Taleexi Posted November 24, 2005 Good men who refused to keep silent – by Bille Askar -- Monday, November 21, 2005 at 04:44 It has been said considerably enough lately about Somali affairs. It seems like most of us are lacking what it takes to be a patriotic. It is paramount to be understood that this Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is Somalia’s last hope. Squandering what Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) has worked so hard for, will not only be disappointing to our people but also slap in the face to those who want that we claim our right place in the family of nations. This country and its people have endured enough; let us not protract the misery of our people. The hardheaded warlords who are nothing but an obstacle to the mobilization of the new constitution should know history is unfolding as you read this article. While the warlords are seeking to make their own mark upon the world through blood and steel; they organize others to join their side to fight for wealth, power or land rather thinking the welfare of their citizens. Supporting these warlords will not serve anyone’s interest, it does not matter what part of the country or the globe you live, it simply will not. Yes, in most parts of the TFG, security and local government offices have been entrusted with warlords who have human rights records just as revolting as the worst commanders during the civil war, but that is all we got right now. Supporting this TFG will enable us to stand as a nation, so we can contiue as a nation. Furthermore, those of us who are calling for renewed hostilities should wake up and smell the coffee. These kind of comments will do more harm than good. It is self-evident that Somalia remains a fractured, undemocratic collection of ‘fiefdoms’ in which warlords are free to intimidate, extort and repress local populations, while almost completely denying basic freedoms. This ought to be interrupted because psychopaths don’t change when you appease them. Dealing with a warlord is like dealing with a man who holds hundreds of hostages. One has to be flexible and opportunistic, and use every means at hand, from persuading and making them a part of the team to the threat of violent force. What these warlords are doing to the country they call their own is so appalling, though that almost anything is better than the continuation of their misguided actions. The challenge is to bring warlords down without taking hundreds with them. 99% of us want peace, the remaining fraction is countable and we all know who they are, because they do not have any desire of avoiding conflict. Referencing to the records, every cabinet member has been sworn to uphold the law and to promote the interest of the people; so far we have not seen much of that being done. If one is unhappy with how this infant government is doing its business, one should wait and run for office to make his/her point. Paralyzing the rebuilding of the country is unnecessary and should be avoided in any means. Anyone with their right mind knows how the success of this TFG and the survival of the Somali people are interdependent. They say Ireland's greatest revenge on the British Empire was for its citizens to speak the English language better than the English ever could. In my opinion, uniting behind this government whether we like it or not is the way to go, to show the world that few bad apples will not dictate our destiny. Those who want the extension of the destruction and hopelessness of the country are simply a minority and should be seen as such. After two years of torturous peace talks this is what we got. We either accept and work with it or continue the anarchy. We should be of great concern today, because alongside the success of the peace talks the mayhem continues. There is nothing better than going hand in hand, grabbing the moment and striving for heeling the wounds; helping the poor and working hard for our common interest and uniformly say no to more misery. Bille Askar San Jose, CA Email:bahcausa@gmail.com I personally have not give up my faith that warlords will come to their sense one day but that day becomes as elusive as ever Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taleexi Posted November 27, 2005 The days of the warlords seem to be numbered! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
