Balancing external relations Similarly to its predecessors, the Farole administration has actively ensured that terrorist groups and wanted fugitives do not find a safe haven on Puntland soil. Mogadishu's megalomaniac murderers have failed to infiltrate Puntland with their brand of evil, falsely hiding under the camouflage of our Holy Religion, Islam. According to the government, Al Shabaab insurgents are responsible for a string of assassinations of Puntland government officials in a hopeless effort to destabilize the State. Everyone in Puntland rightly knows that Hizbul Islam insurgent chief Col. Hassan Dahir Aweys is not an "Islamic leader" in the noble sense of the title. Most recently, Col. Aweys expectedly rejected the outcome of an Islamic conference held in Puntland last moth (April, 2010) after more than 50 widely respected Islamic scholars from across Somalia (Somaliland, Puntland and south-central regions) issued a declaration that the anti-government insurgency in Mogadishu is not "jihad." Here in Puntland, in this lawful part of Somalia, Col. Aweys and his partners staged the first "jihad" and are forever recognized as power-hungry criminals who attempted to massacre the civilians of Bossaso in June 1992, as Col. Aweys' clan-cousin, the notorious bloodthirsty warlord who fought American troops, Gen. Mohamed Farah Aideed, was committing his anti-***** clan pogroms in Mogadishu, Kismayo and other southern regions (the root cause of the Somali civil war, unresolved to date). The "jihad" was needed to fight Gen. Aideed's bloodthirsty militias who killed and uprooted hundreds of thousands of Somalis from Mogadishu, not the innocent civilians of Bossaso. But Col. Aweys' exposed agenda was to kill and uproot Puntland clans from peaceful Bossaso while hiding under the banner of Islam. Hastily organized Puntland clan militias defeated Col. Aweys and his Itihad Islamist militia – sending him underground until he reemerged in June 2006 as the leader of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) – the parent movement of today's terror groups, namely Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam. These terror groups pose the most serious threat to Puntland's security. The presence of Hizbul Islam and Al Shabaab in the central regions (Galgadud and parts of south Mudug region) is a clear indication that these megalomaniac murderers are not seeking to "bring peace" to Somalia but are seeking to violently expand further north and threaten both Puntland and Somaliland. The extremist ideology that drives these groups cannot find partnerships in northern Somalia for one simple reason: extremism thrives in anarchy . The political chaos that has ravaged south-central Somalia since 1991 has created an environment, so desperate, that the public would welcome even the Nazis if they can bring peace. Thus, the "bring peace" bandwagon sits well with the public in places such as Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Kismayo – cities most affected by the brutal clan wars of the 1990s, whose residents survived 20 years of violence in the complete absence of any form of government. Comparatively, northern Somalia has enjoyed relative peace and stability since 1991 advanced by self-governments in Puntland and Somaliland, with the exception of isolated events. President Farole has played cool-headed politics in the land dispute with Somaliland, an unrecognized separatist republic in northwestern Somalia. The Puntland-Somaliland land dispute entered a new phase when Somaliland troops militarily seized Las Anod on 15 October 2007. The former Hersi administration opted for a wait-and-see strategy, instead of declaring war on Somaliland and transforming the erstwhile peaceful northern regions (Somaliland and Puntland) into a war zone. This wise policy comes into stark contrast with Somaliland's violent drive for an international recognition that may never come. With Somaliland's presidential election slated for next month (June, 2010), it is imperative that Puntland play a neutral role – as Somaliland President Dahir Riyale's almost-guaranteed election victory is likely to worsen intra-clan harmony among the pro-secession clans in Hargeisa.

Somalia: President Farole – the Pride of Puntland [Editorial] 12 May 12, 2010 - 2:03:54 PM GAROWE ONLINE EDITORIAL | The international community has failed to heed President Farole's strategic vision to save Somalia from the ruins of war, pirates, and Al Qaeda. He did not use a gun or violent street protests to come to power. He used his intellect, his eloquent speech, his charisma, and a style of leadership unmatched in contemporary Somali history to become Puntland's third elected president. The peace-loving citizens of Puntland State of Somalia have created a praise-worthy and stable political environment in an erstwhile chaotic corner of the world. Sharing praise with Puntland's citizens is the former President, His Excellency Gen. Mohamud Muse Hersi (Adde), who prepared an orderly election and respectfully transferred power after conceding defeat in ballots cast by the 66-seat Puntland Parliament on January 8, 2009. His Excellency, Mr. President Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole), seized that moment of Somali history with a statesman's elegance, an unwavering commitment to the cause and to the people, and a reputation for disciplined accomplishment. During the 2008 election campaign, Puntland's then-presidential candidates endorsed Mr. Farole as "opposition chairman" and he was the instrumental figure negotiating with the administration of then-President Hersi. Because Puntland does not have political parties, the opposition candidates (who were all competing against each other for the presidency) formed an umbrella group to counter the government's weight in negotiations leading up to the presidential election. This is to say that, even before the Puntland Parliament's 49-to-17 vote in favor of Farole as president, the candidates from all of Puntland's regions and clans endorsed Farole as the next leader of Puntland State of Somalia. Domestic reforms The Farole administration has accomplished many domestic policy reforms. The president has maintained that security is the number one issue. As such, the administration spends a huge chunk of government revenue on security sector reforms. The Puntland Field Force (Darawish) has been reestablished as the State's military force after years of neglect, with a central command structure and a cross-clan composition of soldiers. The Puntland Police Force, and its subsidiaries such as the Birmadka (mobile police units), have been strengthened, provided salaries and further training, and have actively participated in police operations from Bossaso to Galkayo (800km apart). Furthermore, to accompany security sector reforms, the Farole administration has hired and trained new prosecutors, judges, other court personnel, and prison guards to help strengthen the State's justice system. There have been reports of jail overpopulation in Bossaso, as the State awaits the final completion of a major prison compound near Qardo, capital of Karkar region. Remarkably, most of the inmates in Puntland jails are convicted pirates or those awaiting trail. So, what are the evident successes of President Farole's security and justice reforms? The display of weapons in public has been effectively banned in major cities, thereby helping reduce the crime rate. There has not been a single incident of kidnapping or killing of a foreigner in Puntland since the 2009 election. However, there has been the unprecedented assassination of five government officials between Aug. 2009 and Jan. 2010, highlighting a bizarre series of political assassinations intended to harm Puntland, its people, and its leadership. However, once again, the resilient people of Puntland have shown true unity in the face of such extraordinary circumstances. President Farole's domestic reforms are not limited to the security sector. The administration has particularly reformed the public finance management system – thus becoming the first Puntland administration to consistently pay public workers' salaries every month since the election. A transparent, budget-based public finance system has contributed to an overall reduction in corruption across Puntland – and has led to the gradual increase of public confidence in government. Remember, Puntland has endured years of political adventurism and financial mismanagement by its elected leaders prior to President Farole. Puntland's new president has charted a fresh path to reverse the "old way" by leading the State towards a systematic and accountable way of governance to meet modern times. Further, the Farole administration completed by the Puntland Constitution and appointed a special presidential delegate to advance the democratization process. Hon. Abdi Hassan Jimale, PhD., was appointed as the State Minister of the Presidency for Democratization and Federal Affairs. On 15 June 2009, the Puntland Parliament overwhelmingly passed the new Puntland Constitution – a milestone in President Farole's plan and election promise to introduce a multi-party political system in Puntland for the first time. According to sources, Dr. Jimale is expected to introduce an Election Commission bill to Parliament during next month's ordinary session in Garowe, the capital of Puntland. Further, the Farole administration has been steadfast in defending Puntland's resolute pro-federalism political position as the "only viable solution for Somalia." In the social sector, there have been minor steps taken in the education and healthcare fields to wedge the gap worsened by a lack of human, technical, and financial resources. The Puntland government has hired new teachers and health workers, with major plans for school and hospital renovations underway. Lastly, the Puntland administration has actively sought to end clan conflicts in different regions of Puntland. It is noteworthy to mention that there have been no new clan conflicts, but that the Farole administration came to power with two unresolved violent clan disputes, namely: the Igdhays conflict, which was finally resolved with government backing on 21 October 2009 (no agreement violation to date); and the Cagaare conflict, which remains unresolved to date, although the Puntland government has appointed a committee to advance peace among the warring clans.

Somalia: Ministers accused of state funds embezzlement 12 May 12, 2010 - 2:51:06 PM Somali parliamentary oversight and accountability committee has accused Finance Minister Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and his monetary counterpart Eng. Abdirahman Yarisow of embezzling state funds for political gains. Lawmaker Asho Ahmed Abdalla, a member of the committee, said the two ministers misused the grants and government funds collected from the sea port and airport. “We have sent them (ministers) letters asking for clarifications on the government expenditure but they refused to reply back and that’s why we have released this statement,” said Lawmaker Mohammed Sheikh Ali (Watch) while reading press statement for reporters. “(President) Sharif and (Prime Minister) Sharma’arke are held responsible for the mismanagement of funds by their ministers, because they are the ones who keep them in the positions and encourage them not respond to our inquiries,” he added. Reports indicate that Finance Minister has been secretly disbursing funds to encourage Somali MPs to pressure the resignation of parliament Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed "Madobe. Several lawmakers have been arguing that the speakers’ tenure had expired and want fresh elections for the position, which Sharif Aden was reportedly eyeing. The embezzlement of the funds has made hard for the fragile government to pay the salary of lawmakers, troops, and civil servants. In March 2009, more than $16 million was freezed in Malaysia after it emerged that the account belongs to finance minister. The money was supposed to be transferred to European accounts. Critics say that the rampant corruption and embezzlement of the funds is affecting the operations of the UN-backed government which is faced with determined Islamist insurgents that want to overthrow it. GAROWE ONLINE

the hot tempers of the north east Yeah I forgot you had a climate close to Yorkshire, right.

He wipes another tear from his cheek and says... "I would have gotten out today!" Classic.

^^^There is no Pirateland, another entity from your imagination much like the republic of Somaliland. They do not exist.

A man was was threatened with arrest by police in the UK for a having a poster outside his window that read. "David Cameron is a w....r." Where is the freedom? Insulting the noble Prophet PBUH, is a no go area for Muslims, and the anger stems from that .

^^^Would love to help you with cleaning day celebrations, but will be doing my bit to make the world fresh by cleaning my own apartment & desk at work. Hope you clean up well in London, lots of rubish there. 18th of May, Make the world Fresh and Clean.

^^^lool. I am celebrating world cleaning day adeer, nothing grumpy about getting down and cleaning dirt.

^^^Are you sure? Aaron was a bit darker from what the old chronicals tell us. No its Moses all the way. Now we will wait for him to part the Thames.

^^^Lol. So those who are ruled by Riyaale tell the truth? Or those who celebrate, world rubbish day have a clean & refreshing agenda. Give it up lad, you are but a region of the Somali republic, ruled by a former Spy of Siyad Barre. Now that’s the truth.

^^^There is one Somalia adeer, and the 18th May will be a bussy day for rubish cleaning around the country, some might celebrate it with song & dance, but others will do the job with strong bleach and a mop.

^^^No propoganda adeer the people dont want the secessionist nonsense.

Yes, there is a definite striking resemblance to Mosses.

18th May or World rubish cleaning day is upon us once again. Spring cleaning is in the air.

Great news. More arrested will come as LA is cleaned of the secessionist filth soon.

D/P

Congrats Theiry, may Allah SWT, give you a blessed union.

That was funny, hope it comes out here. Doubt it though..

Peacenow the UK is still Italies boss in Europe and on the international stage. It has a better, larger economy. Thus go stick your comments up your fake Gucci trousers.

Originally posted by Mansa Munsa: General: Waa gartaa oo dhulkaagii baan la haysan. Nonsense adeer, its easy to wage war from the comfort of your laptop. But like I said this little clan fued can be dealt with, without shedding of blood. As you were lad. Yeah Mansa, its certain groups fault that you cant control Xabsade, and others who are working for Riyaale? Its others fault that your Garad's are outwited by mere political warlords. Yup saxib the guns you see here, will only be targeting your own blood, and vica versa and its a shame that you do not see that.

Originally posted by A_Khadar: Guys buun buunita iyo colaadahii foosha xumaa ee soo dhex maray umada dhulkaa wada degta ha soo celina. Wixii dhacay waa laga dheregsanyahay.. Hada dantu waa nabad in lagu wada noolaadoo nimankiina somaliland ku waashayna dhulkiina ku eekaada... Well said, there is no need for blood shed, a single Somali life is more precious than this clan feud.

Cameron or Brown?

10.00pm: Here is the exit poll: Conservatives: 307 seats Labour: 255 Lib Dems: 59 Others: 29 There would be a hung parliament, with the Tories 19 seats short of a majority. 9.59pm: My colleague Heidi Stephens is monitoring the TV coverage tonight. She's sent me this.