From first impressions (I’m on page forty) this looks like one of these books that you need to force yourself to read. Like I said, I’m just at the start of it and might even mange to finish reading it tonight (it’s a short book). However, I can’t help feeling that this book is not aimed at me or written with me (and my kind) in mind. It comes across as one long stream of consciousness that is aimed at your average westerner! The last time I had difficulty in reading a book, it was Moby Dick (and that was more to do with having to go back and trying to work out what the author meant or was referring to in the midst of all those descriptions of the whale). So far, I see no Whale here and have not gone back to reread any of it. Still, the powers that be (the trouble and strife) bought me a signed copy of the book and I have no choice but to persevere to the end and report back my opinion (for all it’s worth).

You're confused, mate.

Ah! The ever present dilemmas of the privileged. I always hear it said that people learn about life from experience but never cease to be amazed by the number of people who, despite having the experience, still never seem to learn. First of all, and seeing that this is a hypothetical situation that is dependent on several variables needing to all come true in order for us to make a reasonable decision, allow me to reveal my derision and apathy from the outset. Secondly, let us talk about those variables. A man that insists that his wife is a stay-at-home wife must be one that can afford to keep her at home and look after her. He also must be one that is quick-witted, resourceful and always one step ahead of the game. In fact, I’d go as far as expecting such a man to possess some mystical powers too. Only if that man can guarantee the future and ensure that his wife will never ever be forced to seek employment could he make such a demand. I somehow doubt that such a man exists (well, unless he kills her during their honeymoon therefore fulfilling his promise of her never having to work). Thirdly, a woman that insists on going out to work for the lofty purposes of contributing to her community, fulfilling her ambitions or simply proving that she’s able to look after herself, also makes the assumption that the future can be bent and manoeuvred according to one’s will! If she could guarantee that it could, then let no man stand in her way with silly demands about staying at home or what not. Finally, many men do demand that their wives stay at home. Many more managed to look after their families without their wives’ having to do an honest day’s work. Such men can look back and say that they’ve managed to make the guarantee I was talking about above. But with hindsight, we all could guarantee a multitude of things. Many women too managed to go to work and fulfilled their ambitions, became heroines of their communities or proved without a shadow of doubt that they’re more than able to look after themselves without needing to rely on daddy or hubby. These women too, can look back now and argue that they managed to bend the future their way. Alas, as I said at the start, this quandary is one that only ails the fortunate amongst us and not the poor, the suffering or those that had/have to deal with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune (as it were). Forgive me for my condescending sneering but I recently was watching a documentary about gold mining (or some other precious stone) in India and in it, there was this Indian Muslim family of four. A father and his three children (all under the age of six). The mother had died giving birth to the youngest daughter (who was two at the time of filming the documentary). The whole family would daily go to the mountain and break off rocks to get the precious stones. They would all (including the two-year-old) work sixteen hours a day to smash those rocks, put them in water and pick out tiny fragments of precious stones that the father would later go and sell! The problems, quandaries and predicaments facing that family were so far removed from anything that any of us would worry about or ponder, that I couldn’t help laughing in satisfaction at the great luxury and amazing blessing that I enjoy today. Yet, I also experienced some pangs of guilt and spasms of worry at what the future might hold for me and mine. Faith is absolute, death is certain and judgment is preordained. Everything else (if you’re a believer) depends on god’s mercy. Fixed ideas and immovable positions risk throwing one into the realms of bigotry. Therefore, and as the kids round my way love to say: chill out, man it’s no big ting. PS My Mrs is the stay-at-home kind, at least for now. No idea what she’ll become in the future.

Boys, boys! Calm it down now. This was a light-hearted topic lampooning and ridiculing the pitiful and unending twists and turns in Somalia. Step back from the precipice and view it in the way it was presented (even if you don’t trust the intentions of the author). And anyway, for a Somaliland supporter to offer to give you all lessons in the main Ethiopian language is, if nothing else, an admission of the close ties those two nations have. Now, Geediid, how can one say “ I bought that house with my hard earned cash and was told that the sale was valid, your Amharic Excellency� My father’s third cousin from the mother’s side had bought a house in Burco you see and is worried that the Ethiopians, after conquering Somalia, might turn their attention to Somaliland. He’s always been an astute businessman.

Originally posted by Northerner: NG quote: The brother, like all Somalis, is a dreamer. He’s got all his priorities mixed up. Why, I ask you, does he get hot under the collar at the prospect of an Ethiopian invasion? Is he scared that it will bring more (and worse) destruction? Is he worried that it will humiliate people? Could it be because these Ethiopians are not Muslim and, he, as a Muslim cannot accept such non-believers defiling his Muslim lands with their hooves? What should his priorities be saxib? ME, jumping the gun has become a bit of a sport for your lately hasnt it? Calling people cowards and threatening to kill them before they have fully expressed their point is little childish dont you think? After sixteen years of this nonsense, one would assume that nothing would shock us and get us excited. Yet, at every new minor development we wail and beat our chests at the injustice of it all! For this brother, for you and for anyone reading, the priority (in my humble and honest opinion) is to calm the hell down and stop being a leaf in the wind. There is no functioning government in Somalia. There has not been one in over sixteen years. There are thousands of displaced people, scores of struggling orphans, chaos and disorder. There is no respect for human life and no prospect of a brighter future. We’ve had a dozen false dawns and countless panics about impending dangers and further anguish. By now, you would have thought that most Somalis would realise that haste and emotional outbursts at every new situation is pointless and counterproductive. But do they? Do they ever step back and think that bravado and idle accusations change nothing? Do they ever disassociate themselves from the nonsense? You needn’t answer these questions, saaxib. Instead, I beg that you indulge me a little and take that step back. Look at this sudden and rampant nationalism that seems to have appeared from nowhere at the mere mention of Ethiopian invasion! Observe the self-righteous anger (even from the lips of the ICU members). Have these people no shame? No self-awareness? This is not about the Nomad above. He’s but one of the majorities of Somalis that think and act in this way. Alas, he’s an incompetent spokesperson and struggles to articulate the lopsided beliefs and attitudes they all have. A country is not about the land, the buildings or the trees. It’s about the people that live in it, their culture, attitudes, beliefs, actions and behaviour. The brother above is calling me a traitor and I, fully and wholeheartedly, agree with him. The collective belief, way of life and general idea of Somalnimo (today) does not measure up to mine and therefore I disown him and his ilk (and if that means disowning Somalia, so be it). On a lighter note and in the spirit of online sadaqa (for lack of a better word) I shall force myself to state the obvious and advice the brother and all others of similar reasoning to hold their horses and watch events unfold before selling the house and booking the daalo (or was it Star) ticket to go on their ‘jihad’ mission. Somali politics lurches from euphoria to anguish at the drop of a hat, saaxib. Calm the hell down.

In the middle of the present century, the United Nations, which can now be more aptly and truly described as the Divided Nations, made a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and passed a resolution against genocide and framed regulations to check it. But as you all know there is not a single resolution or regulation of the United Nations which can be enforced. They are just an expression of a pious hope. They have no sanctions behind them, no force, physical or moral to enforce them. Despite all the high-sounding ambitious resolutions of the United Nations, human rights have been violated and trampled upon at different places, and the United Nations has been a helpless spectator. She is not in a position to exercise an effective check on the violation of human rights. Even the heinous crime of genocide is being perpetrated despite all proclamations of the United Nations. Right in the neighbouring country of Pakistan, genocide of the Muslims has been taking place for the last twenty- eight years, but the United Nations does not have the power and strength to take any steps against India. No action has even been taken against any country guilty of this most serious and revolting crime. Seeing that the author failed to compare like with like and instead chose to regard the West as some sort of faith that is an equal (or at least an alternative) to Islam. Wouldn’t the above quote apply to Islam too? The rules and commandments of Islam are very clear yet, in most cases, they’re not being followed. Does this not equate to the United Nations charter and how it’s also not being followed? Isn’t a case of “just an expression of a pious hope†in both instances, rendering this piece null and void? Of course, the author, bogged down by his narrow interpretation of events and carried away by his desire to prove a moot point, has neglected to mention that the Magna Carta, Declaration of Human Rights and many other man made laws have borrowed from and adapted from many other divine faiths (seeing that Christianity was and is the major faith in those parts). With the utmost respect to sheikh Abu Al'Ala Muadudi I still believe this piece to be nothing but pointless humbug. My only hope is that this was not the whole article and that he expanded (and explained) on his points as he went on. The issue of slavery is a different kettle of fish altogether. Today, in this prosperous and relatively safe world that we live in (yes, I said safe), we can turn our noses up at slavery and regard it as some sort of abomination that should never and can never be condoned. The conditions we have now give us the privilege and luxury to dismiss it in such a way and pose such thoughtful questions about it. However, what if circumstances change and the world reverts back to the disorganisation and wars of the past? What if the conditions are created in which slavery is forced on the people of the world again? Do you believe the justifications for it will not be forthcoming from all sides (Westerners and Muslims)? Having not consulted any historical sources or done in through research on the subject but, instead, relied on fragments of stories and history from my memory, I recall that many tribes/people of the past used slavery as a method of guaranteeing their own safety. Once another tribe was conquered, the safest way to ensure that they don’t regroup and threaten you again was to sell them into slavery in far away lands. In addition, humans in general enjoy lording it over their subordinates and inferiors. One need only look at the domestic servants in any Arab/Western or African homes to see such a characteristic in action. Granted, the ‘ownership’ here is not by force but rather by need (the servant needs the money and, in most cases, is willing and resigned to accepting your domination over him/her). I expect that the general retort here would be that many modern bosses (owners) treat their subordinates well and that they in no way compare to the wicked slave-owners! Still, I’d like to wager that many slave-owners were not wicked and oppressive and that many slaves, having given up on freedom, loved their owners. Now, with such an inherent characteristic coupled with a change in circumstances and a mental conditioning borne by that change, would the acceptance of slavery seem like such a great leap?

Yalam all the way. Heh.

Which Somali flag, dear nationalist? The Somaliland one, the Puntland one or that blue thing with the star? This is getting boring now. I bid thee farewell, dreamer.

Heh! Did the word dreamer offend you that much? You have no idea, saaxib. None at all. Allah ha ku sahlo ban ku edhi. Get yourself all worked up over nothing and go defend the remains of your land. Mr Needy, nice to see you again, saaxib. I missed you too.

I find the way people easily change sides and open a new blank page everyday quite amusing. Yesterday many were on the side of the TFG and even more were on the side of the Warlords. Today, many are with the Islamic Courts. Where will we go tomorrow, I wonder? PS Any of you have the words for the Ethiopian national anthem? Like a boy scout you see, I always like to be prepared for any eventuality.

^^^ Not at all. The brother, like all Somalis, is a dreamer. He’s got all his priorities mixed up. Why, I ask you, does he get hot under the collar at the prospect of an Ethiopian invasion? Is he scared that it will bring more (and worse) destruction? Is he worried that it will humiliate people? Could it be because these Ethiopians are not Muslim and, he, as a Muslim cannot accept such non-believers defiling his Muslim lands with their hooves? You couldn’t make it up really.

Originally posted by Amelia: These Wadaads are being very pathetic. They have whole cities at their feet and they choose to pick wars (and get media attention) on trivial issues like films and public entertainment. What about creating jobs? Salvaging the economy? Strengthening the security? Building infrastructure? Restoring education? Creating health-care facilities? Grrrr! Why don’t they air something worthwhile for me to read instead of this never ending public executions and shutting down of entertainment! When a movement sweeps to power and receives the support of the masses in such an rapturous way, it stands to reason that, from time to time, they’ll need to broadcast a new victory to show their supporters that they’re still ‘keeping it real’ as it were.

^^^ The article is a joke, saaxib. I posted it because of its absurdity and do not agree with any views expressed in it. It is far-fetched. Me, The Ethiopians (if they ever invade) will target the capital and the mullahs. You being a Somaliland resident (regardless of you being a supporter or critic of that entity) should not worry yourself too much with the capital city of the Republic of Somalia. It's the Somali way, brother.

Originally posted by Northerner: What is the definition of porn in Somalia? See-through Jilbaabs?

Originally posted by me: Worthless Arabs! This is what they are saying to Palestinians, imagine what they would say to us if we were in a position like that, lets speak hypothetically and say. Ethiopian troops occupy Somalia and we are fighting a war of liberation, what do yo think the Arabs would say to us? If Ethiopia invaded Somalia most of the Arab world will help Somalia out. Still, politics, my dear brother, is not about who you like it’s about INTERESTS and it’s in the Arab world’s interests to make sure that Ethiopia does not have control over Somalia. In addition, the Arabs fought THREE wars for Palestine and lost every single one of them. They tried the economic route by stopping the supply of oil to the world and still failed. Despite all the hyperbole and rhetoric about the Arab efforts to help their brothers in Palestine, when one goes back and looks at the history of this conflict one has no choice but to concede that the Arabs have done all they can do to help. Hizb, I put the source there on purpose, saaxib. I could have easily put a different source and you would be none-the-wiser (the article can be found in countless sites on the net).

To my Arab brothers: The War with Israel Is Over — and they won. Now let's finally move forward By Youssef M. Ibrahim With Israel entering its fourth week of an incursion into the same Gaza Strip it voluntarily evacuated a few months ago, a sense of reality among Arabs is spreading through commentary by Arab pundits, letters to the editor, and political talk shows on Arabic-language TV networks. The new views are stunning both in their maturity and in their realism. The best way I can think of to convey them is in the form of a letter to the Palestinian Arabs from their Arab friends: Dear Palestinian Arab brethren: The war with Israel is over. You have lost. Surrender and negotiate to secure a future for your children. We, your Arab brothers, may say until we are blue in the face that we stand by you, but the wise among you and most of us know that we are moving on, away from the tired old idea of the Palestinian Arab cause and the "eternal struggle" with Israel. Dear friends, you and your leaders have wasted three generations trying to fight for Palestine, but the truth is the Palestine you could have had in 1948 is much bigger than the one you could have had in 1967, which in turn is much bigger than what you may have to settle for now or in another 10 years. Struggle means less land and more misery and utter loneliness. At the moment, brothers, you would be lucky to secure a semblance of a state in that Gaza Strip into which you have all crowded, and a small part of the West Bank of the Jordan. It isn't going to get better. Time is running out even for this much land, so here are some facts, figures, and sound advice, friends. You hold keys, which you drag out for television interviews, to houses that do not exist or are inhabited by Israelis who have no intention of leaving Jaffa, Haifa, Tel Aviv, or West Jerusalem. You shoot old guns at modern Israeli tanks and American-made fighter jets, doing virtually no harm to Israel while bringing the wrath of its mighty army down upon you. You fire ridiculously inept Kassam rockets that cause little destruction and delude yourselves into thinking this is a war of liberation. Your government, your social institutions, your schools, and your economy are all in ruins. Your young people are growing up illiterate, ill, and bent on rites of death and suicide, while you, in effect, are living on the kindness of foreigners, including America and the United Nations. Every day your officials must beg for your daily bread, dependent on relief trucks that carry food and medicine into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while your criminal Muslim fundamentalist Hamas government continues to fan the flames of a war it can neither fight nor hope to win. In other words, brothers, you are down, out, and alone in a burnt-out landscape that is shrinking by the day. What kind of struggle is this? Is it worth waging at all? More important, what kind of miserable future does it portend for your children, the fourth or fifth generation of the Arab world's have-nots? We, your Arab brothers, have moved on. Those of us who have oil money are busy accumulating wealth and building housing, luxury developments, state-of-the-art universities and schools, and new highways and byways. Those of us who share borders with Israel, such as Egypt and Jordan, have signed a peace treaty with it and are not going to war for you any time soon. Those of us who are far away, in places like North Africa and Iraq, frankly could not care less about what happens to you. Only Syria continues to feed your fantasies that someday it will join you in liberating Palestine, even though a huge chunk of its territory, the entire Golan Heights, was taken by Israel in 1967 and annexed. The Syrians, my friends, will gladly fight down to the last Palestinian Arab. Before you got stuck with this Hamas crowd, another cheating, conniving, leader of yours, Yasser Arafat, sold you a rotten bill of goods — more pain, greater corruption, and millions stolen by his relatives — while your children played in the sewers of Gaza. The war is over. Why not let a new future begin? Source -------------------------------------------- No comment.

Ah! Got you. No that was not what I meant. I was talking about normal homes and how the authorities could find out about such things when they're free and available in every home!

^^^ You need to expand on that. I'm afraid I don't follow.

How did they find them or know that they've been watching such films? Besides, doesn’t Somalia have digital receivers and satellite dishes in many homes?

I think it's going to be messy. Those invigilators will have a hard time trying to stop contestants from looking over their shoulders and copying things from the naked person sat next to them. Heh.

It's for charity, silly. Try shouting encore encore

What I like about you, Northerner, is that whatever countries you go to you don't waste time in learning about its politics and the things that make the people of that place tick. You’re a very shrewd man, saaxib. As for the topic, working is a legitimate and acceptable way for young girls to go out and mingle with society. I expect many more women to do so purely for that reason.

^^^ I was. But not anymore. She's in London, at work. Sweating like us. On a dirty tube like us. Clock watching like us. Heh.

What is it with you and Asia? It’s like that place is your little playground! Going to Cambodia? You’re not! Tell me you’re not a Garry Glitter fan. Nice photos. Still, and don’t take this as any sort of hint, I always find photos that don’t include the photographer slightly lacking in something. Anyway, couldn’t you take a photo next to a big python or something and claim that it was a tribal gift of some sort (you know, like people of a certain hue/culture do)? PS The person below is very naughty and a corrupter of innocent, minds.

^^^ You still a layabout, Doc or have you joined the 9 to 5 crew now? Ps What is "modern extremism"? :confused: Man, I've missed the beard-fondlers and their emotional balderdash.