Originally posted by rudy: so they wanna be germans again!! lool.. i should have charged for the germans or virgins that i have returned!! i like to take the path of least resistance... remember in electronic classes, where currents like to travel!! no... your bad. :confused:

Originally posted by Tahliil: All am sayin is why this claim of education and experience vanishes from him whenever he's before the public??? there has to b a reasone and good one... The thought comes to me that perhaps this guy, due to that imprisonment yrs ago, is suffereing from some sort of mental disorder, meltdown, alcoholism, depression...or better Schizophrenia: (a mental illness that impairs one’s ability to perceive reality).. there has to b a reason, a thing, a sickness of sorts that can wipe out one's long tenure out of him and not only that but reduces him to behave and scream like a wolf... sorry adeer the profile you are projecting Duke is not there... Public speaking is an art form, saaxib. One can have all the exprience in the world and still be a bad public speaker (as is the case with this person). The only problem I find in him is his foolish readiness to actually speak when he must know that he's not that good a speaker.

Come on Duke. Regardless of his long experience, education and invisible ability, based on the two interviews he had with that Arab channel, you’ve got to admit that the man is a dud. He indeed might be the greatest of advisors and his long experience might be useful to the president. However, he neither had the words or the patience to cope with TV interviews. His use as a spokesperson for the TFG does that body’s cause no favours at all and shows up Somalia for the primitive circus that it is. Ps Some battles are not worth fighting, saaxib. Cut the professor loose and let him sink in the cesspit of his own words. Do not, ahem, impose your defence on him.

Heh. It's like unwrapping someone else's gift and then putting back the wrapping and hoping that nobody would notice. At least with gifts people do notice most of the time (unless the one that unwrapped it was an expert). I wonder how perfect those operations are! Can just imagine a satisfied groom shouting: ' Woohoo! My bride's hymn is intact but it looks suspiciously creased'!

The other side are probably ten times that number. Still, keeping Turky secualr is the best way right now. Nothing but trouble will come out of trying to change things.

European officials see no choice but to continue supporting the TFG in the hope that it can survive long enough to organise elections due in 2009. “The TFG is deeply flawed, but there is only one horse in the race. It’s not a question of backing it, but just getting it to the finishing line,” said one. Hmmmm.

^^^ What is wrong with that list, I ask you? I agree that it is shocking to start with. BUT. From points 8 to 13 it gets very interesting indeed. Perfect wife stuff. Aaah! Those were the days.

Premier claims Somali 'victory' Ethiopian and government troops are in control of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, after nine days of battles, the prime minister says. Ali Mohamed Ghedi said the worst of the fighting against Islamists and clan gunmen was now over. Columns of tanks were deployed and reinforcements sent to Mogadishu from other parts of Somalia. Earlier, a BBC correspondent in the city said the battles were the heaviest in recent days, spreading to new areas. United Nations humanitarian relief co-ordinator John Holmes has described the situation in Somalia as critical. He said up to 400,000 people had fled Mogadishu but aid was reaching just 60,000. A doctor who runs one of Mogadishu's hospitals estimates that two-thirds of the city's one million residents had left. Some 300 people have been killed in the recent clashes, after 1,000 deaths last month, local human rights group say. Mogadishu residents say government forces have taken control of some northern suburbs from the insurgents. "We hope to completely conclude the war tomorrow, and government forces will secure the capital," Mr Ghedi said. But some correspondents in Mogadishu have questioned Mr Ghedi's assessment - they say there are still reports of heavy fighting, and artillery and machine-gun fire can be heard across the city. 'Hijacked' Somali Education Minister Ismail Mohamoud Hurre said the deaths and violence were a price worth paying to return normality to the country, which has not had a functioning national government for 16 years. "The Ethiopian forces are doing very well, stopping the Jihadist elements from causing instability," he told the BBC's Network Africa programme. "We have to bite the bullet." But a UK think-tank has strongly criticised last December's operation to oust an Islamist group which had taken control of Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia. "Genuine multilateral concern to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia has been hijacked by unilateral actions of other international actors - especially Ethiopia and the United States - following their own foreign policy agendas," said the Chatham House report. "Whatever the short-term future holds, the complex social forces behind the rise of the Islamic Courts will not go away," the authors said. The Union of Islamic Courts controlled Mogadishu for six months last year - reuniting the capital for the first time since 1991. The Islamist fighters have been joined by gunmen from the ****** clan, which does not back the government. Donors and diplomats have accused the government of hindering the aid effort with bureaucratic obstacles. The government says its checks on aid shipments are necessary to prevent insurgent attacks. Somalia has not had a functional government since 1991. Peace talks led to the formation of a transitional government in 2004, but it has so far failed to take full control of the country. Ethiopian troops announced they had begun to withdraw, to be replaced by an African Union peacekeeping force, but only 1,200 of the 8,000 troops the AU says it needs have been deployed. BBC NEWS

Not so much a job as a paid holiday really (I should know. And I'm not even there. Unlike some)

Back to the topic If this is your kind of thing then maybe you should read the following article (and any others you can find) by the amazing Amina Mire This lady knows her stuff

^^^^ I think it worked See that black dot in the middle of his hand(below the thumb)! That's his original colour

Originally posted by Castro: Can you prove this: "they [the Courts] were not politicians and DID not have any tangible plans for the future of Somalia."? quote: This is really why they failed. Fact, ‘atheer’, no conspiracy. Really? I thought the 30,000 Ethiopian troops had something to do with it. I may be wrong. LOL. The proof is in the pudding, atheer. Politicians only fight the fights they're sure of winning. Plus, what sort of silly question is this? Are you saying they did have some hidden plan that we didn't know about? As for the 30,000 Ethiopians..remind me again of who give them the motives to invade? You're playing with facts here, saaxib.

You deliberately choose to look at this in a negative way, saaxib. The Courts brought peace to a small section of an entire country. I hate flogging this dead horse and again and again. But flog I must. The Courts (great as they were) were nothing but glorified administrators. They were not politicians and DID not have any tangible plans for the future of Somalia. This is really why they failed. Fact, ‘atheer’, no conspiracy. When I suggest a political wing, only someone with the blinkers firmly on would read that as ‘parading around the world wearing suits sucking up to anyone who would listen’! I already give you the examples of the IRA and others. In the case of the IRA, they had Sinn Fein as their political wing. Both military and political wings were despised by the UK government and regarded as terrorists. Yet, when the time was ripe for negotiation the framework for a political party was already there and ready to take over in a time of peace. The other examples of resistance/liberation or opposition movements are as good and logical as the IRA example. It’s not about selling your soul to the devil (America and the West); it’s about being an alternative to this current incompetent government. Alas, since the TFG lacks proper, coherent and organised political opposition there really is no chance in hell that the fighters in the Somali capital will triumph or that the Ethiopians will leave.

Originally posted by Xoogsade: ^ You can always clarify a bit more saxib instead of asking people to remove blinkers Your arguments would make sense if the conditions on the ground were conducive for negotiated political settlements. You think, I assume from what you wrote, Geeddi and A/Y are interested in negotiating with others. ....... .....From what you wrote, you don't know the TFG characters very well. Go do your homework and then come back. Again, I humbly request that you remove the blinkers and read my words as they were written. At no point did I suggest a negotiated settlement with the TFG, saaxib. Don't let your paranoia and preconceived judgments on me rule your head. READ WHAT I WROTE. Bilaal, Yours is all conjuncture presented as facts. It's very interesting and almost believable (it might even be true). But since you don't present any proofs for half of the statements you're making I think I'm left with no choice but to regard all your words there as simple hopeful speculation. I mean you no offence, saaxib. It's just that when one engages in political analysis one MUST present facts or else yours becomes no different to the TFG propaganda. The only thing that puzzled me there is your dismissive answer regarding the Islamic Courts having a political wing. You reckon this is an immature idea! How so my friend? Put your emotions aside for a minute and explain to me how do you expect the ICU (and whatever clans that support them) to win this conflict? When I say win I don't only mean the war. Things, as I'm sure you know, are not likely to end there (no matter who wins). What will those fighting the TFG do once they win? What are their plans? I get the feeling that many here are not interested in the aftermath of this war. All they want to see (they being supporters of the ICU) is a victory and the removal of the Ethiopian troops from Somalia. A great aim indeed but an unlikely one as things stand. The fighters will gallantly fight and (as is proven so far) hold their own against their enemies. But the longer this goes on, and without their supporters mobilising and setting up an alternative to the TFG (a different vision for Somalia), simple logic tells me (sadly) that they're going to lose. Dare I see some sane people deal with these points instead of the irksome wailing and conspiracy theories?

Originally posted by Paragon: ^^NGONGE, maybe sharing with us how best you think the message can be conveyed would be nice. Should we try some play with emotions or stay firmly legalisitc? I think both should be attempted. That way it will look like it's coming from a wide section of the Somali community (and other observers). Still, what the media really LOVE is trouble. I'd suggest mad acts such as those attempted by Fathers4justice. However, with our names, I fear that when we get arrested it will not be for simple disruption but for far worse crimes (being Muslim, etc). Regardless, I would still be interested in seeing ideas along those lines. ps Remember how I opposed the demo for those beheaded in Saudi Arabia? That demo was pointless and got us no results. Now, really, is the time for a proper demo. pps Don't limit yourselves to one kind of uniform letter. Try to write ones with your own words (spelling mistakes and all). A few are bound to get through. In addition, don't just e-mail the newspapers alone. It's best to try targeting the writers too (many of them have their own public blogs).

^^^ Did you see any of that in my words, saaxib? What in the world made you reach that conclusion? My words above are very clear. Why not take the blinkers off and toy a little with the ideas I gave you?

Originally posted by me: Eedo and the guys, what i am saying is, that everyone wants to throw mud at other entities but will get defensive when his or her entity is on the recieving end. Xoogsade is a defender of Caydiid, I have seen his past posts and now he is attacking Puntland for the same things that he was defending caydiid against. Castro and Northerner are known secessionist and now they are all about dadka Soomaaliyeed, like they ever cared. What I am saying is I smell opportunism. So folks get real. Paragon, we need to sort each other our before we can take on any other enemy. We all need to know where we stand. We need to have similar goals otherwise we will be the ones fighting in the near future. Hal meel ha laysku raaco. Are you shooting randomly here? mise meel cidlaad wax ku tooganaysa? (With apologies for my destruction of the af somaliga)

Heh.

^^^ And in the 1980s Somalia was a sovereign republic ruled by a President and run by civil servants, etc. He (the former President) lost it all because of his actions and political mistakes. The ICU lost it because of their actions and lack of political know-how. Are you saying then the alternative to the TFG is the Islamic Courts? Well, fine, they should come out and form an alternative government in exile or something. I know it’s difficult when women, children and the infirm are being bombed, killed and made homeless but I still reckon that somebody needs to be looking beyond the events of today and planning for the outcomes of tomorrow. The fighters are doing their part and are attempting to dislodge the invader (and those they view as collaborators). Now, for a balanced picture, somebody needs to be representing the political side of this resistance. Castro Their plan is to RULE Somalia. They have international help. You’re within your rights to hate these men and all they stand for. But don’t go against logic, saaxib. Their plan might eventually prove disastrous and result in their downfall but it IS a plan nonetheless.

Originally posted by Xanthus: ^^I think Lack of coverage is the problem, anything else is really asking them to take sides. Maybe we should bully NGong or Xiin or Bashii Or Odweyne to write one their lenghty posh dosh letters. Otherwise i could re draft mine if no one else wants to. Yours was perfect and does not need any additions. It was simple and directly to the point (on first read). I shall read it again but doubt there is much I could add really.

^^^ I tend to believe that both the President and Prime Minster do have a say in what is going on in Somalia. I don’t think they’re the worthless poodles that people are portraying them as. Granted, they don’t have an overall say on how things should unfold but I still think that their voices are heard and input taken into consideration. It’s politics, my friend, and every participant is likely to have an ace or two up their sleeve. Still, my sneering here was not really directed at the breakdown of the chain of command. That issue is neither here nor there. It seems to be that Bilaal is simply trying to direct his anger and energy somewhere and fair play to him. But it is still all pointless and aimless conjecture. I’m sorry Castro. I do understand your anger, frustration and even (possibly) despair at this situation. But I also can see how all those that oppose the TFG (apart from the actual fighters in the battlefield) seem to be toothless and intellectually vacant. It’s been four months since the invasion and one still hears the same old rhetoric from both sides. The problem is that the TFG fans do have a plan (evil or not it still looks like a semblance of a plan). Those opposing the TFG don’t look like they have any plans whatsoever (save hoping that the resistance triumphs!). Think SNM, IRA, ETA, Mujahedin-e-Khalq and the countless opposition movements in history! All these groups had a POLITICAL wing that whilst showing and listing the faults of the incumbent government also acted as an alternative to that government. The tribal leaders in the Somali capital and the odd remnants of the Islamic Courts cannot act as an attractive alternative today. They’re not organised (politically) enough to do so. The best I’ve seen so far was the recent UK meeting but even there, the whole thing fell far short of what is needed. If you want to topple this government you need to provide a viable alternative. Heck! If I were one that was immersed in Somali politics (like many in here) I’d seriously consider starting the ball rolling on such an enterprise. Think it over saaxib and if you do have the contacts to politicians of the opposition, ask them why are they not providing the Somali people with such an alternative. Failing that, I fear that we all really have no alternative but to acknowledge the TFG monster. Anger, tantrums and speculations about trivial chains of command are nothing but a waste of time and energy.

Much ado about nothing, ayaayo. I'm afraid I'll have to agree with wise old Rudy here. Once your photo is online it really does become public property (how many times can you report people or sue websites?). Still, the issue you have here should be mostly concerned with NAKED photos of girls. Further still, it should be concerned with naked photos of girls that were NOT intended for public viewing! Here, though some (like MMA) would question the need for taking such a photo is really the crux of the matter. If I enjoy taking naked photos of myself and sending them to my friends I still have the right to complain when some stranger steals those photos and shows them to all and sundry (people's opinions about the taking of the photos in the first place really do not take away from the wrongness of those photos being stolen). Nonetheless, how many of those girls (and occasional guys) unintentionally have their naked photos spread all over the net? I'd wager that this is a very minuscule number (whilst still insisting that it is their right to make such a 'mistake' and that this does not cancel out the wrongness in their photos being stolen). The second group are those that post their normal everyday photos in normal everyday websites only to find them spread across other unauthorised and dodgy websites. Again, the fault lies with the dodgy websites and not the innocent people that posted their photos in a legitimate site. They neither have to feel guilty nor need to lock themselves away and limit their own freedoms, simply because some fool might take advantage. I personally do not consider this a problem and believe that only when people disregard the 'shame' associated with posting one's photo online will this problem go away. The third group (and one that has been repeatedly attacked by the website some Nomads mentioned here) are those that get their computers hacked. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to hack into someone's PC and steal all their photos (I know of two people that got hacked by the owner of that site; they told me and the owner of the site himself confessed to me – Yes, I do have a passing acquaintance with the guy. Nice guy really). What can such people do, I ask you! Never save any pictures of themselves in their own computers? Not bother owning their own computers? This actually reminds me of a friend of mine that owns two computers. One he uses for important work (e.g. paying online bills, saving his CV and family photos, etc) and the other he uses to log into discussion forums, MSN, Paltalk, etc! His argument is that it's safer that way. But the man is well off and can afford it (I'm not sure if the 'high school' kids you're talking about can all afford such a drastic measure). One final group remains to be discussed. This is the most fun of the lot . This group is full of exhibitionists that LOVE to strut their stuff on cam! They have no qualms with showing a breast, leg or beautifully oiled elbow on cam or in photos. They enjoy the attention and want the whole world to see what (arguably) great bodies they all have. These, in all honesty, are the ones that form the bulk of the pictures we see in all those websites and discussion forums. They're happy to pose and are hoping that we're happy to ogle (I have to admit that I, occasionally, am). At any rate, if I saw a normal picture of a Somali girl with the caption that she is a serial MSN stripper or a known prostitute (in her neighbourhood) I would usually not believe a word of it. Why should I when the photos of her are not NAKED photos! Likewise, one expects any experienced net user to make the same distinction. After all, we've all come across NAKED photos of Somali girls on the net (no pun intended). Why get all worked up over an ordinary photo of a fully dressed stranger! The good people should just ignore this whole trend and treat it in the way it should be treated, NO BIG DEAL. Ps ^^^ Gabadhan gaal ba qaba, ka waran :mad:

Originally posted by Northerner: ^^How many Islamic book shops on Edgware Road? Maybe Ngonge knows There are a couple of book shops but I'm not sure if you could call them 'Islamic'! They sell all sorts of Arabic books (many are Islamic). As for the shiisha joints Ms D, well, there are more than five (for now). Though I have to admit that I got sick of shiisha whilst on holiday Anyway, they'll all close in July. New draconian laws you see.

^^^ It's time you had two years in Somalia to clear your head of all the false dreams and notions. Go on, move there and get your heartbroken.