Gabbal;707310 wrote: Ever since the failure of the Djibouti caravan, it seems Xiin has lost the marbles. When it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, the same entities that set the framework with which Somalia is engaged by the world, i.e international community, have clearly delineated primary and secondary objectives in the seemingly intractable Somalia impasse. Your obsession with bringing Somaliland into the fold or assumptions about the northeast's lack of national activity, or hand I should say, in so far as the official (if symbolic) representation of Somali government is concerned are secondary, if not tertiary issues. Primary issue is counter-terrorism. Somali state-building is generally a secondary issue at this point (the world would very much prefer constructive disengagement if it their desire could be implemented) while such debate concerning unity of the Republic and other going ons as relates to how Puntland can be mustered in are, for all political purposes, tertiary issues as this point. The world knows Hezbullah is not Shabaab and nor is Shabaab even cut from the same cloth as Hezbullah. Hezbullah is part and parcel of a democratic institution that accepts defeat when defeated politically and accommodates, or accepts, the participation of even non-Muslims in the national political fabric. Shabaab is something sinister, more base, more primitive, and hence more virulent in the inability to be engaged. Not only this, but due to the recent prominence of the AQP (Al Qaeda in the Arabic Peninsula) just across the sea, the stakes are higher with respect to the developing consensus concerning the need for eradication of the Shabaab's military, if not political, capacity. Let us stick to reality here. Somalia's importance to the world is the manifestation of what Shabaab victory represents. Somalia does not need to be engaged if the world had the luxury of letting Shabaab take over the national capital, and consolidating control of the more vital part, politically and militarily, of the country. Well put, Gabbal. Unfortunately, you're preaching to the deaf here. A solid footing in reality is missing from many here just like those sitting in Villa Somalia.

If you believe this, I have a bridge in China to sell you (at a reasonable price) Calakulixaal, whatever helps you sleep at night...

LSK, For all familiar with the U.S. system, you pose an interesting question. I don't know the answer but wouldn't mind taking a stab at it. Traditionally, New York State like some other states in the Union (i.e. Louisiana, Illinois, etc.) has had its fair share of tolerated corruption. This tradition is commonly referred to as 'Tammany Hall' (I won't bother the reader with details or a tiresome history lesson). So it's not the least bit surprising that some elements of the former political elites have had ties to some unsavory characters and businesses. More recently, New York State had the Rudy Giuliani/Bernard Kerrik(Giuliani's Police Chief) scandal - (also with mob/mafia ties that greatly embarrassed the Bush Administration after they nominated Kerik for Secretary of Homeland Security). So this type of co-mingling of the political and the criminal in NY is not all that unusual. However, why would Farmaajo choose this firm? Well, just maybe: Farmaajo, being a Western-educated technocrat like Sharmarke before him, sees the TFG for the mirage it is and is just feathering his nest for when he's eventually pushed out (just like Sharmarke did). Where will he be returning to if he does that? Well, New York State, of course, where he was previously an employee of the local/state government (and where his family lives, I might add). Well, if that's the case, it greatly helps to have friends in high places in the State's elite political groupings. Giving a contract to the firm of a powerful Republican ex-U.S. Senator definitely will win you some friends! Food for thought..

To the anti-Somaliland wing(whether you call yourselves Puntland or SSC or whatever is the flavor of the month): Make up your mind regarding how you view Somaliland. One time you're wailing about How Somaliland is brutalizing your people and has wrongfully conquered your land, the next minute you're digressing into how Somaliland should run to save it's skin from the mighty lions you are . You can't have it both ways. Just look back at what you've written. No wonder those you're so desperately seeking attention from (the donor powers) have had a hard time taking you seriously. Meel uun ha laydin ku soo hagaago! Food for thought.

Jacaylbaro;700152 wrote: Marka la eryaday yidhaahdaan anaga may ahayn ,,,,,,,,, Interesting that Garowe Online is on a news blackout about the incident. Kind of gives you a hint on which way the skirmishes between the two ended up. It's Deja Vu all over again...

Inaalilaahi Wa inaa Ileyhi Raajicuun. Somaliland lost a true son!

After that last question and its answer, I hope Xiin and co. will be able to sleep tonight

Originally posted by NASSIR: or probably wean them off their Shababist leanings.. Exactly! That's what the whole game is about. To the donor community and regional countries - nothing else matters. The containment of Shabaab is the end-all and be-all strategy for Somalia as far as these powers are concerned. Everything else is secondary.

Here's the ending quote from this anti-Somaliland editorial: Last but not least, the USA has considerable financial and diplomatic leverage at its disposal to persuade the secessionists, if it so wished, to take their place in the new federal Somalia where each clan/region is guaranteed their autonomy. It is in everybody's interest that you do so. Please accept Mr. Under Secretary, the assurances of our highest considerations. Yours Sincerely Osman Hassan Spokesperson, NSUM Lately, what I've found most interesting about the anti-Somaliland brigades is the lack of all hope of effecting change through their own actions and the continuous appeals to outside powers to reverse Somaliland's declaration of independence and separation. The writer shows this absence of hope in the following quote about the SSC/Khusuusi militia: In case you may not be aware, a low-level armed struggle is already underway in the SSC regions and unless the secessionist occupation ends, it could dangerously escalate, not only sucking in Puntland or its member kindred clans but most likely the Islamists. He attempts to use the 'Boogeyman' of unnamed "Islamists" to spur the U.S. towards helping his cause. Unfortunately, for the writer, the U.S. and other donors are tired of the same old Somali cliches and empty promises of the last 20 years. Donor nations have gotten to the point where they're only interested in verifiable actions and results. As Johnnie Carson diplomatically stated in his presentation at CSIS, only Somaliland has shown results. Puntland has been included in the dual track approach only by virtue of its location as a front-line region against the encroaching Shabaab. Mr. Carson was long in his presentation on the deteriorating democratic space in Puntland, especially in the critical 'freedom of expression' areas and press freedoms.

JB, What's the mood on the ground regarding the first 100 days? Tell us from the perspective of someone on the ground.

It's obvious Oodweyne had an unsettling/terrifying effect on some by their reactions to others inquiring about him. Suldaan, you're right on the money! Somaliland has stood by its guns in its independence and it's the U.S. that's shifted by now directly dealing with it. The full discussion with Johnnie Carson of State fully shows that. The only positive things he has to say about the former Somalia concern Somaliland ! He continuously goes back to the achievements of Somaliland when searching for anything positive to say about Somalis worldwide. He expresses his disappointment with all other entities and pseudo-entities remaining of the former Somalia. Lastly, as many of us expressed right here on SOL a few years back, he diplomatically clarifies that the opposition to Somaliland is external (from AU members and Arab League members). This shows the irrelevance of other Somalis' opposition to Somaliland since they're not consulted on the issue anyway. How to break out of this regional strait-jacket is the task ahead for Somaliland. Meanwhile, Somaliland will continue helping itself to the aid and developmental pipeline that it and only it(in the former Somalia), has the capacity to absorb. Welcome USAID.... Johnnie Carson's Presentation on the Dual-Track Policy

Originally posted by Burn Notice: Somaliland President Silanyo is actively campaigning to make Hargeisa a hub for international operations intended for Somalia as a whole, including offices to be used by world governments and organizations such as the United Nations. In a nutshell, this is the crux of GaroweOnline's complaints. The new American/Western policy towards the former Somalia (the dual track approach) seems to be ignoring Puntland thus far. Just an explanation for the uninitiated

Originally posted by Haatu: You don't understand. The rock carries a budh and never says anything nice. Whereas the hard place will stab the Maakhiri in the back if they give it a chance. Worse, they might get sold by it to the Ethios. Priceless....

Correct, gentlemen. A group-wide attempt to hide the Lose/Lose situation of Galgala. The damage control has already begun with the numerous photo postings of Ilka-Jiir standing with the Puntland militias. The subliminal message from the Puntland administration is that Reer Maakhir are still with us. However, there are opposite winds saying otherwise, such as the Maakhirian lady-parliamentarian on the BBC today. As a background, Puntland had to take this action since it was caught between a rock and a hard place in the international community's eyes. Two problems existed with international perception when it came to Puntland. One was the huge problem of piracy on its coast. The second was the presence of radical 'wadaads' within its sphere of influence. Tackling the piracy issue would have brought greater problems within the SSDF constituency (due to the proceeds received from the illegal activity) so the Galgala problem was chosen as the easier route (to verify Puntland as a responsible stake-holder in the Somali quagmire). I'll let you fill in the rest...

^^^ Reer Somaliland, do you see my point

Gentlemen, do not be hasty in your condemnation of the previous administration. Each successive admin in Somaliland brought the country to the highest point their combined abilities could carry. Later generations will be thankful to the Rayaale administration for the significant strides they made in the area of national security and expanding the administration to its nominal borders. That in itself was a phenomenal task which drained vast resources. Mind you, it was a task which the international community was opposed to and henceforth would not provide financial assistance for. The previous administration must also be commended for solidifying the Somaliland culture of graciously stepping aside when fairly beaten. Having said that, we expect even greater accomplishments from the new administration, Insha'Allah.

He's already accomplished the intermediate steps that were recommended by the foreign friends of Somaliland for the last 12 years - which was: To take intermediate steps to recognition such as observer status at multilateral organizations where issues pertaining to the former Somalia are discussed and decided. Thus far, he's already participated in two major meetings as part of a Somaliland observer mission. I've left out the names of the organizations for the common security reasons. The world is tired of the Somali quagmire and its attendant foreign and Somali analysts with their honeyed tongues such as the two professors in the Al Jazeera debate. Results are what the world is looking for. The recent election made a huge impression on Somali-watchers in the international community!

Back to the matter at hand, what's the damage to the Maakhirian stake in Puntland after this incident? The primary Maakhirian websites on the web have substituted their daily anti-Somaliland rants for daily anti-Puntland rants. Their lady-parliamentarian in the TFG has attacked the foundations of Puntland, their SOL wing after days of attacking the ruling tribe in Puntland has went into silent shock after the loss of Galgala... So where does the situation stand?? Puntland boys, we await your answers...

Originally posted by Oodweyne: JB , I am not really sure about the intended foreign minister and his "ability" to carry the burden of this office. Hence, I hope that president Silanyo will look wide and far in here; particularly, whether he could presuade his old friend, namely Prof. Ibrahim Meygag Samatar to have a go at this department. Or failing, that, he could always ask Ms. Raqiya Omaar to come in and run this department; least of all, she could do it, for she has an international experience in dealing with various foreign and diplomatic organisation of the kind this department will be dealing with, on a daily basis, indeed. But, we shall see, at the end of the day, anyway.. Oodweyne, Neither one is likely to happen for reasons you already know. The new Foreign Minister thus far has impressed the members of the international community he has met with. He's been prepared, articulate, and cognizant of current realities in both the region and the larger world. I've seen the referenced debate between him and the other two anti-Somaliland professors. While he did not particularly distinguish himself in that instance, I must remind that if 'oratory skills' were king, Somalis would have been a superpower today - so let's not overemphasize that incident.

Xil. Caasha Cabdalla oo tageertay Atom 9 Aug 9, 2010 - 1:25:34 AM Xildhibaan Caasha Cabdalla oo ka tirsan Barlamanka dowladda Federaalka ayaa tageero afka ah u fidisay kooxaha xagjirada ee uu hogaamiyo ninka lagu magacaabo Attom kuwaasoo ku dhumaaleysan jirey buurta Galgala. Xildhibaan Caasho Cabdalla oo ku caan baxdey wax ka sheegista dowladaha ka jira Somalia ama ha noqdeen kuwa xilka hayn jirey iyo haddaba [Puntland & Federalka] ayaa wareysiyo maalmahaan ay siisey saxaafada gudaha iyo kuwa dibada waxaa ay ku sheegtey in lagu soo duuley beelo iyadoo islamarkaana xustey in madaxda Puntland weerarkaan qaadeen kadib markii heshiis la soo galeen shirkado macdanta baara. Caasho Cabdalla oo ku magacaaban in Barlamanka Federaalka ah ugu jirto dadka Puntland ayaan marnaba ka hadlin ama canbaareyn u jeedin kooxaha Al-shabaab kuwaasoo dilalka qorsheysan ka fuliya magaalooyinka waaweyn sida Bosaso Ninka hogaamiyaha kooxdaan A-shabaab" Attom" ayaa mar uu la hadlayey takeerayaal ku kulansan barta Internetka [Paltalk] ayaa horey u sheegey iney fuliyeen dhamaan dilalka iyo qaraxyada qorsheysan ee ka dhacey Puntland kuwasoo kor u dhaafaya dhimasho iyo dhaawacba 150 qof. Hadalka Caasha Cabdalla ku diidan tahay howlgalka ciidamada amniga Puntland kusoo afjarayan kooxda xagjirka ah oo sheegtey iney gaystaan dilalka qorsheysan ayaa dadka Puntland u rumeysteen iney tageero buuxda u fidisay kooxda a-shabab ah ee uu Attom hogaaminayo kuwasoo ka tirsan ururka Al-Shabaab. Xiriir Garowe online la sameeyey Agaasimaha guud ee hay'ada Puntland u qaabislan macdanta iyo shidalka Ciise Maxamud 'Dhollowaa" ayuu ku xaqiijyey ineysan jirin wax heshiis ah oo dowladiisu la gashey shirkado baara khayraadka dhulka ku jira gaar ahaana degaanada ay sheegtey "Caasho Cabdalla" in lagu soo duuley. Mudd. Ciise Dhollowa ayaa sidoo kale sheegey in shirkadihii horey baarista uga sameeyey dhulka la yiraahdo Majayahan horey u shaaciyeen ineysan gabi ahaanba wax-soosaar macdaneed ka sameyneyn dhulkaas madaama dhaqaale ahaan uusan is bixineyn. Xildhibaan Caasha Cabdalla oo inta badan wareegta wadanka dibadiisa ayaa waresiyada ay dhowaan siisey Idaacadaha gudaha iyo dibbada waxaa ay wel-wel ku abuureen dadka reer Puntland gaar ahaan kuwo daga Sanag iyo Haylaan iyagoo ku tilmaamey iney yihiin kuwo ku hurineyso colaad sokaeye iyadoo ku shaqeyneysa siyaasadaha kooxaha mayalka adag ee " Qaybi oo Xakun". GAROWE ONLINE -------------- As I stated earlier, there seems to be a bit of grumbling in certain corners...

Originally posted by Oodweyne: Mintid ,.... I see the way you've shot "two bird with one stone" in here. For, you've kill the bird of "presumed innocents" of Somaliland about this whole affair; and, on the other hand, you have "confirmed" the political nakedness of Maakhiri's constituency in-terms of their being in so far as Somaliland and Puntland is concern, between a rock and a hard place, indeed. Well, all things considered; I see why that Somaliland will support (under the radar) the military action of pirate-land; but, still, the fun will be how pirate-land start talking, ever more seductively, after this episode, that tired line about "Tolnimo" towards this much-aggrieved community ( read: clan ) from Maakhir, indeed. Unfortunately for Puntland, this is a lose/lose situation for them. The devolution of the H-subclan confederacy that Puntland was based upon is slowly shredding. The misgivings of the Maakhirians on this board(who previously were die-hard Puntland supporters) through out this whole saga is a testament to this devolution!

Actually, I have news for both the Somaliland and Puntland camps: Somaliland is supporting Puntland in this action. Somaliland troops are fully mobilized in their camps near Erigabo for the eventuality that 'Atom' and company will move west into Somaliland-held territory. The vice-president of Puntland has been in communication with the Somaliland side on this issue through out this whole operation. Atom and company are a threat to both administrations! How this will play out in the sentiments of the Maakhiri community is the 'question' in this saga...

And the devolution continues...

Originally posted by Oodweyne: Mr. Xiiny ,... Waryaa, Xiiny , maxaad tidhi, waa cuqdad yururta iyo joqraafi beena ah, waxa aad Somaliland ku haysaan. Adeer , si fiican ii idgageyso, inkasta oo xaaji xunjuf kuu dhigi doono cashar oo aan hubo; laakiin waxaan ku odhan, adiga iyo tolkaa waxa u geeyey in aad xabishida aad "xiniinyo" kasoo "amaahataan" waa "Cuqdad" , iyo waliba si aad mar-uun u noqotaan dowlad Soomaali oo dhami ay hoostimaado. Markaa, waxa ay iigu muuqadaa in aad taas u taqaanid wax ragu ku faano ama loo "han-weynaado" . Yaa miskiin.... Tukale oo aad kudarsato hadaan ku idhaahdo waxa weeye, Somaliland, ragga dhisay, waa rag garanayo "dowladnimo" iyo "qaranimo" waxa ay tahay. Sabata oo ah isha kaa muuqata waxa weeye, in aanu kafaano waxa adiga kula ah wax loo hanweynaato; gaar ahaan mar hadaad aad hadalkaada aad ku tidhi maad nagala soo qaybgashaan waxa Xamar kasocda oo dabadeedna aad "dhiisha" ka buuxsataan, si "tol-ahaaneed" . Halkaa waxa ka muuqda, sida wali "boolidii Qaran" ee aad ku soo ababtey ay kuu lugaysay, adiga oo maanta kor-kaaga ay ciradu (gadh ilaa hoos) ay ka degtay; ileyn waa adigaa wixii ragu ka faani jireen ee ahayd "xatooyo-xoolo-qaran" oo "tolka" looga buuxiyo faraqyadda ayaad adigu utaqaanaa wax qaran lagu noqdo amaba qaran sidiisaba sameeya... Markaa, adeer, hadii cidi han-yari heyso waxaan fili lahaa in adigu iyo "tolkaa" ugu dhowdihiin dadka noocaas ah. Maadaama, aad wali aad kufakareyso idii aad booli kale oo qaran oo soomaali kawada dhaxeeya aad faraha adiga iyo "tolkaa" uga buuxsan lahaydeen; oo aad markale sidii hore loo yidhi ee ahayd: "Mar-na ma Rasaaq-ba Mar-na waa Rashid, intakalase Ma rooti-baa" , aad aad Somali afka-baarkiisa ku boobi laheydeen. Tanina, waa ta maanta aad taariikhda ugu gasheen in aad "Amxaar xiniinyihiis" oo aad Soomaali kale ku dishaan aad uga soo amaahateen; ileyn, waxaad tihiin ummad aan naftooda ku filneyn amaba ku kalsooneyn, ilaa ay ku noolaataan xoolo iyo hanti Soomaaali aad ay kasoo afmiishaareyseen mooye; oo ah sababta aad isu tidhaahdee, Zenawi ayaa Soomaali markale dusha idinka saari doona, oo aad dabadeedna halkii iyo 1960-kii baydun ku noqon doontaan. Markaa, Adeer , hadal iyo dhamaantii, Soomaali isbaratey oo ogaatey ninka naftiisa ku kalsoon, oo og in haddii uu goonidiisa isu taago uu isku filan yahey; iyo ka hanka yar ee wali raadinaya "booli-qaran" iyo xoolo aanu shaqaysan oo uu cuno; koley kutahay in uu "Xiniinyo Amxaar" soo kireystana ku dhahoo, si uu mar uun uu u helo waxa uu ogyahey in aanu noolaan karin hadaanu gacanta kuhayn, taas oo ah xoolo qaranka laga soo afmiishaareeyey iyo wixii xilka lahaa ee booli-qaran la-odhan jirey.. Sidaa daraateed, waa runtaa, Adeer , oo isku si uma naqaano micnaha waxa "qaran" yahay; oo adigana waa "harag" la isu huwado oo tolka lagu naas nuujiyo; anagana, waa "ummad-wadareed" wixii mustaqbalkeedu noqon lahaa oo siwadajir ah loo gorfeeyo... :cool: Regards, Oodweyne. Waar Oodweyne, Maskiinkii Xiin, wali ma noolyahay? What caravan is he currently on? The Abdullahi Yusuf caravan went off the cliff, the Sharif caravan sunk in the middle of the ocean, etc., etc. Now add the bitter taste of venomous jealousy after an unmarred election and smooth transition. Maskiin, Illaahey ha u sahlo!

One by one, things seem to be falling apart for all the different anti-Somaliland factions. And the screams in this Forum increase...