Here's an interesting related article... "US tycoon to fund anti-Bush drive" Monday 12 January 2004 8:02 PM GMT American billionaire George Soros says he is willing to spend a fortune to get US President George Bush voted out of office. Soros, worth about $7 billion, has already donated several million dollars to grass-roots groups campaigning against Bush. "I am ready to put my money where my mouth is," the Hungarian-born American billionaire said on Monday at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "I have made rejection of the Bush doctrine the central project of my life for the next year," he said. "Its got a rise out of me and it will probably find an expression in the amount I donate," Soros said. Bankroll Soros gave $10 million to America Coming Together, which campaigns to increase the number of people taking part in elections. He donated another $2.5million to Moveon.org, an internet campaign group that opposed the war in Iraq. Soros' criticism has earned him the Bush administration's scorn, but the billionaire is staying firm in his opposition to the US President. "2004 is not an ordinary election. It is a referendum on the Bush doctrine," he said. "The misinterpretation is that might is right and that we ought to use our dominant position to impose our will on the world," Soros said. "We can either deflate the bubble before it does any more damage or we can endorse the Bush doctrine and suffer the consequences," Soros argued. You can find this article at: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/86620FB2-6F1A-43F1-B006-48CA6D0B37FD.htm

I'm a bit skeptical of these proposed attacks...I don't have an exact reason why, but anything coming from Rumsfeld lately has a credibility rating of ZERO. This just seems way too inauspicious of a time for such military strikes, especially when considering the morale of the American public. If they hear Somalia in the context of military action (or even Lebanon, for that matter), the public outcry will most probably be hellish music to the Bush administration's ears. Isn't it interesting that these two countries are of the few where the American military has been crushed by humiliation (the American soldier dragged through Mogadishu streets, 264 or so Marines who were killed by a truck bomb in Lebanon)? Oh! I see conspiring minds at it again...

They all have some kind of impact, huh? And what a wonderful medium to reach people! If nothing else, the one thing all Americans have in common is a TV or access to a TV--And only 30 seconds, how considerate of ADD sufferers I just wonder--or hope--whether one, or several, of these commercials will ever find themselves on television...?

Lakkad, haven't heard of husband-profiling before? Like it's equivalent, racial-profiling, it's a procedure often denied but frequently practiced. ...to answer that means to give you a peak of the enigma that is Woman, and treachery is not a part of my character fabric.

Check it out! MoveOn.org Voter Fund has launched Bush in 30 Seconds, a political TV ad contest to help find the most creative, clear and memorable ideas for ads that tell the truth about George Bush's policies, with celebrity judges including Jack Black, Michael Moore, Donna Brazile, Guss Van Sant, Michael Stipe, Margaret Cho, and Moby. http://www.bushin30seconds.org/ BTW - My favourites are "Child's Pay", "Leave No Billionaire Behind" and "Polygraph". Enjoy!

When your hurt twice by pretty soma´s with fast car´s and cute smiles with lies that brake bones your start feeling all kinda...funny *LOL* Spoken like a true poet! Isn't this the dilemma of most Somali women? The only suggestions I have in regards to this, are to avoid men who exactly fit this description altogether! Call it husband-profiling, whatever, but a bit of skepticism might save you some heart-ache the third time around. I don't know if this will be of any benefit, but it's just simple logic that you attract others of like kind. Basically, be the type of person that your ideal man would be attracted to---if you want a religious and right-minded man, then be religious and right-minded yourself. If you want a benevolant man, do some volunteer work. I don't have personal experience with this, but it makes sense to me, considering the success rate of gold-diggers Besides that, take comfort in Rahima's response. And don't worry, you're not alone in this struggle.

Heblaayo, thank you so much for your post---not only for its informative scope, but also for all the precious minutes it's saved me from posting a response. Jazakallahu khairan. Bambina and Opinionated, please don't take this as a slight, but rather than being repetitive, I will defer my response to your questions to Heblaayo's post. But I would like to add something said by the late Edward Said that should drive this issue of non-Arabic editions of the Quran home. In the context of the Orientalist preoccupation with manipulating Quranic translations, Said responded by noting the obvious absurdity and incredibility of someone critiquing Shakespearean works without being a master of the English language---and Elizabethean English no less! Lastly, Qori I'm disappointed that you see my post as an advertisement. I would rather it be seen as an "awareness post." As a young, Muslim, Somali-Canadian woman I think it's imperative that I am aware of current issues that relate to every single part of my multiple identities. And by posting this, inshallah I hope to make others aware as well. Ignorance is bliss, but danger is always looming.

Perhaps you've come across this catchy line recently--it's the title of a newly published book by Irshad Manji, a Canadian TV Personality of East Indian descent. She is also a lesbian and a feminist. Oh, and she's Muslim too. And a self-described Quranic scholar (but who speaks no Arabic) no less! To list the vast number of severe flaws in her arguement is so taxing that I won't be bothered with it here, but I think the fact that she has no knowledge of the Arabic language and her open homosexuality are enough to give someone a clear idea of exactly what kind of agenda she's pushing. Basically, Manji accuses Arabs of manipulating Islam into a rigid religion, "causing Muslims all around the world to dress like Arabs, memorize Qu’ranic verses in their language, and adopt their politic outlook," and subsequently banning Islamic Ijtihad (independent reasoning). She also says that the Quran "informs terrorism" and "preaches hate", and that anti-semitism, homophobia and mysoginy are inherent in Islam. Attacks on Islam these days are nothing new, but what's so unsettling about Manji is that she claims to be a Muslim--who fasts, abstains from alcohol, prays (but not as proscribed in the Quran)--and yet makes such heretical claims and actions that trump all other things! Even worse is her--and many other Western intellects--arrogance to recite excerpts from an English translation of the Quran and take it entirely out of context and significance. Through this fault she sides herself with famous Orientalists, scholarly foes of Islam, such as Bernard Lewis and Daniel Pipes. In the end, her book is a disservice to all Muslims, and really just flattering to Zionists and other Westerners who wish to continue the image of Islam as a "terrorist faith." Not surprisingly, Manji is catching a heck of a lot of attention from Western media, despite an overwhelming negative response from book critics. If you'd like to read more about Manji and "The Trouble with Islam," her website is Muslim Refusenik . An informative article/critique can also be found at The McGill Daily .

In reading some responses from French papers in regards to Chirac's decision to pursue legislation banning 'religious wear' from state schools, it's really interesting to note the number of papers that believe coming regional elections have more of a role in bringing this issue to the forefront than the claimed concern for 'protecting French culture and secularism'. They support this point by referring to Chirac's rejection of the same bill's proposal to officially mark Eid al-Adha and Yom Kippur in school. How tragic that Chirac and his party have to adopt such xenophobic policies in order to sway votes away from their right-wing opponents. But I wonder if this ruling will also apply to universities. They make the arguement that the hijab is forced upon young girls for their lack of understanding, but surely they don't believe an self-aware, veiled Muslim woman--in university no less--can be similarly oppressed? How condescending to all women, as if we need help to take our own stand at any age.

Now that was funny! Honestly, I think that's giving WAY too much credit to the Bush administration. And speaking of understanding "why now," isn't it just so timely that she choses to disclose her personal conspiracy theories during her press tour for her book release? If no one else caught the Conan O'Brien show a few nights ago, they did a mock-interview with Bush, in which he planned to release Saddam Hussein on the front lawn of the White House the day before elections, and let him run for a few feet before tackling Hussein himself---"ELECTION COMPLETE." Now, even that seems more plausible. Politics, politics, politics. It's just too entertaining to outright despise.

Bari_Nomad, It's interesting that you mention the Israeli Spy ring. I remember reading in the paper (I really forget which one, but it must have been Canadian) how the RCMP detained a group of 'art students' in Ottawa who were suspected to be Israeli spies. I believe they were deported or had their visas revoked in this case, but the story also mentioned that there were other incidents involving these Israeli 'art students'/spies in other countries. Speculation, speculation! But for FOX to air that? I am surprised. Was it FOX News?...Then again, these are after all AMERICAN right-wing fanatics, and not even their friendly tyke Israel has carte-blanche access to matters of national security.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to read these articles, but if not in Somalia, I believe women will (and already do) play an integral role in the future of Somali communities in the West. I don't mean to hate--I know of several young Somali men pursuing post-secondary educations or contributing to community-building by other means--but it seems that future community leaders will be predominantly women. This isn't meant to admonish Somali men, or even really flatter Somali women seeing that so many more of us could be working towards building a strong community. It's just a pattern that I've noticed.

Jazakhallahu khairan for that article, Mizz-Hurricane. It never really occured to me that loving one's siblings was not necessary, or loving one's parents, friends, family. I suppose I've been blessed with that alhamdullilah. This may seem like a loaded question--in fact I hope that I can even frame it properly, but how can we define this love? I'm always a bit frustrated with the word, especially in its english form, because it is used in SO MANY contexts---I love chocolate, I love these shoes, I love myself, I love my cat, I love my cousin, I love my husband---you would think these are all different loves, no? Maybe that's besides the point, but from this article I figure its selflessness that's being encouraged. What distinguishes my love for my parents, siblings, family and friends is the degree to which I will make sacrifices, even beyond what I would grant for myself. So is it this selfless love the author speaks of? I mean, it goes without saying, that we love ourselves purely due to Allah's Will. And so we should extend our gratitude to others in kind. I guess I just answered my own question. :rolleyes:

I apologize Baashi! My keyboard is breaking down, and either I can't notice its mess-ups or I just can't be bothered! But I hope you found your way to the site in the end...Salaam!

Who knew the Canadian media--a government-sponsored broadcaster no less--would push the envelope? Especially with Conspiracy Theories? AND September 11th?!? There may be hope for us Northerners after all... Maybe some other Canadian nomads were lucky enough to catch the original transmission on October 29 2003, but I was at least fortunate enough to come across the CBC Fifth Estate special season premiere titled "Conspiracy Theories: Uncovering the Facts behind the Myths of Sept 11th 2001" over the internet. For those who enjoy mystery and speculation (what Somali doesn't? ), the documentary mentions such unbelievable trivia as the Bush-Bin Laden family financial links, the supposedly plentiful intelligence the Bush administration was privy to before the attacks, and the secret Carlyle Group Washington D.C. meeting between Bush Sr. and Osama bin Laden's brother on the same morning as the attacks. Anyways, discover it for yourself--the full broadcast is availaible online at The Propaganda Matrix. Additional coverage is available on the CBC website, The Fifth Estate. Enjoy!

"The US Terrorism Plot That the Media Ignores" I came across this information on one of my favourite web-sites, The Memory Hole. I recommend it to all who aren't satisfied by the news covered by mainstream outlets. Below is a little synopsis, the entire collection can be found at http://www.thememoryhole.org/terror/tyler-terror.htm. Enjoy! ">>> In May 2003, white supremacists in Texas were caught with a sodium cyanide bomb, other bombs, illegal weapons, hate literature, fake I.D., and chemicals, including hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. In mid-November, three people pleaded guilty to related charges, while seized documents indicate that there are other co-conspirators at large. The feds have served "hundreds of subpoenas across the country," and the plot has been included in the President's daily intelligence briefings. But most of us have never heard about it. The only media that saw fit to report about this terrorist plot within the US were a few newspapers and TV stations in Texas. The Web-based news outlet WorldNetDaily ran a story about it, but Google News shows that there hasn't been a word in the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, or any other big media outlet. Why have the media decided that this is a non-story? It's hard to say, but we can say with certainty that if Muslims had been caught with these weapons of mass destruction, fake I.D., gas masks, and books on making explosives, it would've been front-page news for days."

A good zit-zapper is tea-tree oil. I've used the Body Shop's tea-tree oil (not the wand but the vial--more for your money!)and other products that all have tea-tree oil as the active ingredient. It has a strong odour, but I tell you ladies, it works! I almost forgot to add, I've come across many people who vouch for Pro-Active. I don't mean to advertise, but I have used it before myself and I would definitely recommend it for slight to even severe acne. But you know, if you have serious acne, skip the over-the-counters and head to the dermatologist!

Conscious, That was a great read--i loved it! Jazakallahu khairan!

Hmm, I honestly believe that a career, marriage and children are blessings that I alone cannot accomplish--and I'm leaving education out because that's one thing that I have been granted so far(alhamdullilah). So with that disclaimer, my "inshallah-list" would go as follows: 1.Education 2.Marriage 3.Career 4.Children 21-24 Age group I hope this is of some benefit to you, Khayr!

Entrepeneur, let me put you out of your misery--alas, I am female *lol*. Again, I think we're getting a bit off topic, and continuing this string of retorts undermines the spirit of this topic. I don't believe an apology is called for between you and I--but what is probably appropriate is to apologize to Nur, the initiator of this discussion, for hijacking his forum. And for that, I am sorry.

Miskiin, rest assured: I am a sister. It was just a matter of time before US Authorities began encroaching upon the rights of Canadian muslims & Arabs, in addition to harassing their own population. All the more reason for us to protest against this deplorable treatment! I fear that no number of captured "terrorists" or invasions will reverse American islamophobia. *lol* Soomaali passport, hmm? I think it reads "direct to detention center" in all US Immigration officials' manuals.

Oh, thanks for making me feel better Illmatic and Libaax And Rudy, boy I don't know whatchu been smokin' but...you definitely got me laughing! And I didn't know that I was considered some non-human entity, referring to me as "it"...one second of INTENSIVE research (you know, click on the profile!) may solve your perplexing grammatical issues next time, all right?

It seems like I tend to overestimate the attention span of Somalia Online readers. Shame on me....or is it? :confused:

Well damn, Entrepeneur it seems that, not only can you not take a joke, but you're jumping into details that I never intended to discuss. And even more, you've made such grossly unsubstantiated statements that I would be foolish to respond, considering you side-stepped my initial reply, and is essentially demanding a defense of my program of studies. :rolleyes: Let's not draw our swords, shall we, and return to the bigger theme.

Entrepeneur, I get enough exercise discussing micro/macroecnomic theory in class, so pardon me if I opt not to engage in such banter. Let's not split hairs about interest/riba. Islamic banks charge fees to accrue profit, but it doesn't make them equal to western banking institutions that make their billions in annual profit from interest and services alone---take the mortgage loan business for example: a bank will bunch about a hundred mortgages and sell their clients' debt and interest payments to an independent firm in return for a lump sum. So basically, the outside firm buys for the long-term profit from your interes-payments. Does this seem morally sound to you? Political science did originally branch off from economics, and employs some ideas from economic theory, but on the whole it's morphed into its discipline. So by studying internatioal relations or comparative politics, exactly how would I still be involved with interest rates?