Finally, those from smaller clans will be even more disadvantaged acknowledge this issue. Take our current system, it only produces presidents and prime ministers from a few Sub-Clans. Almost everyone can guess from which clan the PM will be selected from depending on who is president. Now--all the small clans know they have no chance to win the presidency or premiership. Yet, you--the larger sub-clan wants them to shut up about qabiil when it comes to politics. If you ask me, that looks like the larger sub-clans are benefiting from clan system, refusing to acknowledge it, and thereby failing to take responsibility for the protection of smaller clans. At the very least, acknowledging this issue will make us more honest.

Good points by DK and Tallabo. Abdi--First, I would suggest that you change your screen name. Second, the clan system is ALREADY our political system. I cannot stress this enough. This means that YOUR LARGER SUB-CLAN is in power because they are A LARGER SUB-CLAN. In essence, if war broke out, they would able to kill the other sub-clans and thus their power is real (and not derived from governmental or legal institutions). Today, this clan power is being de-emphasized in order to create governmental institutions. But this is not to say that clans will become irrelevant. Rather, Somalis are trying to create multi-clan institutions--that do not favor a single clan. Now, tell me--how can we go about this if we refuse to talk about clans?

MM & AJ--You are tainting the word "clan" with your own prejudices. Somalis did not kill each because of tribe; they killed each other because various leaders wanted power. These leaders used clan to get support because that's a power base. That's no different than Obama firing up a democratic base or Uhuru visiting his Kikuyus. Today, Al-Shabab is using a different unifying factor--that of religion. This was politically prudent move when they're fighting foreign gaalo armies. Tomorrow are you going to ban the word "Islam" from these pages because Somali blood has been shed over it? I assume not. We shall reclaim and restore our Religion just as we should reclaim and restore our family names. And there is no way to do that if we think "clans" are a bad thing that should never be mentioned.

Tillamook--That's precisely the problem. On a practical level, the euphemisms (region-based or otherwise) function in the same manner as clan names. Therefore, why ban clan names and allow these euphemisms which are worse than the actual clan names? Secondly, I fear the type of sentiment expressed by Abdi Johnson. It can be summarized as refusal to acknowledge clans because "clans are responsible for ALL SOMALI atrocities." This is a dangerous thought. It is an impediment to peace because it fails to acknowledge what it claims to be the very problem. Thus, how can one deal with a problem that one refuses to acknowledge? Not SOL--censorship prevents reconciliation. Trust the posters on this site to have a mature discussion about what is undeniably-- a clan based political system.

We should be able to use them because we're here to discuss a clan-based political system. Admins. Please give us your well reasoned arguments as to why clan names are not to be used. Thank you.

Burahadeer---thank you. It was easier to find information on Dahabshiil than: Amal Kaah Tawakal Hodan Global These seem to have the most commercials and ads on Somali websites. Does anyone know anything about them?

They have to. These are essentially Somalia's banks. We can't get specific information but I want to know which ones are largest. This doesn't have to formal. For instance, I know Dahabshiil has to be one of the five largest simply because of its brand. So considering that a starting point, which xawaalas are most familiar to you?

Folks, I would greatly appreciate your help for a research project. Does anyone know the largest 5 xawaala companies? I am looking for any information regarding: 1) size (revenue, profits, etc) 2) Services (banking? project financing?) 3) Region--(the home base, majority pop. served) 4) Important personalities (CEOs, founders, etc)

Oo maxaa mars yaal? Waste of money.

Dr. Ken, I will say this with as much respect as I can. Never argue with a fool, otherwise . . . A more fruitful way to spend your free time.

Somalis should be ashamed of themselves but its a pity Somalis hate each other more than anything Start with self XX. Start with the self. <cite> Hwy being returned to whence they came. Crocodile tears. Stop with the ignorance Apo. Somalis have as much claim to Kenya as any other group. And to those who fault Hassan Sheikh for his remarks, don't be silly. His security detail is Kenyan. What did you expect him to say? We are an occupied nation precisely because we chose to divide ourselves based on the nicknames of our grandfathers. Get your shit together.

Anyone else shocked by the content of this speech? Also, any updates from folks on the ground will be greatly appreciated.

could've gone sub 50. this game is crap. hardly impresses. Alright.

^ Nice. Did that really happen? If not, is the expression an original? If so, can I borrow it? More importantly, rock on. \~/

Kkkk...I thought this was the first time I would see Saff and Khayr agree. I guess I have much to learn. Integration is not a sham. Just look at "Hoodhaan Naaleya" helping us build a "new cultural identity." Sarcasm.

Saff, what Abu-Salman and others have said. Stop thinking and try filling your days with activities and hobbies. The more one thinks about the future/past, the more daunting/meaningless life seems. For your first venture, read an old lady an ancient book. I suggest the "Palace of Mirrors" by Inayat Khan. Holac, can we count on you not to post pornography on this site anymore?

[bullshitting], it's about being able to spin and stretch what you know, in a sense have the answer to everything when you only have fragments or know nothing at all. This is also called lying.

That's really interesting. I had no idea you wanted to be 3arab.

The damned are those who rely on their promises.

************EDITED******************** Nomads please respect the rules of the website and stop the personal attacks Admin Somalia online

Fahma Mohamed first heard about female genital mutilation (FGM) when she was 13. Educated, open-minded and strong willed, she didn’t know what the term meant, so she asked. And the rest is NGO history.

<cite> @BusDriver said:</cite> Manne the freak out here with this fantasy world nonsense ...we talking about Nigeria bro, Nigeria bro, we are talking about Nigeria bro .. No, no, not Ghana. We talking bout Nigeria, man. Nigeria. So where is the fence to keep the 95% poors off this rich man's playground?

Is this what men do nowadays?

Ilaahey khayr ha siiyo. It is a great effort.

^ And where do you think these solutions will come from?