Originally posted by safi: Let’s just say these “guys†are the fruits of our own actions. If we (the Somali public) change for the better, they too will change. How true. I’ve often wondered whether our people ever contemplate and ask themselves exactly what they’ve learned from our recent history. What has always troubled me is how a large majority of Somali people seem to enjoy assuming the role of “victimsâ€, while simultaneously appearing completely unwilling to take a serious look at themselves. When it comes to the ghost that now occupies the space of our nation, I think we need to determine what role we’ve played in the ruin and whether it’s a responsibility we’re willing to shoulder (and hopefully rectify) or one that belongs solely to warlords and the other individuals we love to hate. The sad reality is that the opportunists of Somali polity cannot be blamed for introducing some malicious, self-destructive concept which can be used to justify our failures as a nation. Such people simply exploit what’s already there in society, so our failures as a nation could be indicative of our greater failure as a people. Understandably, there's still a great deal of pessimism (about 14 layers of it) coating whatever glimmer of hope we might have hidden within the confines of our hearts, but there’s no better time than the present to sincerely turn things around… starting with oneself, of course. Thanks for the cheery reminder sister. (Being optimistic during these trying times is a challenge in itself.)

The ideas above seem to be motivated as much by the spirit of competitive business as by the intent of making Djibouti’s government ‘pay’ for various grudges held by the hatcher of such plans. I think Farah Ali Jamac has forgotten one thing here. A fire lit beneath the threshold of Djibouti’s current government will be felt most intensely by its (poor) masses. There is no easy way of making a government “pay†for something politically and economically, while simultaneously assuring that it’s masses remain unaffected. As I see it, the only cats with any likelihood of getting skinned as a result of these plans are not the ones who work for the government and whose villas overlook the ocean. They’re the ones living on the outskirts of town, whose ramshackle homes are carried away by floods every now and then. There’s also an air of hypocrisy in this article, which seems to imply that Somaliland can do no wrong. When Somaliland deports people of the 5th territory and literally hands them to Ethiopia as “terroristsâ€, it’s done in the name of fighting terror and ensuring national security. Yet when Djibouti looks out for its own interests (as it has presumably been doing all along), it’s all a product of their “arrogance†and “enmityâ€. Gimme a break. By the way, that Somali man who was being held hostage in Iraq… In his interview with the BBC, he said the kidnappers took him to an Islamic court following his capture and there a religious cleric issued a death sentence against him (it took place before the tapes were aired). So why did they not carry out the decree? What saved him? Well, presumably, it was the concession of his Kuwaiti employer to leave Iraq and the ‘other’ appeals. Besides the Kuwaiti company, 4 other parties/administrations appealed for his release… - Somalia - Somaliland - Eritrea, and - DJIBOUTI (not Ethiopia) What does that tell you about “big brotherâ€?

Some of you nomads seem to have gotten a little distracted by Nuruddin Farah’s claims of secular education being a "Somali tradition" and, in the process, appear to have also missed the real point of his article. Regardless of their validity, those claims were not the crux of his argument so let's give greater or as much consideration to his more significant message. He’s telling us that we need to reclaim our land, our problems, our responsibilities, etc., so that we can mold a future for ourselves, instead of forever being putty in other people’s hands. Doing so includes, and should perhaps even begin with, reclaiming our language. His concerns about Somali school curriculums becoming monopolized by Arabic instruction and the new Somali alphabet fading into oblivion are not the fantastical thoughts of a wild imagination, by the way. They’re well-founded. Our newfound alphabet has a greater possibility of becoming extinct than Arabic ever will and that horrid possibility, however remote, could cripple our literary traditions and reverse whatever literary advancements we’ve made in the last 3 decades… to say the least.

Viking, Very interesting story, thank you for sharing. Feebaro, There's evidence to indicate the founders of Ancient Egypt as having been people with very close ties (cultural, social, trade, etc.) to the Land of Punt and, likely, having roots in that region. So, much like the pagan Ancient Somalis and their god Ra, who came to also be worshipped in Egypt, female circumcision might be something else that was first initiated by the Ancient Somalis then adopted by their counterparts in Egypt. It's not an impossibility. * * * * For anyone interested, Zaylici posted a very informative piece in the Debate section about Somali history called Taxaddar qoraalkan lama tafatirin Qormada 3, which also explains the ties to Ancient Egypt. It's a bit intensive, but worth the read and a good source of helpful background information so check it out.

^^What you’re suggesting is not trust, it’s naiveté… but that’s just my opinion. As far as the article is concerned, I heard that news a few days ago. I wasn’t surprised but I think those kinds of acts by Somaliland’s current power-holders have a serious potential to anger people who’re already agitated with them. It might even raise an eyebrow or two among their supporters, but I wouldn’t place much faith in that… considering a lot of people don’t know the difference between loyalty to their country and blind support to a corrupt administration.

Originally posted by NGONGE: However, and lets be honest with each other here without waving that tiresome feminist flag, women don't usually go to mosques in big numbers. They only do so on the big occasions such as Eid prayers. Originally posted by NGONGE: I also know that in most of the mosques I’ve been to, there were not that many women attending regular prayers (even in those mosques that provide women quarters). I’m not really sure how you could call it “questionableâ€! Are those two statements the same to you? I called the first one questionable because that’s exactly what it is. You did not use the words “in most of the mosques I’ve been toâ€, as you’re doing now, or add anything to indicate it being based on your own experiences. You made it seem as if it would hold true for every circumstance and in every mosque. That’s why I called it questionable. With your latter statement, I think you’re just trying to underhandedly rectify the previous one… instead of, perhaps, admitting a mistake. Originally posted by NGONGE: Here we go splitting hairs again (all in the name of feminism, eh?). What are we going to ask for next? Women and men praying side by side? I’m not going to reward those silly comments with a serious response, but I suggest you save the melodrama and accusations of “feminism†for a different topic and, more importantly, someone who cares. I’m done here.

Originally posted by NGONGE: It's neither logical nor economically viable to build huge female quarters when these females are only going to use it on the odd occasion. Utopian ideas are great but people have to be practical and make decisions accordingly. You seem to be implying that mosques shouldn't bother to provide adequate spaces for women, regardless of whether the funds are available or not, based on some (questionable) premise that women attend in fewer numbers than men. Gimme a break. Mosques are sacred places of worhship, not marked territory for one gender or other. If masjid officials have enough funds with which to provide a LARGE, comfortable environment designed not just for women or men but for the entire family, then they should do so. Mosques are supposed to be the pulse of our communities, after all. People - especially those in the West - should look to them as havens, not as sources of discomfort worth avoiding. No one should feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in a mosque, least of all as a result of some penny-squeezing effort to find the most "economically viable" solution. DA, Are mosques really sister-friendly? I think the answers vary depending on personal experience. Of the ones I’ve seen in Canada, I would say yes. If you live in a metropolitan area, especially one with a large Muslim population, there are usually many mosques to choose from if you don’t find a particular one accommodating. The reasons governing why it’s not accommodating also vary. There are mosques which genuinely lack funds. Yet, even in those ones, I’ve seen women attending lectures or giving them, taking Qur’an classes, etc. It’s nice to see people making use of what they have, however small or abundant that may be. I think another part of the accommodation problem might be architecture. I don’t know about mosques in Europe, but you may have noticed the ones we have here in North America don’t have a uniform model of design and can be very atypical at times. Some are contemporary, others look traditional, some have a dome, others don’t, some are one-story structures, others have two floors, etc. Regardless of the external design, I think the two-story mosques with balconies have the most organized and spacious layout. They usually have two front entrances; the men’s entrance leads to their area in the lobby, and the women’s entrance leads to an elevator that takes them to the 2nd floor (which is for women only). The 2nd floor normally has a room for ablution, one or two other rooms for sitting or studying, and a balcony… which is where prayers are performed. Unlike mosques that have a single floor, you can actually see and hear the Imam perfectly. You also get an aerial view of the men below and their varying stages of hair loss.

Sophist, No, I’ve never tried it (and I never will). Now that you mention hippies, I recall once reading something about how shisha is becoming increasing popular among today’s pseudo-hippies, mainly college students. Something about it still appeals to the aesthetic crowd. Darman, I’m doubtful about that last statement of yours. I read recently that the new brands of tobacco used for shisha devices are usually made with a few ingredients: molasses, dried fruit, and tobacco… which in itself makes up about 30% of the total contents. I don’t know what smoking dried fruit will do to people in the long run, but I strongly doubt it will be worse than the ammonia, accetone, and formaldehydes in cigarettes. Anyway, when I first heard about the shisha gaining popularity in the West, I was really surprised. Now I’m beginning to think Westerners have always had some sort of Orientalist fixation that resurfaces from time to time. Remember that popular American TV series from the 60s, I Dream of Jennie, in which the main character was a genie that would magically appear out of a bottle? Even in that whimsical storybook, Alice in Wonderland, there was a hookah-smoking caterpillar. The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice. "Who are you?" said the Caterpillar.

Seven of Nine, You're absolutely right about the assumption part. Having general or even keen knowledge about water pipes doesn't necessarily indicate that one uses them. Regarding your question, no... I don't have proof, just a hunch. I was merely speculating on some of the conditions that I think led to people's initial adoption of the badeecad in Somalia.

No offense intended to anyone in particular, but this topic is not about crack, weed, or anything remotely similar. People interested in talking about such things or luring others into them should take their disturbing suggestions and bait elsewhere. This thread was not meant to serve a sinister purpose. Anyway, I stand corrected about the water pipe being more common among Somali women. It may have been so in the past, but apparently things have changed... at least among badeecad users outside Somalia. Judging from the responses, I'm beginning to think some of you have been indulging for quite some time. You certainly seem familiar with the device and its new accessories. Even if you are "recreational" users, exactly what draws the line between light, occasional use and serious shisha dependence? Hayam, Interesting perspective walaal, it makes a lot of sense. Somalis do seem much more receptive to ideas and practices from the Middle-East, more so than those from the West. An immense portion of things we consider culture or "ours" have roots in the Mid-East and were brought to Somalia by Arabs or introduced through contact with them. What worries me a little is our seemingly ready acceptance of all things Arabic, with little questioning as to whether or not they'll serve a meaningful, healthy, or even acceptable purpose... as if the fact that they originated in the Mid-East makes them a little better or somewhat holy. I now know a lot of young Somalis and men (and even Westerners) use it, but when I think of the word badeecad I still imagine a stubby, aged ayeeyo-type figure with rosary beads around her neck. When I try to think of why she used it (not why she tried it the first time but why she keep going back), I find myself doubting a possible nicotine addiction as the only factor. I think social conditioning and certain forms of ignorance had something to do with it. People of her generation (or those who began badeecad use in Somalia) would have, after all, been taught to view themselves as Arabs. Maybe puffing on a badeecad was a small attempt in the reassertion of that identity.

Quick question ladies, exactly when did we begin emulating old Mid-Eastern men? Maybe WHY is a more suitable question. I'm talking about the use of the badeecad, hookah, narghile, water pipe, hubble-bubble, or whatever else it's called. I can understand it being popular in the Mid-Eastern cafe culture it's a long, over-glorified tradition in their societies, etc., but in Somalia there were also some ladies who'd spend much of their leisure time puffing away on the device. Not women of all age groups, mind you. It was mainly older grandmother-type figures. Oddly enough, it seems like women use the water pipe almost exclusively in our culture. I've heard of a few Somali men doing so, but their kind seems rare. I don't really know why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with the men having a more enticing/popular stimulant of choice (hmm, what on earth could that be...). Actually, the water pipe is gaining popularity in the West too. There are some narghile or hookah cafes scattered around the US and Europe, and I know of a few Somali women that have taken up the activity right here in Canada... including a few younger ones (late teens, early 20s). Strangely, not a single one of them smokes cigarettes, so what compelled them to "drink" tobacco fumes is a complete mystery to me. Maybe the water pipe is the one habit Somali women have gotten away with, without being stigmatized, because people don't seem to think of it as bad and some are actually under the impression that it's harmless or even beneficial. I mean, there seems to have always been a cultural stigma against women who smoke cigarettes... to this day, I hear stories of some who used to hide (or still hide) it from their husbands or their parents. Yet, for some reason, the water pipe is/was considered more or less "okay"... why? Is it not worse than smoking cigarettes, health wise?

Maansoor, I couldn’t help raising an eyebrow at your statement about not talking “like a Westerner”. It was rather odd to see such a comment in this thread of all places… a discussion dedicated entirely to the recent degeneration and failings of what is arguably a Western invention (i.e. the BBC Somali Service). It may actually serve you well to account for and consider the position of the “Western” factors in the equation. Last I checked, the BBC was neither owned nor executively run by Somalis. Do control and ownership not have something to do with the equal representation of which you speak? If anything, it has to be set in place by those at the top – the ones with enough power to implement change – so I really don’t know why you’d want to constrict dialogue so that it becomes exclusively ‘about Somalis’… more specifically, about a few dispensable BBC workers of Somali origin and a largely disgruntled audience that’s equally powerless, if not more so. King, To be quite frank, had I made a complaint about my dialect not being used to present news on the BBC or something of that nature, I’m sure you would have found “truth” – or should I say “your truth” - in my perspective. Needless to say, I made no claim of speaking for you or anyone else. My prior statements were based on personal opinion and that was made more than obvious. Differences of opinion are healthy, but claiming another’s views or statements are “untruthful” - without bothering to clearly point out the source of their falsehood - simply because you disagree is really pushing the limits. If you calculate how truthful people are by the degree to which their views correspond with yours, then I suggest you brace yourself for a world full of liars. * * * * * * * On a more general note, I don’t think there’s any one region or group of people who’re entirely satisfied with the BBC Somali Service. Many Somalilanders say it’s biased against them, while a lot of southern Somalis say it provides accurate news about the north but presents news from the south in a very unbalanced manner by creating a more favourable image of certain political groups, or by always reporting conflict and chaos while broadcasting few specialized programs about positive developments (ex: telecommunications and other successful businesses). Anyway, I think we should be fairly reasonable in our expectations of the BBC. I can understand criticisms against poor quality and substance, but why some people focus solely on the dialect issue is beyond me. It’s commonly known that certain changes have taken place behind the scenes at the Somali Service in recent years, making its crew more diverse (in terms of dialect) today than ever before. Exactly what prompted those changes and whether they place the BBC in a better position today (than say a few decades ago) is debatable and really depends on who you ask. Even so, I think using dialect as one’s sole criticism of the BBC is misleading in more ways than one. Not only does their crew seem more diverse today than ever before, the focus on dialect is also questionably vain. The accent in which someone speaks Somali, after all, has no bearing on whether he/she is a capable journalist… much less a talented one. So in focusing on that one issue, a lot of people seem eager to overlook the BBC’s more severe deficiencies. It leaves me wondering whether such people sincerely want good reporting (valid, honest, objective, etc.) or whether they simply want to hear “their own” over the speakers. I suspect the latter is true for many of them and, sadly, a few superficial adjustments would appease them… the same partial, irrelevant, and incomplete news (often involving whatever smidgen of creativity it takes to translate the work of English reporters into Somali) could simply be voiced in a variety of localized dialects... and it might bring a smile to their faces, but the core problem – that of lacking quality, substance, and professionalism - would remain unresolved.

I've never seen these pictures before. They're quite fascinating, thanks for sharing Miskiin. 508, I understand your perspective, but the question is what do we do and where do we find the time? I don't mean to sound selfish or unwilling to "do something", but I honestly think it would be much easier for us (those living outside Somalia) to turn our discontent into positive action if we had clearly defined means by which to do so. We need to brainstorm ideas, practical ones, so that we can determine ways to make a difference. I think it's best to start with smaller, individual tasks before planning larger and more collective projects.

Wow, I don't what's worse; the poor girl's traumatic mishap or this ... Originally posted by G0ldenchild: "My mum calls me the Elephant Man." Way to go Mom. Plant the seeds for an emotional disorder, why don't you? I hope the girl wins her lawsuit... she can use the money to pay for counselling.

I probably won't pay to see this movie because I doubt it will tell me anything I don't already know. Regardless, I'm glad it's becoming an eye-opener for people in the States. Corporate media has been giving them warped versions of reality for so long. Michael Moore seems genuinely interested in presenting Americans with the truth, against the wishes of many who'd rather keep the masses asleep, and I think his courage is admirable.

Originally posted by 508: Women are the weaker species if we compare with the men, and i mean weaker physically and mentally, that has been proven scientifically and those who would argue viciously, let me remind you, your Biology 101, that woman’s brain is smaller than the man’s, the size indicates significant differences in analytic and critical thinking abilities. Walaal, research has confirmed the brains of men and women to be somewhat different, that much is true. However, stating those differences translate to mental superiority/inferiority in one gender, in comparison to the other, is untrue because it has not been confirmed by science. Moreover, common sense kind of spoiled any “shock and awe” potential in that revelation, don’t you think? I mean, the two genders were designed differently to begin with and the physique of the average male in most ethnic groups tends to be larger than that of the average female, so the fact that scientists have found there to be variations in male and female brains (specifically a larger male brain) isn’t much of a shock… it’s more of a yeah-so-what revelation. A more relevant finding, in my view, would determine whether or not female brains have any way to make up for what could otherwise be viewed their size “disadvantage”... and guess what, they do. Scientists have confirmed the existence of certain components in female brains which make up for their smaller mass. For instance, female brains have roughly 5% more “grey matter” (the part responsible for thinking) than male brains. Anyway, these details are diverging from my initial purpose so I won't dwell on them. I wanted to respond mainly because I think your statement has a serious potential to mislead people (perhaps without intention on your part). You’ve taken a single factor - the difference in brain mass in this case - and used it to conclude that females are mentally inferior to males. That’s also where you’re completely wrong. Stating one gender is mentally superior or inferior to the other is a declaration even the boldest of neuroscientists wouldn’t dare to utter for fear of losing their credibility. As I said earlier, science has not confirmed one gender to be mentally superior/inferior to the other. According to this source (Differences in Male & Female Brains ), “a woman’s brain has a larger corpus collusum, which means women can transfer data between the right and left hemisphere faster than men”. If I were to follow your lead, I could take this one piece of information and use it to justify saying something along the lines of “men are slow”, but in doing so I’d be stretching empirical truth. To put it briefly, that’s what you did and I think it was wrong. Who’s mentally superior, men or woman… honestly, who cares? As far as I’m concerned, the answer doesn’t really matter if we’re not willing to utilize the wisdom and intelligence we’ve been blessed with as individuals. What good would a “superior brain” offer if you didn't make the best use of it?

Subxanallah. She came across as a restless and misunderstood kind of person to me. I mean, she had no one besides the two old ladies and, judging from the way you described her, I’m guessing she had few genuine friends (if any). Sure there may have been a lot of male “friends” around her (like Mr. Rain Cloud), but they probably had ulterior motives and weren’t looking out for her best interests. I also think her having been an af-miishaar was sort of a defence mechanism for her. If I was among the last surviving members of my family, and some people were trying to kill me while other gossiped about me, and had no opportunities or hope and no one to befriend, besides a bunch of creepy married men seeking women to shack up with, I’d probably be rude and full of misplaced anger too. Anyway, I couldn’t help thinking the society in which she lived bares some responsibility for her tragic end. People can be so inhumane. They’d much rather label or gossip about a person, than offer kind advice or guidance to those who need it. Unfortunately, the woman's dead now and nothing we say will change that, but - if I had known her or could’ve said anything to her - I would have told her to stay alive for her child, be patient, and have faith.

Originally posted by Mutakalim: All the classical proofs of the existence of God that have been propounded hitherto (ontological, teleological, cosmological...) have all been stupendously slain by Reason. I think reason itself is classic proof of God’s existence. Abu’l-Walid Ibn Rushd (Averroes) described philosophy as the investigation of existing things or entities, to the extent that they point to the Maker. In other words, the existence of these “made” things around us is enough to point to the Maker begin it all. Unless, of course, one is of the opinion that things came into existence by accident, which is more or less the ill-conceived argument presented by Darwinians. Originally posted by Q: “…belief is based on faith, which does not have any rational basis whatsoever!” You describe faith as having to do with “a leap into the unknown”, but it seems to me the uncertain leaps and unknowns you’ve mentioned are mainly symptoms of blind faith, as opposed to faith based upon logic. You ought to differentiate between the two because Islam discourages blind faith, while logic is sawn into the fabric of Islamic teachings. In other words, the faith of Muslim is not without reason… sister Ameenah has already explained that, so I won’t elaborate. Anyway, you might want to check out a book called “Faith and Reason in Islam - Averroes’ Exposition of Religious Arguments”… it’s an English translation with footnotes, as well as an index and bibliography by Ibrahim Y. Najjar. It might clarify some things for you.

Considering the rights of Muslims are repeatedly being challenged in various parts of the world, I'm glad that some people have enough courage to take a firm stand for their beliefs and their right to practice them in whatever manner they choose. I'm also glad to hear the sister has won her case. It's unfortunate that some Muslims fail to recognize the importance of supporting the valiant struggles of those who've chosen to defend their beliefs. And to add insult to injury, they have the nerve to criticize the sister's choice in hijab. Anyway, what's this talk about "extreme hijabs" I suppose some of you have been brainwashed into using deceptive terms like "extreme", "moderate", and "fundamentalist". Don't you know such terms were popularized for the purpose of categorizing Muslims and dividing them into various groups, according to how loosely they practice their religion and, thus, how "safe" they're supposed to be? Miskiin, I think your criticism of people who wear jilbabs or khamiis is really unfounded and illogical, and it seems based on personal bias and half-truths rather than reasonable evidence. I can't even begin to imagine what made you think people who dress in such a manner are at all interested in becoming Carabinized, as you put it. What evidence do you have to suggest so? Since you provided none, it seems like a very unfair assessment. One that many Somalis (who might know more about dhaqan than you) may find offensive. Also, if the Pakistani-style khamiis is Islamically incorrect, as you seem to be implying, then please do elaborate. You also implied that jilbab or khamiis wearing Somalis are dhaqan haters, Arab wannabes, etc., and that people who wear garbasaaro and such things are preserving Somali culture more so than the others. Can you please define dhaqan? Do you think the garbasaar, dirac, and macawiis are unique to Somalis? Do you even know where such garments originated? It wasn't in Somalia, that's for sure. The macawiis and dirac came into Somalia from Yemen, and the garbasaar has Indian origins so please check your facts before you imply that jilbab and khamiis wearing Somalis are at all interested in imitating Arabs or anyone else. Even if they were, they're definately not the only ones doing so. Vanquish_V12 made a good point. People imitate who/what they love and those sources of imitation vary. So, as the saying goes, don't hate - appreciate.

I think Qaraami is Somali music at its finest. It's so organic and soulful and while the undertones of foreign musical influences are obvious, it sounds uniquely Somali at the same time. It's just lovely. These are a few of my favourites... Khadra Dahir - Dawada Caashaqa Ahmed Naaji - Gaarida Haween Mohamed Mooge - Dadka Ha Iska Weyniin Saado Cali - Samatar - Darmaan Khadra Dahir - Raxeye (?) Abdulkadir Jubba - Hargeysa Magool - Allahayow Dad Ma Aqaan (I love this song) Enjoy.

Dawoco, try as you may to find it, there's no all-in-one cure for nosey ladies. The safest precaution is to avoid them at all costs. First and foremost, never go anywhere near their boroughs - I mean, homes - lest the situation turn into a replay of a predatory feast on the nature channel. Secondly, if they pay a visit, as they most likely will at one time or other, find an excuse to make a quiet retreat... upon exchanging polite but brief greetings, of course. You may hear the words, "Come dear; don't run away, sit with us?". Do not stay! It's a trap! Find an excuse to leave immediately... something on the stove, urgent assignment, etc. I've found the best excuse in pardoning myself to make tea for "the guests". It appears simple, but it's superbly effective. Telling the vultures - I mean, guests - you'll go and make tea will not only charm them with your hospitability, it will also allow you to abruptly remove yourself from their presence without appearing impolite. Once the tea is ready, simply get another person to serve it and your escape will be complete. You'll be killing two birds with one stone and essentially outsmarting those oh so clever creatures.

After reading the article and viewing the video clip, my heart ached for that kid. Even though he was a gunman (or should I say gunchild?), he was after all just an orphan... a dispensable pawn in a treacherous game far bigger than him. In the clip, many of the other gunmen appeared as though they weren't much older than Mukhtar. They're all kids! Subxanallah. Greedy warlords grow fat in the safety of their villas, while starving kids drive their battlewagons and die insignificant deaths. I can't help but wonder who cried for Mukhtar? Who'll remember him with any degree of fondness? I was reminded me of a character from Nuruddin Farah's Links, except there was no Stetson hat or any other comedic elements... only tragedy.

The issue of what dialect(s) to use is marginal in my view. Substance, relevance, objectivity, and professionalism are what the broadcasters and reporters there should focus on rebuilding and strengthening before all else. The BBC Somali Service is clearly not what it used to be. Their standards have degenerated to the point where any reverence now associated with it is linked to nostalgic thoughts of what it was, not present realities. It?'s really an unfortunate situation, but unless those who run and work for that news station make a conscious effort to improve the quality of their programming, their broadcasts will most likely continue to loose what remaining respect they have. I doubt any Somali dialect heard over the speakers will make a difference.

Professor S, you seem to be forgetting that the image of a Muslim woman who manages her "duties" is only one part of a larger communal and familial structure, which requires that all involved fulfill their duties in order for the society to be truly reflective of Islam. For instance, the Muslim man also has duties that he must fulfill as a husband, son, brother, etc. Unfortunately, guys who feel the need to constantly remind women of 'where their place is' continuously fail to balance their arguments by elaborating on exactly what kind of roles and duties they (as men) are expected to fulfill, if any. I don't mean to sound cold, but I've seen this kind of thread one too many times. As far as a woman staying in her home to cook and clean, I have nothing against the idea. I also have nothing against the idea of a Muslim woman who works out of necessity. It's a matter of circumstance and, yes, opinion as Ameenah pointed out.

Lawyer: "So, after the anesthesia, when you came out of it, what did you observe with respect to your scalp?" Witness: "I didn't see my scalp the whole time I was in the hospital." Lawyer: "It was covered?" Witness: "Yes, bandaged." Lawyer: "Then, later on...what did you see?" Witness: "I had a skin graft. My whole buttocks and leg were removed and put on top of my head." Lawyer: "How old is your son, the one living with you?" Witness: "Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which." Lawyer: "How long has he lived with you?" Witness: "Forty-five years." Lawyer: "What was the first thing your husband said to you when he woke that morning?" Witness: "He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?'" Lawyer: "And why did that upset you?" Witness: "My name is Susan." Lawyer: "Trooper, when you stopped the defendant, were your red and blue lights flashing?" Witness: "Yes." Lawyer: "Did the defendant say anything when she got out of her car?" Witness: "Yes, sir." Lawyer: "What did she say?" Witness: "'What disco am I at?' Lawyer: "Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?" Witness: "No." Lawyer: "Did you check for blood pressure?" Witness: "No." Lawyer: "Did you check for breathing?" Witness: "No." Lawyer: "So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?" Witness: "No." Lawyer: "How can you be so sure, Doctor?" Witness: "Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar." Lawyer: "But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?" Witness: "Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere." Lawyer: "Now sir, I'm sure you are an intelligent and honest man--" Witness: "Thank you. If I weren't under oath, I'd return the compliment." Witness: "He was about medium height and had a beard." Lawyer: "Was this a male or a female?" Lawyer: "Do you know how far pregnant you are now?" Witness: "I'll be three months on November 8." Lawyer: "Apparently, then, the date of conception was August 8?" Witness: "Yes." Lawyer: "What were you doing at that time?" Lawyer: "Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?" Witness: "All my autopsies have been performed on dead people." Lawyer: "Were you acquainted with the deceased?" Witness: "Yes sir." Lawyer: "Before or after he died?" Lawyer: "Did he pick the dog up by the ears?" Witness: "No." Lawyer: "What was he doing with the dog's ears?" Witness: "Picking them up in the air." Lawyer: "Where was the dog at this time?" Witness: "Attached to the ears." Lawyer: "And lastly, Gary, all your responses must be oral. Ok? What school do you go to?" Witness: "Oral." Lawyer: "How old are you?" Witness: "Oral." Lawyer: "When he went, had you gone and had she, if she wanted to and were able, for the time being excluding all the restraints on her not to go, gone also, would he have brought you, meaning you and she, with him to the station?" Other Lawyer: "Objection. That question should be taken out and shot."