, including some of my favourites (Fight Club!!). I made this thread over a month ago, and I still haven't seen the movie Hoping to go in a week or so... Without giving anything away - there isn't much of a story. There is a series of vignettes detailing what happened to the protagonist. There is little connection between the vignettes and then the end comes unexpectedly. On a funny note - at the theater we were at - 4 people walked out of the movie. All were black. I couldn't figure out whether it was because of the length of the movie - or because of the graphic scenes of slave abuse.

Despite all this - NFD folks routinely claim 'Kenyan'-ness as opposed to the Somalis in Ethiopia. Maskaxda laga haystaa.

^Balderdash. If the President and/or his Chief of Staff are in the process of stealing $100 million - then presumably it's the Speaker's lot and the Parliament's lot to say or do nothing. This parliament has no function whatsoever - if for some folks that translates to 'he is the ONLY person that understands how institutions and government in general work' - there is little hope for Somalis.

This is the only institution that can hold the executive accountable. It is supposed to 'represent' the Somali people. It has been a failure at every turn completely absent from critical decisions affecting the country. And this massive failure lies at the feet of this completely inept loser of an individual. There is no chance he will play any role in the Saacid issue. Qoslaaye has already lined up his MPs or will soon - if there is any tussle in parliament it will be merely a formality.

Saacid should stay. Someone needs to bruise Qoslaaye and clearly establish what the roles and duties of the PM and the Prez is. Stay Saacid and let's waste another year like the Jubbaland mess.

dp

LayZie G.;985249 wrote: A short time ago, I watched the episode about ford on the Fifth Estate, and I also read the above post. What is interesting about this whole episode is the brief clip that the Fifth Estate added to the final cut of the episode. The one that showed the sit down with the Star Reporter, Miss DoLittle, who basically said Mohamed Farah was singing a different tune on the night of question, the same night that he invited her to meet the videographer/drug dealer in order to arrange the transaction and come to an agreement between the two parties, Toronto Star, and the criminal. This particular revelation is important as it contradicts the rosy picture that Mohamed Farah attempted to pain during his media round, including the above post. "The world is out to get us". "We have turned to crime because society is racist and abondoned my community" bla, bla,bla. Give me a break. I don't know Mohamed Farah, and I can't imagine living in a ghetto, and/or dixon, nor am I Torontonian but I do know one thing, Mohamed Farah is not telling the whole truh. I think he got caught with his pants down, namely, the gun found in his place of residence and he is trying to clean the mess he got himself into. No judge in his right mind will issue a warrant to search a home without probable cause. This much is a fact. From what I know of project traveller, the investigation was on-going and this was much bigger than a Rob Ford Crack Video Scandal. Also, no one on their right mind would accept an excuse like the following: " I don't know how I came to have a possession of a gun." He adds: " I just don't know. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm not into guns." Bla, bla, bla. No one asked him to become a black market broker and arrange monetary transactions, nor did anyone ask if he was into guns. Its important that the Somali community of Toronto, but especially those indicted for crimes during the raid own the consequences that comes with committing a crime, and/or funding crimes, or knowinly harbour criminals, and/or turning a blind eye. This is absurd. Mohamed Farah wants symphathy. I'm not buying what he is selling. I also don't believe that he got involved in the illegal transaction of selling the Ford Crack Video out of the goodness of his heart. He just wanted to help a poor drug dealer, yada, yada. He should be honest with himself and admit that he wanted to make quick cash. I think he made a deal with the drug dealer, Mohamed Siad, and he knowinly attempted to arrange the deal, and such, he knew the consequences of his actions, and in the end it back fired and he failed as a black market broker. Reporter DoLittle of the Toronto Star said in her in the Fifth Estate episode that the broker and the drug dealer were both inconsistent. They didn't know what they were saying or why they were doing what they were doing. First, the broker came forward because he wanted the truth about the mayor to come out, then he wanted to help his client/ drug dealer friend escape a life of crime and marry, so he can live happily ever after. Finally, I believe that Mohamed Farah is doing damage control, this is why he came forward and decided to make the media rounds. He thinks he can win the court of public opinion so he can get off on the gun charges. Whatever the case might be, Mohamed Farah is far from innocent. Amen to that. Mohamed Farah is an a$$ of the first order and a discredit to Somalis and community workers. That someone who was a 'broker' for a drug dealer and extortionist is cloaking himself in self-righteous indignation is unbelievable to me. edit - I can't believe that fat a$$ is still hanging around. He will be gone by Christmas.

Excellent woman. We need people to come out publicly and expose theft on a grand scale at the highest levels. The other side of the equation is to hold the thieves in government accountable. Sadly that POS Jawaari and the rinky dink parliament won't do anything of the sort. It is their job as 'representatives' of the people.

AUN to inti dhimatay. But this disaster needn't have gone like this. The first warnings of the impending cyclone were given on November 5 - here -http://www.hewsweb.org/briefs/?INFID=216 Publish Date: 05 Nov 2013 Tropical Cyclone Development Although there is still uncertainty on the timing, intensity and track, most models indicate that it is likely that a tropical cyclone will hit northern and central Somalia on 10 November. Such a system is likely to support widespread flooding, and the situation will continue to be monitored closely. The first warnings by PL was on November 9th -here - http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_Ministry_of_interior_warns_residents_against_cyclone.shtml and the cyclone struck on the 10th and continued into the 11th. You can't get the word out to rural nomadic and fishing communities in a day. This is negligence, incompetence and a failure of leadership.

Safferz;985713 wrote: Classified, I'm not getting into this with you. This thread is about culture, religion and histories of Western intervention, particularly as it has been experienced in the Muslim world and how the "oppressed Muslim woman" becomes a metaphor and part and parcel of the colonialist logic that leads these countries to these lands for political and economic aims . I responded to magicbird to say that there is obviously more to Western imperialism than "they want our way of life" (the fact that most US interventions have been in non-Muslim countries underscores this point) and that quoting a verse of Quran - each verse having a specific context within the text as well as at the time of its relevation - has no relevance to this discussion and cannot be used to reject historical and political analyses of colonialism. Go read Edward Said's "Orientalism" and come back when you're capable of participating in this thread constructively instead of trying to derail discussion into Quranic exegesis, which is not what Ibti's thread is about. Granted this is not where the OP was going. But the verse has relevance to this topic. This 'crusade' re women in Islam is part and parcel of what the verse is talking about. That Western aka American imperialism is affecting other places or that certain non-Muslim scholars stick up for Muslims or that there is more to 'it' doesn't negate this fact. Ever since the Islamic revival of the 1970's there has been a concerted effort to attack Muslims and Islam on all fronts. And this topic is part of the continuing salvos against the religion.