^^ North, Serenity does not speak Arabic. She's one of those that spent some time in that part of the world but was not exposed to it. She's fluent in Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Tagalog and Cantonese. ps (She used to put a red dot on her forehead way before red dots and diamonds in that part of the body became popular). This is the best I've seen In this clip, the old man is one of those that pretend to be able to talk to the jinn (how many of those rip vulnerable people off?). Anyway, here is how he got his comeuppance.

^^ .. You remind me of a troublemaking cousin of mine. He would always get into fights and get beaten. He was a short, skinny man with no actual energy for fighting but a very bad temper. Once, after he foolishly goaded four Nigerian men into giving him a black eye and broken arm, I asked him why does he get himself into so much trouble when he knows he'll only get a beating! Luckily, the beating seemed to have cleared his mind and he said: 'you know, I really fear Allah now. He knows I have a bad temper and that's why he created me short and skinny to save people from that temper of mine'. In your case, it seems the almighty did the people of Boosaaso a favour by giving you the chance to comment on events on discussion forums rather than have the power to influence such events.

^^ She has a British passport. So yeah, I suppose she's a foreigner. lol@North. Declare Burco's independence and watch me drop everything and go guard the ballidhig front (even if it's not adjacent to Burco) and shoot every last man that walks in my direction. My reasons will not be political at all.

^^^Saaxib, I go only by your words and the positions I see you take. The only assumption I made here is the one about you not exactly knowing what you want. As harsh as my words come across and as bleak a picture I paint of you, this is not at all meant as a personal invective. Only a few weeks ago you were starting threads talking about the Asmara group and the hope they bring to Somalia. You dismissed all objections and criticisms of that group as being minor flaws when compared to the ultimate goal, which is presumably the resurrection of the state of Somalia under a just and fair government! My argument to you here is that if you’re willing to take no notice of the misdeeds of some of the people in that Asmara group what’s stopping you from extending the same understanding to the TFG? Your aim after all is a united Somalia! The TFG, with all their faults and transgressions also want a united Somalia (I hope I don’t have to explain why that is). So, if that is your goal; logic dictates that you will choose the TFG over the Asmara group (for reasons I’ve already explained). As for lacking respect for the wishes of the average Somali! I really am not sure how I could reply to this without appearing patronising, condescending and probably downright offensive (it’s an affliction of mine. Honest). Well, lets just say that if they indeed had no say in the matter then they deserve no respect at all. Though not for a minute do I believe that they had no say in the matter. Horn is an average Somali and he believes that Hirale is a good leader (where I suspect you regard the man as a warlord). Duke is an average Somali and he considers AY the best of leaders (I don’t even have to guess what you think of that). Oodweyne - putting the argument of Somaliland aside for a minute - is an average Somali and though he probably does not approve of Riyaale still accepts him as his leader. Millions of others fall into this category and follow these same lines of thinking. Somalia is not a democracy, saaxib. Somalia is a clannish country and it is beyond obtuse to attempt to forward an argument that talks about the views of the average Somali in any positive light. What you want and who is best placed to deliver it is the whole argument, saaxib. If you were saying that what you want can’t be delivered by any of the current groups this would have been the end of the argument and I would have not found any chinks in your armour. It would have been a choice based on sound deductions. But this is not what you’re saying. You believe (as your words attest above) that what you want will be achieved soon. That could only imply that the Asmara group will deliver! We go full circle and come back to the argument that the TFG is best placed to deliver what you want. Neither group is more moral, principled or honourable than the other. You may as well choose the richer, stronger and recognised group. Is this so hard to fathom? It would be easier and more understandable to just say that you don’t care for long term goals and are only interested in anyone that would eject the Ethiopians from Somalia. At least then it would be a clear position and wish. But when you treat the situation like an open buffet, taking a bit from the top, a bit from the bottom and dollops of other moral (and immoral) bits from the corners, you can’t blame me for concluding that you don’t know what you want but are rather following your feelings, instincts and prejudices (I’m satisfied, after our last argument, that it is not due to any clannish leanings). SB I don’t ask them to make their case in regards to the TFG itself. For all I know, the TFG has been a failure, is a failure and will probably remain a failure. Still, if one were to use an example to illustrate that people (and that’s not Bilaal alone) don’t know what they want, what’s better than the TFG? As ever, I’m impressed by your rebuttal of my points but I fear that you (unpredictably) miss the intention. If you were going to choose one side above all others then, surely, it is best to choose one that is likely to achieve your goals and is on a par with your beliefs. Moreover, it has to be one that you can easily explain (like Baashe’s old H union). It is not positions taken that I question, it’s the reasons why such views were taken. Ps Bilaal, The humanitarian thing is a swamp that I do not wish to muddy our argument with at this point. Suffice it to say, when commenting from a humanitarian angle one will still have to be honest with oneself and know (for one’s own sake if nothing else) why he would condemn the actions of one group over those of another (e.g. TFG and Ethiopians killing civilians as apposed to Shabaab/resistance killing civilians).

Bah! Who is that? You on the other hand knew who I was talking about. Stop blushing and acting all coy. Here is the only man I'm willing to release you to:

^^^ In LA, darling, in LA (and not the Somalia LA)

^^ ** Appeasing mode on ** When I agreed with the use of the word cult I did so because it is an appropriate description. The brave sons and daughters of Somaliland are united in their vision, strong in their resolve and stand side by side in the cause of their great nation. Just like a cult. **Appeasing mode off **

^^ Never does

^^ You're being unfair to rudy. He used to have baggage but he does not anymore, she ran away with the J man.

I am indeed. Would you expect any less from me?

^^ Saaxi ma tehid adigo. We need to find you an Italian doctor to cure your madness Ghanima had your photo? No wonder the silly mare does not want to get married at all now. ps Ms D&D, did you know that our great rudy is single? He does not have any baggage anymore.

^^ is cult the new misnomer for Somaliland? Actually, you're right, it does resemble a cult. At least it makes more sense than the usual term used: Riyaale's SNM Militias. ps Most of these men are not politicians by nature. The only man that I regard as a proper politician is Abdullahi Yusuf. The rest are all riff-raff forcing themselves on this fine art.

^^ Why would you consider an 18 year old 'bakhti'? You see, intelligent young girls have dreams of the type of life they want to have but since they're still young and just begun their journey in life they (usually) have not turned those dreams into reality. A perfect opportunity for a thirty-something man to snap them up and mould them to fit into the kind of life he made for himself. With older girls he has to go down the root of compromise. Why would anyone compromise when they can have their (fresh) cake and eat it? Ps I think I'm going to seriously think of setting up that Somali Matrimonial Agency now. You never know, when it gets up and running and my ten year deadline reaches its end (long story), I too would be able to pluck a few ripe eighteen year olds to enter into my long awaited lottery (shame Serenity had to grow up, my genes and those cheekbones would have produced some great babies).

^^ Are you trying to start a fallout between Xoogsade and Gediid? Or were you just thinking aloud?

I wouldn't mind 67 children of my own. These magnificent genes need to be spread out.

Originally posted by Ms Dhucdhuc & Dheylo: Ngonge Guys who took their time to mature doesnt scream out the creme de la creme of mature single individuals. I am sure there those who are accomplished professionally, having worked long and hard to achieve his goals. In addition, there must be those who are financially secure, and they take their leisure time seriously, enjoying extensive travel and a vast array of hobbies and pastimes...i.e. Great catch Charming, intelligent and interesting single men over 30 to 40 (iska dheh!) are rare in our community. Unless the men know something we dont know. When I said they took their time to mature I did not mean in life but rather the acceptance of the idea of marraige. Plus, I think you're wrong. I believe that single men in their 30s outnumber single girls these days (you may be shocked but they're fussy). The idea of a matchmaking website grows even more appealing by the minute. ps Of course, these boys will mostly be on the look out for 18 year old girls. Why bother going for a head strong established woman when you can get yourself a young one that looks up to you adoringly and views you as the best there is.

^^^ When you say 'over 30', how far over 30 do you mean? If it's Over 30 but under 35, then there are millions of the bar studs around . The only baggage most of them have is that they took their time to mature. ps I'm compiling a list. I plan to become a matchmaker.

^^^ Ah! An enjoyable read. Still, they remain in control of the capital and have forced the resistance to resort of some desperate suicide attacks! Not really sure this equates to them being defeated really. The rest of your historical narrative is simple hear say and spin. Were the Ethiopians really going to lose to the Courts if it were not for some American help? You never cease to surprise me with your revelations. BiLaal, The things you’ve listed as wanting are the dreams that almost every Somali has (even duke). But is there anything practical for the here and now? I stand by my logic and repeat that the TFG is the best available option for anyone that claims to want Somali Unity. I am disappointed that you chose to speak for Somali people and are now claiming to know the unknown! Do you see now why I stalk you in such a way? It is this ‘waxa la yadhi’ attitude that riles me. The lack of any dissent towards the federal government in most parts of Somalia (other than half the capital) does not indicate that people are against the TFG. In fact, seeing that Somalis are clannish by nature and that the majority of clan leaders/agitators seem to be on the side of the TFG proves that the majority of people are for that administration rather than against it! Yes, I am going with simple logic again. Luckily the situation is so easy that complex logic was not required. I insist that, based on your words, you still don’t know what you want (I really don’t mean to insult you here). If it were about patience, principles or moral positions you would not be incessantly commenting on the situation in Somalia and praising this group or condemning the other. You would distance yourself from all, and, like many Nomads we have here (mostly females incidentally) offer no political comments other than those related to humanitarian issues. The problem is that you (and others) want to talk politics (heck, MMA is the moderator of the actual section) yet you want to still remain whiter than white, daydream, and condemn all at the same time! Something has to give, boys.

An apt title and an understandable reaction. This time at least I will not be accusing you of being overly emotional. You have a genuine stake in the city and it can’t have been nice (regardless of political persuasions) to witness it being fought over in such a way. But like Xiin says (though my guru wont agree) the pendulum is bound to swing to the other side soon. But for some reason I can’t imagine you being happy with whichever way it swings; the people ducking out of its way would be your nearest and dearest. Simple political analysis goes out the window (for most people) when things are that close to home. Ps Leaving SOL for a while is probably a good idea. PPS Xiin, gartado xuma adeer! In order to placate one you call another a low born? 'wax walan' as the hip young kids would say.

Heh. I liked the bit you quoted me on. Knew it would confuse you. The rest of your words miss the point entirely. Nobody is arguing that the TFG does not have problems or is not divided dear friend. Rather, since our brother above wants Somalia to be put back together again, the argument is that the TFG is his best bet (if a Republic of Somalia is his ultimate aim). After all, it ticks all the points that dreamers like he and MMA demand. It has representatives from all parts of Somalia, it controls their beloved capital, it does not wish to secede and it has international backing. On paper at least, the chances of it succeeding are infinitely higher than those of the Asmara group or any other grouping within Somalia are! Again, keep your eyes on the ball: they want Somalia back! They don’t care for any clannish sentiments, regional self-interest or any of that other hogwash that is irking other Somalis. Theirs is purely a nationalistic wish. Therefore, it stands to reason that they should support the TFG. If they don’t then it really means that they’re either lying or they just don’t really know what they want. Having read much of their contributions here, I am of the opinion that they’re not lying (and this is no praise by the way). You see, even those that follow their own clans and explicitly supportive of their clans (such as Duke and Horn) know what they want. They’ve thought about it and reached a clear conclusion (the morality of such a conclusion does not matter really). The Somaliland fans also know what they want (though, sadly, they lack the right leaders to deliver it for them). But there are millions of others (and many here in these forums) that have no idea of what they want. They disagree with all sides but still get worked up and emotional over the simplest of issues! Are they being neutral then? Surely a neutral would be nonchalant about the entire hullabaloo and wouldn’t give a fig about one political group’s transgressions over another! Kindly note that this does not involve feeling sad for the death of civilians or sympathising with people being displaced from their homes. I don’t particularly like the TFG and do believe it contains some of the most despicable individuals in Somali politics today, but, when looking at things objectively, dispassionately and without prejudice I believe them to stand head and shoulders above any of the alternatives on the ground. Ps The TFG and Ethiopia don’t have the military and political resources to defeat the ragtag Shabaab? Now that’s a revelation I would enjoy reading you expand on. Go ahead, oblige me.

^^ You have short memory, saaxib. They did. This is to be expected from the UN at any rate. It really is not news.

Originally posted by BiLaaL: Ngonge, we are not so engrossed in the concept of a unified Somalia that we are willing to do away with our deeply held notion of justice. The TFG has Somali blood on its hands and is not principled enough. The Somalia republic is too precious for us to trust it with a bunch of capitalist traitors. Plus, they're too controversial to act as a uniting voice even if they were to be successful in reviving the Somali republic in some form. All sides have blood on their hands, saaxib! Sometimes I really wonder if you’re at all serious. What is it you are after, Perfection? If that’s what you’re after I’ll seriously advice you to take MMA’s unintended advice and keep on dreaming until you reach your grave. I truly don’t believe you know what you want (and that’s not just you alone). It sounds to me that you’re only rejecting the TFG because they invited the Ethiopians to invade Somalia and, to you, this casts a huge, ugly and unacceptable shadow over any potential that the TFG may have! Yet the TFG is the only group that can boast (rightly or wrongly) of containing members of all Somali clans and groupings. It’s the only side that has the financial and military muscle and in addition to that it also has the support of a large part of Somalia (if you look at Puntland and the southern parts of Somalia, excluding the whole capital of course). If it is logic you are after then the TFG is your best bet here. However, if it is heroes in shinning armour that you’re after then pick a fairy book I’d say ps Might as well confuse you now and tell you that I am not a TFG fan. With no emotional detachment to Somalia, I have the luxury of sitting back and bidding my time until one group sways me with its style, vision and integrity. You are not as detached; you are angry and want to choose a side that will rescue your beloved Somalia. I really can’t see why you’re wasting your time with dead ends instead of backing the only viable authority in the land. Think it over my friend. Nothing else makes more sense.

The future generations, like the ones before them, will blame reer hebel, BiLaal dee naga daa this guaranteeing of the future stuff! I am inclining towards Paragon’s argument. However, the only caveat I may add is in the understanding. Only if these enclaves UNDERSTAND and have a clear vision of what they want would I feel comfortable in supporting them. My reluctance to fully support my home of Somaliland is borne out of my belief that they don’t know what they’re doing. My rejection of the Courts was also as a result of realising that they too had no idea of what they were doing. I need not explain my opposition to the TFG. If one group can sell me an reasonable argument, a well thought position and an acceptable policy I’ll be more than happy to favour them over all the rest. Life would have been much easier of course if I were like a romantic teenage girl that would fall for the first juicy line dropped her way. Having said all of that, and to counter you and Xiin, why may I ask are you against the TFG? After all, with their Ethiopian military backers, Saudi money and American support they (of all the other players in this arena) are the most able to bring your beloved Somalia back on its feet (whilst skimming some of the monetary aid and funds, but is that too much of a price to begrudge if they bring Somalia back)? There have to be a method to this madness yaa naas.

It was an introductory PM. We have not yet delved into the realms of rehabilitation. Still, as I try to do with everything, I shall try to receive all he imparts with an open mind.

^^ Fair enough. It makes perfect sense. Though, of course, I'll have to wait for my guru's take on your words.