This article is right in warning us from turning into a sort of wahabi colony. It's rather unfortunate some members cannot see the merit of this article because their own political stance is clouding their judgments. Discrediting the author as pseudo-intellectual or claiming he seeks support from the big bad wolf, cause of all somali problems "the Habashis", will not help you appreciate some of the merits of this article.

hmm...I knew someone would bring up the NSS. This time around things are very different, for one Somaliland is not the dictatorship of Siad Barre where the NSS lackies felt free to act as they pleased. Hopefully if theirs ever an intelligence service established, it will have to answer to parliment among other measures of internal control. Everybody is quick to vilafy Riyaale. Even if the rumours about his shady past where to be true, some ppl just don't realize that this man does not have absolute power in Sland. I know the man himself is very well aware of that and he is cautious not to try anything that would seem too authoritarian or seem discriminate against any part of the population.

The author of this article raises some pertinent points about the deaths of these two teachers. It seems though, he goes too far at times with his speculation at least in my humble opinion. However I like the format of his article, in that he ends every speculation with a question mark, meaning its open for interpretation. Media is always full of bias and prejudice and will always remain so. What this article definintely exposes however, is that we must strenghten our security in Sland. We definetely have to come up with an intelligence service at some point, specially to deal with some of the possibilities raised by this article. It would be more appropriate for an intelligence service to worry about these scenarios rather than a local paper. In a country that is comprised of unstable provinces that are not even under the direct control of the central government, and provinces that are stable but also offer refuge to other ethnic somali refugees from the war in the south; we must have a way to find those who seek to harm our state and deal with them accordingly. Tribal non-sense aside, we must be aware of the enemies who want to destroy us from within as our peace prosperity and the survival of our state is dependent on it.

This spectrum is very flawed to say the least. Gediid lol@"chretain" that means "idiott" in french, I'm sure you mean't to say Chrétien. Bee don't be so harsh on your result, after all communism did have its merits. By the way I was situated at 1/2 point scale above Mandela.

machavellian, I wasn't posting this article to substantiate its claims, rather I posted the entire section on the political reforms and rebuilding of Somaliland that samurai had left out in order to serve his own agenda. So I hope you understand this article was or at least parts of it were originally posted by Samurai. If your not following, don't just jump in. samurai, I know you take great pleasure in any negative effects even remotely associated with our republic of Somaliland, but try to hold back your relishing of other peoples problems. I'm sure the created province of Puntland could use more of your "constructive criticism" (or so you would have us believe since I seriously doubt your criticism is anything but constructive).

thanks for posting the entire speech.

A pretentious member quoted "Know and recognize principles of propaganda. Try to avoid using them yourself. " in his ethics and standards of discussion. Perhaps he should've added do not tell half truths or make isolated quotes whitout showing the context or the source pertinent to this quote in its entirety. Now here is the last bit of the outdated source posted by the person in question and the important preceding factors he left out that is highlighted. The peaceful transfer of power from the SNM interim government to a beel (community) based system Election of a civilian president (Maxamed Xaaji Ibrahim Cigal) and a vice president (Cabdirahman aw Cali) Adoption of a National Charter and a Peace Charter, intended to serve as the basis for efforts towards peace-building and state-building, during a further transitional period of two years. The Guurti also used the occasion to review and revamp the ongoing reconciliation processes in different parts of the country. A combination of factors including deeply rooted mistrust between clans, continuing factional discord within the SNM, the clash of powerful egos, and international interests, all came into play when the Boorame process moved from conference hall to the proving grounds of Somaliland in mid-1993.11 By November 1994, these tensions had erupted into full-scale conflict that engulfed the central regions of Woqooyi Galbeed and Togdheer (Bryden: 1994) for almost two years. Fighting broke out in Hargeysa in November 1994, and by March 1995 Burco was also in flames. The war continued until early 1996, displacing a considerable portion of Hargeysa's inhabitants and the entire population of Burco. Despite numerous attempts to quell the conflict within Somaliland society, as well as from the diaspora, peace talks made little progress until 1996 (Bryden and Farah: 1996). Finally, in February 1997, after nearly five months of consultations, peace was concluded in Hargeysa (Bradbury: 1997) at a Conference that achieved the following: · Cessation of hostilities (the "Ceel Xume" opposition group from Burco did not attend this conference but later joined the general peace settlement). · A new constitutional document, to be valid during a further 3-year transition period. · Re-elected President Cigal, with a new vice president, Dahir Riyaale Kahin, for a term of 5 years. · Addressed some of the grievances of opposition groups, by increasing their share in the two Houses of Parliament. · Accommodated Somaliland's minority communities in terms of political representation The Hargeysa Conference was followed by the longest period of uninterrupted peace since Somaliland's reclamation of independence - a sign that things are moving along the right track . But the challenges to reconstruction and development remain formidable: indeed, the complexity of the issues and the stakes involved appear to have grown. Somaliland has made tremendous progress, but there is no room for complacency if past gains are to be consolidated and progress to be sustained. The remainder of this paper is dedicated to illuminating the way forward. 2 Subsequent agreements between Britain and Ethiopia in 1942, 1944, 1948 and 1954 concerned the implementation of the 1897 treaty, but did not alter the substance of the original accord. 3 The official figure from the Ministry of National Planning and Co-ordination is 3 million. 4 The original treaties gave the British no rights to cede territory on behalf of the Somaliland clans - a prerogative that the British nevertheless exercised illegally and unilaterally in their negotiations with other imperial powers. 5 Laurence was the husband of renowned Canadian author Margaret Laurence, whose early works include two volumes based on her experiences in Somaliland: A Tree for Poverty and The Prophet's Camel Bell. 6 Many Somalilanders resent the use of the term "Somalia" to describe Somaliland's union with the south. They argue that Somaliland and Somalia united to form the "Somali Republic," and that substitution of "Somali Republic" with Somalia in casual use has helped to obscure Somaliland's independent origins and the voluntary nature of the union. 7 For a detailed account of events during this period, see: Somalia: A Government at War with its Own People (London: Africa Watch, 1990). 8 An entire section of Mogadishu distinguished by extravagant Villas came to be known as Booli Qaran, meaning the "National Loot". 9 Between 1987-89, an estimated 6.4% of total overseas investment was allocated to the north (GOS - Background: 1994). 10 The group was variously known as the Hargeysa Group, Ufo (a type of whirlwind signalling a change in the weather), and Ragga u Dhashay Magaalada (Men Born of the City - a pseudonym employed by anti-government pamphleteers). 11 The United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) declined to recognize the legitimacy of the Boorame process and sponsored alternative leadership instead, contributing directly to a destructive round of civil strife in 1994-96.

This man speaks of the feelings of I would say well over 90% of muslims worldwide. If only the weakling arab leaders in the middle east had the courage to think and act the same way.

Good observation African. Journalism, specially coming from somalis, is often flawed. Its usually better to compare more than one source to get a glimpse of what the true situation might be.

That is quite an amusing statement hornafrique, just out of curiousity what would my hidden identity be?

It seems some aspects of this website don't change. Always the same members rushing to pointless arguments whitout trying to clearly understand the point being made by their counterpart. When I mentioned the possible burial site of a particular sheikh, my point was not to argue who was buried where, but rather to show the absurdity of the statement made by Conquest regarding TIMELINE. I am no tribal historian, nor do I need to be one to understand the illogical arguments made by some.

Originally posted by Conquest: when you speak on behalf of the people Sanaag, you should know that your people have settled in these regions only in the past 30 years come on man, lets stop the ignorance here. If your gonna get tribalistic might as well come correct. Conquest you do realize that the founding sheikh of the "clan" you refer to is buried in Sanaag right? and its unfortunate if you didn't realize that was over 30 yrs, matter of fact it could be calculating on a scale of centuries rather than decades.

Ali somali, first of all, congrats on your finishing your studies,I'm myself doing an international business degree right now and respect your endeavours. I also respect your ambition to engage in business in Somaliland. I believe if you have vision and forethought there is no obstacle you can't surmount. However I suggest you take some of the advice given to you already by some of the other members and learn more about Somaliland before you decide to embark on such ambitious ventures. I'm sure you learnt in business school that part of evaluating the feasibility of a project is to assess the Political and economic environment. That being said, I'm sure you understand comments like "North west Somalia aka Somaliland" will not be very well received in the streets of Hargeisa so if you're really serious about this project you will learn to avoid such things that will get you unwanted attention. lates

Very sad to see some of the so-called intellectuals in this forum still have ill will towards Somaliland and jump at every flaw to try and re-inforce their own political views. Their hearts are so filled with hate that they smirk at even the most meager of problems concerning Somaliland. Only Allah knows if you pray for our demise, but I suggest to you folks to start start looking inwards and learn to appreciate yourselves, instead of always looking outwards for somebody to blame or to bring down. Guess its a classic case of low self-esteem.

I sincerely hope China continues to modernize its weaponery as well as continue to grow exponentially in its economy. They need at least another decade of economic growth and military advancements so they can be a legitimate threat to the US. We are all aware of the cowardice nature of the USA, they like to pray on nations who are much weaker than them militarly, but China represents a true dilemma to them. Even in their relatively weak state of the present, they are a serious threat and no administration could afford to involve itself in a direct conflict with Beijing, however what they truly fear is the futur of the planets most populous nation.

A CALL TO THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA TO ABONDON THE CREATION OF APARTHIED STYLE BANTUSTANS FOR SOMALIA PETITION ha ha ha ha ha....apartide??.lol..who wrote this ignorant little sentimental piece. ...been away for a bit. Yet I see things around here haven't changed much. All I can say to the hard core Somaliweyn patrons is: Maybe if y'all apply for visas now, you'll be lucky enough to be the first tourists to visit the internationally recognized republic of Somaliland. Instead of wasting your energy on Somaliland, why don't you guys get a head start on the 15th attempt at a "Peace Conference", or is it the 16 th? I'm starting to lose track. Better yet since I haven't been informed on the results of the last one in Kenya, why don't tell me what went wrong.

Bari_Nomad, I believe being naïve is your own weakness. You can’t seem to go beyond the simple statements I have made and relate to them to the historical facts. Obviously SNM did not enter Sool since the elders their were asking for a peace treaty, nevertheless all the regions of modern day Somaliland were at the mercy of the SNM, frow Awdal to Sool. This movement immerged as the clear victor in the war of the north and some regions who were formerly loyal to the Barre regime feared reprisals from them. Now is that not true? If you wanna talk of Naïve listen to yourself in this statement They did not go into Sool/ Sanaag because they didn't want more fighting but later on in your post you quote this the first step they took was a deliberate clan-cleansing of the non-Isack clans from their homes at Gebiley, Hargeisa, Arabsiyo, Eiragavo and Ainabo I hope your aware cerigabo is in Sanaag Since your own account of history is a little fuzzy allow me to clarify a single point. Following the major entry of 1988, the SNM extended its area of operation to 50 km east of Cerigabo in Sanaag region. This was before they even captured any of the major towns (i.e. Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera and Borama). You can come up with all the historical distortions from this somali man who attends the university of pennsylvania, this man who obviously has a vendetta where the SNM is concerned (propagating that they were directly under Mengistu's control or even had ethiopian soldiers with them ). The fact remains that reasonable somalis, whether pro-SNM or not will agree on the true and undeniable historical facts that went down. Your sources are nothing short of a pathetic attempt to re-write history. Next time maybe you should use sources that are not as filled with emotional and subjective distortions, but rather factual, objective and simple facts . Nothing more, nothing less. p.s. maybe you should take note from windtalker and try to read intelligently on such obvious points as "BARI".

Che, I can't speak about the USC in the same terms as the SNM, however let me ask you a few questions. When the SNM where victorious in the waqoyii war, and they had the entire populous of Somaliland at their mercy including Awdal and Sool regions, why did they not take revenge? or better yet why didn't they install themselves as the new dictatorial leaders of those regions? sort of the same things some warlords had done in the war in the south. Simply because this movement was completely different from others. It had been iniated by 4 men who had nothing to do with the former regime and most of their leaders also where not affiliated with the old regime. Obviously there were some members of the National army who joined the SNM, but I never really considered them to have any say in the Barre regime anyway. The highest ranking official from the former regime to be part of SNM was probably Siilanyo who had a minor ministerial position. These people noticed the suffering and oppression of their own, and simply decided to take matters in to their own hands. Don’t you think if they were power hungry and they achieved the peak of their power immediately after the war, they would have continued their conquest and choosen leaders to run the regions among themselves? But instead they decided that their goals were achieved, their people were free, and therefore the movement was no longer needed. For the sake of the entire region and the future of their populous, they decided to lay down their arms and give up all of their power in probably what could be the most unselfish move in Somali history. So this short explanation all boils down to one question, If the SNM was so power-hungry, why did they relinquinsh all of their power? P.S. by the way I wasn’t undermining the suffering of the Bari populous, I simply was stating that the origins of the SSDF and SNM were not comparable, since supposedly according to the former regime, these movements were the reasons for the extended suffering of the 2 respective regions.

lol..that's a funny story. Looks like you been exposed though underdog

If I remember correctly, the SSDF or the SDAF had almost nothing to do with the topling of Siad Barre. Their insurgence started way before that of the SNM and the USC and they were defeated by Barre's national army. Later on the clan of the SSDF agreed to some truce with the leaders of the former regime, after those poor people in Bari were tortured for the actions of the rebel movements. However, you will notice the clear difference between the origins of this particular movement lead by war lord Ali Yusuf, as opposed to say an SNM or even USC movement. These people were nothing short of power hungry, and for those reasons they dragged their entire populous through a brutal tribal war that did not favor them. Already Ali yusuf had a prominant position and yet his thirst for more power lead him to the actions he took. If history had went down the same way for Somalilanders, it won't be the equivalent of Mohamed Ciigal founding the SNM because Barre had taken him out of his prime minister post. Therefore Ciigaal, out of hunger for power would have dragged his entire clan into tribal warfare simply for the sake of his ambitions. Obviously this was not the case and this scenario I choose to draw simply to expand some peoples sense of logic. Often people bring up the SSDF and the suffering of the people in Bari or modern day Puntland region, and compare it to the SNM and the suffering of the people in Waqoyii or the modern day state of Somaliland. Even though the two movements in my mind can simply never be compared because of their origins, and that is why one was successful and the other failed.

hmm..Barwaaqo I hadn't noticed you nominated RONIN already . Anybody who watches that movie, I suggest you pay carefull attention to the plot because it takes a few twist and turns. hint: Keep in mind the CIA lates

Wanna see a more recent movie:- Gangs of New York gets my vote so far sophisticated adventure thrillers, (C.I.A involment and everything): RONIN historical adventure movie: Enemy at the Gates Stalingrad and Leningrad battles are slightly covered, shows the sacrifice of the USSR in WW2. the movie at some parts is a pure showdown between two excellent snipers. A true lesson in patience and concentration (sniper scenes). bit of sci-fi: Minority Report (not too much sci-fi, very good plot and special effects) Check out the LEXUS prototype vehicle in the movie. WHOA!!! CONTACT A little more sci-fi then the last one, very good for those with a little imagination and who are into astronomy and intrigued by the celestial bodies in our universe. Moob and ol' school nomination: GODFATHER part I and part II simply some of the best movies ever made, Mob movie or otherwise. Good in any decade and worth watching more than once. That's if you haven't seen most of these movies already.

Zaylici, Very well put. From your explanation of the nobility in the idea of unity between somalis, to your analysis of Somaliland's position. You've gotta be the first pro-unity member of this site to approach these problems in a purely rational and realistic manner. I think the Unity between somali peoples you believe in is one that is more theoretical or should I say idealistic, very much like myself. However you don't blind yourself to the facts of reality unlike many others.

Brave little soldier, I believe he's going straight to heaven since he did not even reach age 15.

When I said the 2 brothers died a noble death, the nobility I reffered to was about the fact that they fought to the bitter end. They were men fighting an occupying force on their native soil, and for that act they were noble. I never commented on their actions as members of the former regime for they have ALLAH, the ultimate judge to answer to. However its very sad to see these muslims who reside in gulf countries such as Kuwait; who cheer and allow foreigners and kufar to launch murderous attacks on muslims FROM THEIR OWN SOIL. What happened to the old days of the Islamic empire, when it was unheard of to team up with another Christian power to kill other muslims? What happened to the days when Kufar couldn’t set foot on any muslim territory? Let alone launch attacks from it on other muslims! I think these gulf countries that ran into great oil riches in the early part of the last century have become the SCUM of the Islamic world. They pretend to uphold the traditional values of Islam, and yet they cheer for the destruction of their Iraqi cousins. Sure they want us to believe that they only wish to see “A regime change”, but even these camel jockey Bedouins understand that in war there is no such thing as a “simple regime change”. A rich country in both history and economic potential finds itself in ruins today, and I think the gulf countries take a great part of that blaim. As muslims, we have always had our differences as far back as the passing of the prophet (PBUH), but NEVER should we allow non-believers to intervene in our affairs. That is the downfall of our formerly great Civilization. May Allah help our Umaa, and lead us back in the righteous path. LATHEAFA, I really do understand where your coming from with this quote May Allah destroy those that target muslims for their own interests let it even be if they target a bad muslim. None of that would've happened if we muslims all acted on the sunnah and the Quraan. We would've helped ourselves. We're being sold out. Nobody is going to liberate us muslims or bring peace & Integrity between ourselves. THEY'RE WEAKENING US! CAN'T YOU SEE?