On December 21st, 2003, I visited Mogadishu, Somalia for the first time in my life. I'll be the first to admit, I was nervous...I thought about changing my trip, and just visit family I had in other parts of Somalia, or even Ethiopia, and Djibouti instead. From the stories I heard about Mogadishu, I was almost sure I was going to either die, or suffer from hunger during my stay there. I landed at Easiley airport, at about 8am local time, flying there with Jubba airlines, using Yemen as a fourty-minute transit spot. The weather in Mogadishu was beautiful, however, that alone couldn't help me get over my fear of the place. I saw guns...big guns, and believe me, they're everywhere. I was greeted at the airport by my uncle, and a cousin whom I had never seen before in my life. We got on the Jubba airlines bus, heading towards their main office in the center of the town. As we drove, I saw many things that would change my mind a little about Mogadishu. Firstly, you see trees everywhere... a truely beautiful sight! Moreover, I was suprised to see a big beautiful hospital, where foreign doctors from Europe worked at. Later on that day, as family members and I walked around, I was more suprised when I saw Chinese people, and a few Arabs all looking to do business in the country. However, despite the abundance of industry present...from a mattress factory, coal shipping yard, water purifying plant, hotels and much more. I couldn't believe my eyes, when I saw a Coca-Cola bottling factory. At first I thought it was just a poster on a wall, however, I would get a tour around the building a few days later. It still isn't fully up, they were still putting final touches, but it's still amazing. That day, I didn't sleep much, I felt as if I had to see more, and sleeping would just prevent me from doing so. As I walked around somemore, I saw a big beautiful building, which was the Somali Post-office/internet cafe. This was starting to look like a different Mogadishu...not the one I heard all those scary stories about. Although, you see guns, most of the militia are now paid security-guards for a building, or some other business. None of them have the time of day, to look your way, and harrass you. I never once heard a single gun shot fired in the city. At this point I was angery for being lied to about this place, for such a long time. Everybody from my moms side of the family, to friends, and strangers I was just on a hi-bye vibe with, would give me a negative image of Mogadishu. The people looked healthy, "not to say you don't see a some suffering." However, you see something totally opposite to what you've heard about Mogadishu. I walked everywhere peacefully...sometimes till 3am in the morning, without any weaponds, or a huge envoy. Life in Xamar, was no different from life anywhere else in the world. Children went to school, those who had work, went to work...friends hung out, or played sports. People in the city have dishes set up at their homes, and are upto date with events around the world. The main markets in Mogadishu are amazing...anything you can think of, you'll find there. From electronic goods, name brand clothing, etc...they are all there. All of the latest items out, will be found in the markets of Mogadishu. This is all thanks to the many private business people, who have returned to Somalia, and are taking advantage of the fact that, there are no taxes on imported items. Almost everybody has a telephone at home. Moreover, all local calls are free! That is amazing, since not even London, England can claim that. Calling rates from Somalia, to anywhere else in the world are the cheapest rates in the whole continent. With so much going on, the only sad part of it all is, there are still many people who have a negative image of Mogadishu. Anytime, a gun shot goes off, all the focus goes to the negative, instead of the positive going on around the city. Insha Allah, all the evil warlords that are trying to keep Somalia in chaos, will soon die, and go to hell for the rest of their lives. The people in Mogadishu are ready for peace, and they proved it to me, on my visit there...."not to mention, my first visit there." Tribes from all over Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia...etc all side by side, doing business and politics, as usual. Either ask anyone who has just returned from Xamar, or visit it for yourself, and you'll either hear about, or experience a completely different Xamar. One very different from the images passed on to us through CNN, and other pro-American news stations. Anyway, I'm just a decent brother, trying to do his part on passing the real deal on Xamar, across to his global Somali family. If anyone else has something to share, then please feel free...for now, I'm Audi!!!!

I'm in London on a visit now, and let me tell you...it's dirty...small, and boring. However, if you hang around here for a few months, you might get a little used to it, cause the transport is decent...and a lot of new females, that should be having my baby, baby looool.

Oh and 3zma1L...that bit you quoted me on, about the vice president is true. And about the second quote...wise guy I replaced America with Somalia, So you can cut all that noise about copying and pasting.

People let me make this clear...the post is a copy of the American governments system. I simply copied and pasted. I just like their whole idea of a power sharing government, with the feature of check and balance to make sure things run smoothly.

Executive Branch The President is the head of the executive branch, which makes laws official. The President is elected by the entire country and serves a four-year term. The President approves and carries out laws passed by the legislative branch. He appoints or removes cabinet members and officials. He negotiates treaties, and acts as head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces. The executive branch also includes the Vice President and other officials, such as members of the cabinet. The cabinet is made up of the heads of the 14 major departments of the government. The cabinet gives advice to the President about important matters. The Cabinet · The Secretary of State · The Secretary of the Treasury · The Secretary of Defence · The Attorney General (Justice Department) · The Secretary of the Interior · The Secretary of Agriculture · The Secretary of Commerce · The Secretary of Labor · The Secretary of Health and Human Services · The Secretary of Homeland Security · The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development · The Secretary of Transportation · The Secretary of Education · The Secretary of Energy Legislative Branch The legislative branch is made up of the two houses of Congress—the Senate and the House of Representatives. The most important duty of the legislative branch is to make laws. Laws are written, discussed and voted on in Congress. There are two senators from each state. Senators are elected by their states and serve six-year terms. The Vice President of the U.S. is considered the head of the Senate, but does not vote in the Senate unless there is a tie. The number of representatives each state gets is based on its population. Representatives are elected by their states and serve two-year terms. The Speaker of the House, elected by the representatives, is considered the head of the House. Judicial Branch The judicial branch oversees the court system of Somalia. Through court cases, the judicial branch explains the meaning of the Constitution and laws passed by Congress. The Supreme Court is the head of the judicial branch. Unlike a criminal court, the Supreme Court rules whether something is constitutional or unconstitutional-whether or not it is permitted under the Constitution. On the Supreme Court there are nine justices, or judges: eight associate justices and one chief justice. The judges are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. They have no term limits. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Its decisions are final, and no other court can overrule those decisions. Decisions of the Supreme Court set precedents—new ways of interpreting the law. How a Bill Becomes a Law 1. A member of Congress introduces a bill. When a senator or representative introduces a bill, it is sent to the clerk of the Senate or House, who gives it a number and title. Next, the bill goes to the appropriate committee. 2. Committees review and vote on the bill. Committees specialize in different areas, such as foreign relations or agriculture, and are made up of small groups of senators or representatives. The committee may reject the bill and “table” it, meaning it is never discussed again. Or it may hold hearings to listen to facts and opinions make changes in the bill and cast votes. If most committee members vote in favour of the bill, it is sent back to the Senate and the House for debate. 3. The Senate and the House debate and vote on the bill. Separately, the Senate and the House debate the bill, offer amendments and cast votes. If the bill is defeated in either the Senate or the House, the bill dies. Sometimes, the House and the Senate pass the same bill, but with different amendments. In these cases, the bill goes to a conference committee made up of members of Congress. The conference committee works out differences between the two versions of the bill. Then the bill goes before all of Congress for a vote. If a majority of both the Senate and the House votes for the bill, it goes to the President for approval. 4. The President signs the bill—or not. If the President approves the bill and signs it, the bill becomes a law. However, if the President disapproves, he can veto the bill by refusing to sign it. Congress can try to overrule a veto. If both the Senate and the House pass the bill by a two-thirds majority, the President's veto is overruled and the bill becomes a law. 18 STATES OF SOMALIA: Awdal, Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe, Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed Powers of the Government National Government: * Print money * Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade * Make treaties and conduct foreign policy * Declare war * Provide an army and navy * Establish post offices * Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers State Government: * Issue licenses * Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses * Conduct elections * Establish local governments * Ratify amendments to the Constitution * Take measures for public health and safety * May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share the power of being able to: · Collect taxes · Build roads · Borrow money · Establish courts · Make and enforce laws · Charter banks and corporations · Spend money for the general welfare · Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation Powers Denied the Government National Government: * May not violate the Bill of Rights * May not impose export taxes among states * May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill * May not change state boundaries State Governments: * May not enter into treaties with other countries * May not print money * May not tax imports or exports * May not impair obligations of contracts * May not suspend a person's rights without due process In addition, neither the national government nor state governments may: Grant titles of nobility Deny citizens the right to vote due to race, color, clan or previous servitude (15th Amendment) Deny citizens the right to vote because of gender Other Government Offices and Agencies · Office of Administration · Established: 2003 · Director: · The Office of Administration provides administrative support to all units in the Executive Office of the President. The services include personnel, financial management, data processing, library services, records maintenance, and general office operations. · Office of National Drug Control Policy · Executive Office of the President · Established: 2003 · Director: · This office sets policies, priorities, and objectives for the nation's drug-control program, which is intended to reduce illegal drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, as well cut the rate of drug-related crime and violence. · Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) · Members: 3 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The CEA helps the President devise an economic policy that promotes employment, production, and purchasing power. · Council on Environmental Quality · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The council works with the President to formulate programs, strategies, laws, and regulations that help preserve the environment and the country's natural resources. · Office of Management and Budget · Established: 2003 · Director: · The OMB helps the President prepare the Federal budget and makes sure the other executive agencies comply with its provisions. · Office of Science and Technology Policy · Established: 2003 · Director: · The Office of Science and Technology works to ensure that Somalia becomes, and remains a world leader in science and technology. · National Security Council (NSC) · Members: 4 · Established: 2003 · Chair: The President · National Security Adviser: · Other members: Vice President; Secretary of State; Secretary of Defence · The NSC's primary function is to advise and assist the President on national security and foreign policy. · Office of the Somali Trade Representative · Established: 2003 · Trade Representative: · The Office of the Somali Trade Representative develops and coordinates Somali international trade, commodity, and direct-investment policy. The office also directs negotiations with other countries on such matters. Executive Departments · Department of Agriculture · Established: 2003 · Function: Supervises agricultural production to make sure prices are fair; helps farmers financially with subsidies and development programs; helps food producers sell their goods overseas; runs food assistance and nutrition programs. The SDA’s inspection and grading programs make sure food is safe to eat. · Secretary: · Department of Commerce · Established:2003 · Function: Promotes international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement; works to keep Somalia competitive in international markets and to prevent unfair foreign trade practices; gathers statistics for business and government planners. · Secretary: · Department of Defence · Established: 2003 · Function: Oversees everything related to the nation's military security; directs the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several specialized combat commands; non-military responsibilities including flood control, development of oceanographic resources, and management of oil reserves. · Secretary: · Deputy Secretary: · Secretary of Army: · Secretary of Navy: · Secretary of Air Force: · Commandant of Marine Corps: · Joint Chiefs of Staff: · Department of Education · Established: 2003 · Function: Administers more than 150 federal education programs, including student loans, migrant worker training, vocational education, and special programs for the handicapped. · Secretary: · Department of Energy · Established: 2003 · Function: Responsible for the research and development of energy technology; energy conservation; the civilian and military use of nuclear energy; regulation of energy production and use; pricing and allocation of oil; sets standards to reduce the harmful effects of energy production. · Secretary: · Department of Health and Human Services · Established: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was created 2003. · Function: Administers Social Security; funds Medicare and Medicaid; offers social services for poor families, children, the elderly, migrants, refugees, and the handicapped; oversees institutes dealing with mental health and substance abuse; works to control preventable and infectious diseases; conducts research on cancer, AIDS, child health, aging, and other issues; ensures the safety of the nation's food supply and tests and approves all drugs. · Secretary: · Surgeon General: · Department of Homeland Security · Established: 2003 · Function: To protect the nation against threats to the homeland. · Secretary: · Department of Housing and Urban Development · Established: 2003 · Function: Promotes community development; administers fair-housing laws; provides affordable housing and rent subsidies. · Secretary: · Department of the Interior · Established: 2003 · Function: Protects the natural environment; develops the country's natural resources; manages national parks, monuments, rivers, seashores, lakes, outdoor recreation areas, and historic sites. · Secretary: · Department of Justice · Established: 2003 · Function: Supervises Somali district attorneys and marshals; supervises federal prisons and other penal institutions; advises the President on petitions for paroles and pardons; represents the Somali government in legal matters and gives legal advice to the president and other members of the Cabinet; researches violations of federal laws; administers immigration laws. · Attorney General: · Solicitor General: · Director of SBI (Somali Bureau of Investigations): · Department of Labor · Established: 2003 · Function: Protects the rights of workers; helps improve working conditions; promotes good relations between labor and management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks changes in employment, prices, and other national economic statistics. · Secretary: · Department of State · Established: 2003 · Function: Advises the president on foreign-policy issues; works to carry out the country's foreign policy; maintains relations between foreign countries and Somalia; negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign nations; speaks for Somalia in the United Nations and other major international organizations; supervises embassies, missions, and consulates overseas. · Secretary: · UN Ambassador: · Deputy UN Ambassador: · Department of Transportation · Established: 2003 · Function: Sets the nation's transportation policy. There are nine administrations within the department whose jurisdictions include highway planning, development, and construction; aviation; urban mass transit; railroads; and the safety of waterways, ports, highways, and oil and gas pipelines. Also supervises the Coast Guard, which is responsible for search and rescue at sea and the enforcement of laws that protect oceans and waterways from oil spills and other pollution. · Secretary: · Department of the Treasury · Established: 2003 · Function: Reports to Congress and the president on the financial state of the government and the economy; regulates the interstate and foreign sale of alcohol and firearms; supervises the printing of stamps for the Somali Postal Service; operates the Secret Service, which protects the president, the vice president, their families, and other officials; curbs counterfeiting; and operates the Customs Service, which regulates and taxes imports. The Somali Internal Revenue Service, a branch of the Treasury, regulates tax laws and collects Federal taxes. · Secretary: · Treasurer of Somalia: Major Independent Agencies There are several administrative divisions of the government whose job it is to enforce and administer laws and regulations. Because provisions for these agencies were not outlined in the Constitution, they are considered independent extensions of the Somali government. Here is a list of some of the major agencies. · Somali Intelligence Agency (SIA) · Established: 2003 · Director of Central Intelligence: · The SIA conducts counterintelligence activities and other functions related to foreign intelligence and national security, as directed by the President and National Security Council. · Somali Commission on Civil Rights · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The commission investigates complaints of discrimination and denial of equal protection of laws, evaluates Federal laws concerning discrimination and denial of equal protection, and issues public service messages that discourage discrimination. · Consumer Product Safety Commission · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The CPSC aims to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from consumer products by developing and enforcing safety standards, recalling defective products, and researching potentially hazardous products. · Firm for National and Community Service · Established: 2003 · CEO: · Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) · Established: 2003 · Administrator: · The EPA mission is to protect human health and the natural environment — air, water, and land — by making and enforcing environmental laws. · Equal Employment Opportunity Board (EEOB) · Members: 5 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The EEOB promotes equal opportunity in employment by enforcing federal civil-rights laws and through education and technical assistance. · Federal Election Board (FEB) · Members: 6 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The FEB was created to uphold the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), which regulates the financing of federal elections. · National Reserve System (NRS), Board of Governors of · Members: 7 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The National Reserve System, which includes 12 regional Federal reserve banks that are supervised by a National Reserve Board, is the central bank of Somalia. Its original mission was to ensure the country's financial system remained stable. Its role has expanded and now includes regulating credit conditions and loan rates, regulating banks, and advising the government on the country's payments system. · National Trade Commission (NTC) · Members: 5 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · The NTC enforces several federal antitrust and consumer-protection laws. The Commission makes sure the nation's businesses are competitive, healthy, free of unfair restrictions, and are fair to consumers. · Somali International Trade Commission · Members: 6 · Established: 2003 · Chair: · National Labor Relations Commity(NLRC) · Members: 5 · Established: 2003 · Chair: Vacant · The NLRC enforces the National Labor Relations Act, which is the law that oversees relations between unions and employers in the private sector. It holds elections to determine if employees want to unionize and investigates and fixes unfair labor practices by employers and unions. · National Science Foundation (NSF) · Established: 2003 · Director: · The NSF promotes science and engineering through research and education programs. · National Transportation Safety Board · Members: 5 · Established:2003 · Chair: · The NTSB investigates every civil aviation accident in Somalia, as well as railroad, highway, and marine accidents. The board also makes safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. · Somali Postal Service · Established: 2003 · Postmaster General: · Selective Service System (SSS) · Established: 2003 · Director: · Somali Small Business Administration (SSBA) · Established: 2003 · Administrator: · The SSBA provides financial, technical, and management assistance to help Somalis start, run, and grow their businesses. Who Can Vote? Anyone who is · 1) 18 years of age · 2) A citizen of Somalia and meets the residency requirements of his or her state Who Can Be a Senator? Someone who is · 1) At least 30 years old · 2) A citizen of Somalia for at least 9 years · 3) A resident of the state where he or she is elected. Who Can Be a Representative? Someone who is · 1) At least 25 years old · 2) A citizen of Somalia for least 9 years · 3) A resident of the state where he or she is elected. Who Can Be President? Someone who is · 1) A natural-born citizen of Somalia · 2) At least 35 years of age a resident of Somalia for at least 14 years. Order of Presidential Succession · The Vice President · Speaker of the House · President pro tempore of the Senate1 · Secretary of State · Secretary of the Treasury · Secretary of Defence · Attorney General · Secretary of the Interior · Secretary of Agriculture · Secretary of Commerce · Secretary of Labor · Secretary of Health and Human Services · Secretary of Housing and Urban Development · Secretary of Transportation · Secretary of Energy · Secretary of Education

''imagine dis.. I hold u and all ur class mates hostage at gunpoint in ur classroom, u manage to escape, wud u stand in de corridor and wait until the rest of them got a chance to escape or wud u keep runnin and get on wiv ur life??'' Now Imagine this...you, and your family are held at gun point....you manage to escape...the rest of your family doesn't...and should expect the worst. Do you you just walk away with your life...or do you go back and help, anyway you possibly can?

For quit some time now, a hot topic of debate within our community has been Somalia V.S Somaliland, and the Northerners right to claim sovereignty. Since May 18, 1991, so called Somaliland has been a self governed state. Although still not recognized by any other government, except maybe Ethiopia “a long time supporter of a divided, weak Somalia” the self proclaimed government of the Northern region of Somalia, have been persistent in their efforts in winning international recognition. Many ask how dare they claim to be independent from the rest of Somalia. Other ask what brought them to this point, where they no longer want to rebuild what has been destroyed with their fellow country people. Well, you can get many different answers for these questions, so I’ll share with you what I think about all this mess. People from the North say they were betrayed by the Southerners, and can never forgive them for the lose of 500,000 human lives, they suffered in 1988. Ok…to be sympathetic, 500,000 lives is a great lose. However, a million plus, and still counting is an even greater lose, and I’m sure no one can disagree. Yes…losing 500,000 lives at the hands of other Somali people is a terrible thing, however, losing a million plus, and still counting at the hands of other Somalis is even worst. What I’m trying to say is...people from the North make it seem as if only they saw the effects of this civil war, that some how mysteriously destroyed the whole nation. People still die in Mogadishu…and the ones that live to see another day, still face the reality of hunger. Let’s be honest, the South has seen the worse of the worse of what this war has to offer, however, they still have the courage to talk about rebuilding Somalia…may I add a united Somalia including all the five points of the star, with all Somalis. If more lives were lost in the South, more women raped in the South, more orphans in the South, more hungry in the South, then where do the Northerners get the audacity to even declare themselves sovereign, because of 500,000 lost lives? That to me is not only ignorant, it’s also selfish. What’s really funny is…many in the North say they will never rejoin a “GREATER SOMALIA” because the 500,000 they lost in 1988…15 years ago, is unforgivable. However, they go on to say, if the capital city of a “GREATER SOMALIA” is Hargeysa…then all of a sudden 500,000 isn’t as much anymore. This makes one wonder...how genuine the whole claim to sovereignty the Northerners are claiming, because of past betrayals, really is. Fact…people in Somalia in general, die and go hungry everyday, however, “Somalilanders” wants to cry about 500,000 lost lives, which were lost nearly two decades ago. Ogadenia is Africa’s own case of Palestine. Ethiopian invaders systematically killing hundreds…thousands every year, day, hour, minute. However, that doesn’t matter much; because 500,000 lost lives in the North is a much greater issue…so great it’s worth claiming sovereignty over. The ironic twist though is…the same people saying they want a fresh start, and want nothing to do with a greater Somalia, elect people directly linked with the regime that has done the people of the North so wrong. Mohamed Egal…peace be upon his soul, held many positions in the former government. Heck, the current president Dahir Riyaale was in the former Siad Barrie regime…as a matter of fact he was even in charge of an intelligence organization set up by Siad Barrie…the (SSN), which was responsible for the kidnappings and killings of many people in the North, however, that’s the leader they choose to start off fresh today. If the people of the North are willing to forgive, and forget the pasts of their leaders…then they should forgive and forget the past problems they’ve faced with other Somalis. Look, the only real solution is, for all sides to come back to the round table, and talk shit out. Somaliland, Punt land, Jubbaland, My-Land, Your-land…all that shit won’t fly. Somali people have seen enough BS…to help them walk a straighter path today Insha Allah. I’m not here trying to specifically pick on Somaliland. However, every other break away region…including all their major figures, show up to all the reconciliation meetings…everybody except representatives from Somaliland. The only way we can ever move on, and come to an understanding, is through dialogue.

For quit some time now, a hot topic of debate within our community has been Somalia V.S Somaliland, and the Northerners right to claim sovereignty. Since May 18, 1991, so called Somaliland has been a self governed state. Although still not recognized by any other government, except maybe Ethiopia “a long time supporter of a divided, weak Somalia” the self proclaimed government of the Northern region of Somalia, have been persistent in their efforts in winning international recognition. Many ask how dare they claim to be independent from the rest of Somalia. Other ask what brought them to this point, where they no longer want to rebuild what has been destroyed with their fellow country people. Well, you can get many different answers for these questions, so I’ll share with you what I think about all this mess. People from the North say they were betrayed by the Southerners, and can never forgive them for the lose of 500,000 human lives, they suffered in 1988. Ok…to be sympathetic, 500,000 lives is a great lose. However, a million plus, and still counting is an even greater lose, and I’m sure no one can disagree. Yes…losing 500,000 lives at the hands of other Somali people is a terrible thing, however, losing a million plus, and still counting at the hands of other Somalis is even worst. What I’m trying to say is...people from the North make it seem as if only they saw the effects of this civil war, that some how mysteriously destroyed the whole nation. People still die in Mogadishu…and the ones that live to see another day, still face the reality of hunger. Let’s be honest, the South has seen the worse of the worse of what this war has to offer, however, they still have the courage to talk about rebuilding Somalia…may I add a united Somalia including all the five points of the star, with all Somalis. If more lives were lost in the South, more women raped in the South, more orphans in the South, more hungry in the South, then where do the Northerners get the audacity to even declare themselves sovereign, because of 500,000 lost lives? That to me is not only ignorant, it’s also selfish. What’s really funny is…many in the North say they will never rejoin a “GREATER SOMALIA” because the 500,000 they lost in 1988…15 years ago, is unforgivable. However, they go on to say, if the capital city of a “GREATER SOMALIA” is Hargeysa…then all of a sudden 500,000 isn’t as much anymore. This makes one wonder...how genuine the whole claim to sovereignty the Northerners are claiming, because of past betrayals, really is. Fact…people in Somalia in general, die and go hungry everyday, however, “Somalilanders” wants to cry about 500,000 lost lives, which were lost nearly two decades ago. Ogadenia is Africa’s own case of Palestine. Ethiopian invaders systematically killing hundreds…thousands every year, day, hour, minute. However, that doesn’t matter much; because 500,000 lost lives in the North is a much greater issue…so great it’s worth claiming sovereignty over. The ironic twist though is…the same people saying they want a fresh start, and want nothing to do with a greater Somalia, elect people directly linked with the regime that has done the people of the North so wrong. Mohamed Egal…peace be upon his soul, held many positions in the former government. Heck, the current president Dahir Riyaale was in the former Siad Barrie regime…as a matter of fact he was even in charge of an intelligence organization set up by Siad Barrie…the (SSN), which was responsible for the kidnappings and killings of many people in the North, however, that’s the leader they choose to start off fresh today. If the people of the North are willing to forgive, and forget the pasts of their leaders…then they should forgive and forget the past problems they’ve faced with other Somalis. Look, the only real solution is, for all sides to come back to the round table, and talk shit out. Somaliland, Punt land, Jubbaland, My-Land, Your-land…all that shit won’t fly. Somali people have seen enough BS…to help them walk a straighter path today Insha Allah. I’m not here trying to specifically pick on Somaliland. However, every other break away region…including all their major figures, show up to all the reconciliation meetings…everybody except representatives from Somaliland. The only way we can ever move on, and come to an understanding, is through dialogue.

Oh so now we were apart of the Ottaman Empire huh LOL? Look, I guess non of you will ever come with some hard facts. So till then, I'll keep believing in what I believe in, and won't bother defending my case, till somebody posts something that really proves me wrong...and it better be full of facts.

I’ve been away for awhile…just noticed this topic was still alive. Anyway let me make myself clear. First of all it’s really ignorant to believe a group of people, created an already existing group of people. Explorers from China, Portugal, etc who arrived in Somali centuries before the Arabs, documented how they were greeted by native people, upon their arrival. Now please tell me how we are Arab, if we were already living in Somalia, before any Arab exposure? Moreover, the connection I was trying to show between Afro-Americans and Somalis are. Today Afro-American really don’t have much of a culture to call their own, they don’t have their own language, etc. Somali people compared to other Africans, don’t have much of a culture, a good portion of our language got Arabic in it now, and so on. In addition, if you look at every Arab league member, Arabic is their official language…except for…you got it…Djibouti and Somalia. And that person that displayed that chart. I’ve seen it before, however, it’s totally irrelevant, because it was drawn up by a bunch of White folks who don’t know $hit about our history, and a bunch of brain washed Somali people. Anyway, I’ll look for more proof to show you all, how ignorant it is to believe we are Arab decedents. Till then you guys really need to come with stronger cases yourselves. Because if I’m still debating…y’all aren’t doing a good job.

1. Somali-Men are naturally born with their skinnyness 2. Chinese people are naturally born with their smartness 3. pakistani and Hindi are born with their stinkyness 4. Arabs are born with their scaryness 5. Whites are born with their evilness 6. Spanish are born with their loveness 7. Afghanis are born with their taughness 8. Italian are born with their greedyness 9. British are born with their uglyness 10. Somalis are born with their loudness 1) Not all Somali people are Skinny. I've met a lot of huge Somali people. Well, even though you see a lot of small ones, sometimes that might be related to what there is to eat in Somalia, or the feeling towards eating a lot in our culture. Did you know in Somali culture a fat person is considered to be stupid LOL? I've lived in both America, and Canada and you'll see 13-15 year olds, with a 22-24 year olds body. It's what's in the food, and how often you eat that determine how big you get...well genetics too, but that's another days argument. 2) Nobody on Earth is born smart...everybody learns to read and write. Nobody is born with the ability to read and write. How many 2 month old Chinese babies do you know, who can read or write? Better yet, how many do you know that can solve a math equation? 3) I've been to both India, and Pakistan...and yes a lot do smell...but then again, a lot don't...meaning they aren't born that way...they just don't practice proper hygiene. 4) I’m not sure what you mean by this one…so I’ll skip this one. 5) No particular race breeds evil people. It’s ridiculous to think so. There are very kind White people, and there are very evil White people. It’s not a White thing; it’s a people thing… 6) Not all Spanish people are born romantic, this is one of those questions were you have to put them romance novels down. And learn to separate myth from reality. Plus, the French, and Italians have been said to be the romantic ones (THAT IS ALSO FICTION) so that whole Spanish things is coming out of nowhere. 7) While in Pakistan…I met a lot of Afghani people, and sorry to say. However, this stereotype is also fiction…nothing makes Afghani people tougher then any other race of people. If it’s because they’ve been in a long civil war…then why aren’t people from Angola for example, which has been at war with itself for nearly 30 years, considered to breed tough people? 8) I have never heard of Italian people being associated with this stereotype before. I’ve heard of the Jews being called greedy, but never Italians. 9) I’ve had the privilege of visiting the UK, and I must say, I’ve met some very attractive females there…so if I can safely say the women at least look good, then no…not all British people were born ugly. 10) I’ve met some really reserved, quit Somali people…so if it was true that all Somali people were born loud…then I wouldn’t be able to say, I’ve met quits ones now would I? So ladies and gentlemen…today’s lesson of the day is…STEREOTYPES ARE AS TRUE AS…YOU WINNING A BILLION DOLLARS TOMMORROW, IF YOU BELIEVE IN THEM!

HOW WOULD THESE WORDS GET TRANSLATED? THERE: THEIR: WAS: THE: ARE: AUDIENCE: LIBRARY: STAGE: ACTOR: ACTRESS: COMEDIAN: COMEDY:

I SEE Y'ALL HOLDING IT DOWN FOR MN. I COULDN'T JUST VIEW, AND LEAVE THIS TOPIC, WITHOUT SHOWING LOVE, TO MY CITY. TORONTO, CANADA!!!!! AIN'T NO CITY, BETTER THEN MY CITY LOL. SEEING IS BELIEVING...SO HERE ARE SOME PICS. The main site: http://tspot.hypermart.net/pics.html A few sample pics:

United Nations (New York) January 17, 2003 Posted to the web January 18, 2003 New York Somali children sent abroad in the expectation of a better life instead end up facing serious psychological and identity problems, and in extreme cases, are even forced into prostitution as part of an exploitative child-smuggling business, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Faced with desperate choices and a bleak future in their own country, many Somali parents pay up to $10,000 to child traffickers, who "abandon" the children at airports and railway stations in European and North American countries, says "A Gap in their Hearts: the experience of separated Somali children," which was prepared by OCHA's independent humanitarian news service known as the Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN). The report quotes child smugglers who claim that up to 250 children - mostly teenagers but some two to three year-olds - are sent out of Somalia every month. Families blame poor education, sparse health facilities, poverty and conflict as reasons to spent thousands of dollars to smuggle their children abroad. But while some "separated" children end up with caring relatives, some are burdened by serious psychological and identity problems; they are coached and intimidated to assume a new name, age and a made-up family history. The report also says that in extreme cases some fall into the hands of international criminal gangs. Houdan, a "separated" child studying biotechnology in Sweden, is quoted in the report as saying that for people like him, the problems outweigh advantages. "It is tragic they can't take advantage of the opportunities they are sent for because of their circumstances," he says. The children also pose a challenge to host countries where immigration and security measures after the 11 September terror attacks in the United States have been tightened and their rights often come under question. With immigration one of the most important issues in the West today, the report says that development and aid is imperative rather than erecting more barriers in the host countries. After a decade of international neglect and collapse of the state in 1991, Somalia produces one of the largest groups of separated children who arrive in Europe and North America.

I really don’t have a problem, with how things are going now. However, I see where you are coming from. People will keep introducing a new category of words, before the previous ones have been answered. Well, this topic is supposed to be fun, at the same time, a learning experience. So brother, if you have a suggestion, or anybody else…please speak up now, on how you all want to run this topic? I personally have benefited from this topic already, and want everybody else, to benefit the same way. If this topic becomes too hard to follow, then it won’t be as fun.

Here is what I came up with...my spelling might be off, so bare with me LOL. Government - Dawlaad Temperature - Kul'sid Freedom - Xoriyad, or Madaxbaanni System - Hab Transportation - Gadiid Communication - War is gaadhsiin Circle - Wareeg Square - Afar geesle Translation - Tarjumid School - Dugsi Student - Ardey Governer - Bada'sa FEEL FREE, TO ADD MORE WORDS, FOR PEOPLE TO TRANSLATE. HECK, IF YOU WANT...INVENT NEW WORDS, FOR THE ONES, WE DON'T HAVE SOMALI ORGIN, TRANSLATIONS FOR LOL.

FACTS ABOUT ISRAEL: DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that non-Jewish Israelis are prohibited from buying or leasing land in Israel? Did you know that automobile license plates in Israel and the occupied territories are color-coded to distinguish Jews from non-Jews? Did you know that in the occupied territories Israeli authorities allocate 85 percent of the water resources for the tiny Jewish population, and the remaining 15 percent for the vastly larger Arab population? In Hebron, for example, 85 percent of the water is set aside for about 400 Jewish "settlers," while 15 percent must be divided among Hebron's 120,000 non-Jews. Did you know that the United States provides Israel with $5 billion in aid each year? Did you know that yearly US aid to Israel exceeds annual US aid to all the countries of sub-Saharan Africa combined? Did you know that the Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has nuclear weapons? Did you know that the Israel is the only country in the Middle East that refuses to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and bars international inspection of its sites? Did you know that for more than 30 years Israel has occupied territory of neighboring Syria in defiance of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions? Did you know that Israel has for decades routinely sent assassins to kill political enemies in other countries? Did you know that Israel refuses to prosecute IDF troops who have acknowledged executing prisoners of war? Did you know that Israel routinely confiscates bank accounts, businesses and land of non-Jews, and refuses to pay compensation to the victims? Did you know that on June 8, 1967, Israeli war planes attacked an American naval ship, the USS Liberty, in international waters, killing 34 American sailors, and wounding a further 171? Did you know that the second most powerful lobbying organization in the United States, according to a recent Fortune magazine survey of Washington insiders, is the Jewish AIPAC? Did you know that Israel stands in defiance of 69 United Nations Security Council Resolutions? Did you know that today's Israel includes the former sites of more than 400 now-vanished Palestinian villages, and that the Zionists have re-named nearly every physical site in the country to cover up the traces of their confiscation? Did you know that Israel's Foreign Ministry pays two American public relations firms to promote Israel to the American public? Did you know that Sharon's coalition government includes a party -- Molodet -- that advocates expelling all non-Jews from the occupied territories? Did you know that in the eight years since the signing of the Oslo accord, Israel has increased its building of Jewish "settlements," in violations of the accord? Did you know that building of Jewish "settlements" in the occupied territories doubled under the "moderate" prime minister Ehud Barak, compared to the "hardline" prime minister B. Netanyahu? Did you know that Israel once issued a postage stamp commemorating a man who attacked a civilian bus and killed several people? Did you know that Palestinian refugees make up the largest portion of the world's refugee population?

HOW GOOD IS YOUR SOMALI VOCABULARY? BELOW ARE ENGLISH WORDS...TRY TO COME UP WITH THE SOMALI TRANSLATION FOR EACH. IF YOU KNOW OF, MORE THEN ONE WAY TO TRANSLATE A WORD, GO FOR IT, TYPE IT. GOVERNMENT: TEMPERATURE: FREEDOM: SYSTEM: TRANSPORTATION: COMMUNICATION: CIRCLE: SQUARE: TRANSLATION: SCHOOL: STUDENT: GOVERNER:

Whenever groups of Somali people discuss ancestry, almost all the time those groups will agree that we as Somali people, are descendants of Arabs. I for one, strongly disagree with that false claim. Somali people these days, in general, usually have a hard time agreeing on topics. So I’m left clueless about, why so many Somali people, agree with this claim? One of the most commonly repeated reasons, why us Somali people must be Arabs is, the difference in features, when compared to our other African brothers/Sisters. I have to admit, although Somali people look different from other Africans, that still does not prove that we are descendants of Arabs. For starters, who said all black people looked the same? A West African might not look like an African, from the Southern portion of our beautiful continent. Same case goes for Central-Africans, East-Africans, and so on. So hopefully that point has been made clear. All Africans have a slight, if not major a difference in appearance, which is common of a certain region, or people. Another commonly echoed reason is, the majority of Somali people, follow the Islamic faith. The same faith embraced by all the near by Gulf nations. Well, to disprove this, you don’t have to look to fare. Turkey and Indonesia are two Islamic nations, which have no ancestral history with Arab people. Meaning it is possible to be a Muslim, and not share a common ancestry with Arabs. Another claim, to prove how we are descendents of Arabs, which I have heard is. Somali people have never been used as slaves. Well, Ethiopians can claim the same thing, and they don’t claim to be descendents of Arabs. In addition, inhabitants of Zanzibar share ancestry with Arabs, but were used as slaves. Therefore, that claim bares no real weight, in proving our ancestral links with Arab people. Although the Somali culture, and language at times, resembles that of the Arabs, it still does not prove, that we are descendents of Arabs. There are many words in our language today, which we share in common with the Italian, English, and Urdu languages, just to name a few. Somali people are known to embraces other cultures, and so on, very quickly. We are very adaptable. Moreover, there is an Islamic Hadith which says, you must love the life of the prophet Muhammad, more then your own life. Which would easily lead some of Somalia’s, mostly Muslim population, to embrace the culture of Prophet Muhammad, in an attempt, to be like our prophet. In addition, since the Quran was written in Arabic. You are forced, to learn the language of the prophet, to learn the deeper meaning of the Quran. Moreover, if you were to look at the Arab world today. You would notice, every Arab nation speaks Arabic as an official language. There are no tribal languages, or anything of that sort, it is strictly Arabic. In Somalia, even the smallest tribe, speaks Somali, but might not speak Arabic. This is also the same case for Djibouti. Were maybe a slight minority speaks Arabic, but they are still members of the Arab league. One major point to disprove Somali people as descendents of Arabs is, before the arrival of Arabs into Somalia. The Chinese and Portuguese both sailed to Somalia, and documented, how locals (Somali people) greeted them. Both the Chinese and Portuguese arrived in Somalia, way before Somali people even embraced the Islamic faith, which was brought to us by the Arabs. Meaning, we have no links with Arabs. Since our first encounter, was when they brought Islam to us. Why don’t we claim to be descents of Portuguese, or the Chinese? The Oromo people of Ethiopia look like us Somali people, share a similar culture with us, and their language is very similar to ours. These Oromo people I am talking about, have the second longest documented history in Africa. Why don’t we claim to be Oromo? Or better yet, why aren’t Oromo people considered Somali people? Something like a lost tribe LOL? What I’m trying to say is, similarities don’t always guarantee ancestral links. The case of the Somali people reminds me of, the African-Americans. Only difference is it happen in a different Continent, with a slightly different twist. African Americans, were robbed of their original names, original culture, original religion, and given a new language, to communicate with. In addition, they share no ancestral links, with the White man. Maybe a handful of inbreeding cases, but nothing big enough, to really consider. Hmm, this sounds very similar to the case of the Somali, and the Arabs. I have talked to many Somali ppl, about this issue, and when I tell them, of all the facts, I have to disprove Arab links. They simply say, even if we aren’t Arabs, we might aswell claim to be. For their culture, and civilization is greater then ours. This world is full of brain washed people. Black people wish they were white, white people wish they were black, and Somali people, wish they were Arab. All of these people, have been mentally abused, and put down to the point, they subconsciously feel inferior to the other. Well...I've said to much, I'll give you all a chance, to speak your mind on the topic.

I'm asking this question, because I've been interested in getting the answer for awhile. I've looked around, with no luck. "THERE IS A MEANING, BEHIND EVERY NAME" SO MY QUESTION IS: WHY IS AFRICA, CALLED AFRICA? AND FROM WHAT LANGUAGE, DOES THE NAME COME FROM?

I am always joining conversations on here late. Anyway, the Somali females on here look very beautiful. I've had the privilege of talking, and getting to know some of the females, on a personal level. And let me tell you, not only do these sisters look beautiful, they got even more beautiful minds. Now about the whole Black-Planet issue. Like someone on here previously said, it’s just a site. I’m a member of it myself, and have been one, since the site started. That doesn’t mean I’m a sell out. Cause if you were to check my page, I represent Somalia to the fullest. I just liked the whole concept of the site. As for the sisters who put their pictures up there, and not here. Well, I don’t have too much to say about that, other then. At the end of the day, you just got realize, it’s their pictures. You can do whatever with your pictures; just like you do whatever with your money.

I am joining this conversation late, but I just wanted to speak my mind on it, since it is an interesting topic. Well to consider Somalia, a nation with no hope is giving up to easily. The world super power America was not immune to a civil war. They had a very bloody battle between North, and South some time back. However today, they are more united then ever. America is not the only example…we can stay relevant, within Africa. It is hard to name more then three African nations, who haven’t gone through a civil war. Moreover, if you were to study some of the African nations, who have experienced before us, what we are going through now. You would bet your life savings, that they would never find peace. However through talks, even the most ethnically diverse of them, found peace through all the hate. A good example of what I am talking about is Angola. This mineral resource rich nation, has seen the longest civil war in Africa. Twenty-seven years to be exact, and they have finally turned in the guns, in exchange for a better tomorrow. Somalia is a nation long over due for a civil war. Many years of misunderstanding each other, with no communication between the tribes. To some how resolve, and prevent a confrontation, added up, and finally played out a very long over due war. I don’t support the civil war, but I believe it is something that just had to happen. Even if we didn’t go to war with Ethiopia, or send troops to attack the Northern portion of our nation. It was just bound to happen. This civil war, has done something today, that probably wouldn’t have happened on it’s own. It has forced all sides to show their anger, and see the need to talk, and find a resolution. The international community is not ready to accept new nations into the UN. Africa alone already has 53 members, and that’s one too many, in the opinion of other non-African UN members. To divide Somalia into three, four, five, or whatever, would just be pointless. We will keep dividing, until each tribe has a nation, the size of a small neighborhood, to call their home. If countries like Angola, and Sierra-Leone, which has three major religions, and over eleven official languages, can find peace, then so can we. Who ever said that the new generation has given up hope for unity is wrong. Many Somalis, in-fact the majority of old and young still believe there is hope. Part of my family is from Somaliland. However, I like the rest of my family know there will never be a Somaliland. In addition, nor would I ever want to see an officially recognized Somaliland, or any other land. Somalia is a nation with a lot of potential. However, that potential can only be realized, when united. We have a very long coast, the longest one in Africa, may I add. The fishing and ports alone would bring billions of dollars to the country. Moreover, the possibility of off shore oil, makes it all the more better, when you have a large coastline to search. Somalia divided, is exactly what Ethiopia, and Kenya would like to see. As a divided nation, we will have very little say in the region of East Africa, let a lone Africa as a whole. Countries like Ethiopia will only continue to grow, and bully us around. Before our civil war, Somalia was a very influential nation in the region, and that scared our neighbors. They want to capitalize on our weak state, and give every breakaway region, fake recognition. We need to see through their fake friendships, and realize Somalia is better off as one nation, united under one government, and flag. The only ones, who support a divided Somalia, are the warlords who have benefited from it. They realize that once stability returns their cash flow from corrupt business will stop, and their lives will be in danger. Anyway, I have said, what I wanted to say. I would just like to conclude by saying. I want all Somali people to sit, and think hard, of what they can do to return stability, and unity to their nation. I don’t care where you live today, or what your status in society is. We can all make a difference in our country. A lot of us who live abroad, could start by sending letters to our local, or national governments, of where ever we know reside. And let them know, of the need to stabilize Somalia, and get rid of corrupt warlords. Once again, I ask all of to think of how to unite Somalia, and not how to divide Somalia. We just can’t sit around, waiting for the people back home, to come up with a resolution. We all want to run away, and not help. However, we all have dreams, of returning to do business, once stability returns. Isn’t that very selfish, and ignorant?