Man, ma daalaan miyaa? Sidaad Somaliland sharafteeda u difaacdaan hadaad diinta Islaamka u difaaci laheedeen, aakhiro wanaag baa idinka horeyn lahaa. Laakin "Diinta Aabaha..." baad weli ku heysaan. Anywho, I see some strange resemblances. If you guys ain't robots, I don't know who is. AYOUB_SHEIKH writes: PS Stop protesting YOU HAVE on previous occasion been caught posting articles after making changes to them, haven't you? I suppose you're referring to the Borama article. I didn't write that article and the name change I gave the article was practically a matter similar to the yellow journalism practiced across Somali, and international, media. If not that, then I have no clue what other piece of article I've posted after I'd made changes. Care to enlighten me and the SOL nomad community? Fyr-Kanten writes: Wind...Now how is it that you can post an article containing misinformation but not me? Every time I posted inaccuracy information I’ve apologist for it, but you aren’t even a man enough to bring yourself to do it. This comment, coming from the Father of Misinformation himself. What misinformation have I posted? And the whole be-a-man-about-it business doesn't fly with me. If I was guilty of the charges you've made, perhaps I then would be inclined to step to the plate and offer a timely apology. But for what - I so far have done no wrong. Plus, be-a-man-about-it is so grade school.

Originally posted by Baashi: What an incoherent blabber! Maad ka daysid inanka? The first time he held a pen and a pad was after the liberation of 1991 - the liberation , I suppose, that has some SOL nomads gleefully believing in the process of xalaalization that has been taking place in parts of the occupied lands in recent years. I look at today's predicament from a historical standpoint. These believers adhere to the school of thought that has overtly felt neglected by successive Somali governments since our independence. The liberation of Mogadishu, along with the forceful occupation of properties from their xalaal owners is seen as just compensation in their eyes. We were wronged, We deserve this - mentality. And they scratch their heads consistently, wondering: why is it that the dust of Mogadishu started by the liberation war can't seem to settle? I suppose I'll have to wait until lix-saac to get the answer.

Translation: There will never be a solution until a member of the USC is crowned as Somalia's president. Original idea: Inspired by the Mujahid Suudi Yalaxow Calasow on BBC Somali Service. Pathetic, really.

Originally posted by AYOUB_SHEIKH: Well, how comes wherever the Dogfather of Puntland (Colonel Yusuf Yey) What is it with you people and reporting inaccuracies? Col Yeey is not the leader of Puntland, for the record. So, your baseless claim is irrelevant. I don't blame you when you defend Somaliland. But don't defend FYR when he pastes false reports.

Originally posted by Rahima: ..you are saying that one half of this alliance is acceptable so long as they drop the other half, and the reason for this is that one hails from Clan X whilst the other is an “outsiderâ€. I mean what makes the actions of one right and not the other when basically they are doing the exact same thing? I said a USC military presence is unacceptable - which excludes the shacab because all Somalis should always feel free to live in any part of Somalia. In the early 90s, the SNF (and others) was in Kismaayo defending the city against the murderous attempt by the USC to annahilate members of an entire Somali clan-family (as evidenced by the brutal executions of intellectuals, doctors, civil servants, government personnel, civilians, etc. during the USC's early 90s invasions). Did the SNF carry out such atrocities? I think not! The bottomline is that the USC Muqdisho baa looga soo qaxay hadana Kismaayo bay rabaan inay xoog ku haystaan. Why were Reer Gedo/Puntland kicked out of Muqdisho? Because they supposedly were "foreigners." In that same context, USC militias are foreigners (and therefore an invading force) in Kismaayo and surrounding regions. Have you seen a Puntland or Gedo military presence in Muqdisho, Jowhar, Hobyo, Xaradheer, Beledweyne, Marka, etc.? No, because they don't invade others' lands and consider it as xalaal. What of the thousands of people who fled during the SNF/USC invasion (they had credible fear of the USC, because of the past)? What of their properties, their rights as Somalis to live where they built their houses but can't for fear of intimidation or outright murder? Please, don't justify USC military presence in the Jubba Valley - its tainted with the blood of the innocents the USC massacred over the years. It was wrong in the '90s when they carried out their executions, and its wrong now when they overtly occupy the city. In the end, however, justice will always prevail. Originally posted by Johhny B jr: I Do understand your personal saddness , about what the USC army did to you and your family...The USC army is the one behind the fall of the old regime.( or was it SSDF or SNM ) they liberated the ppl from tyrany Me and my family may sheekada maraysaa? What is the purpose of taking this open discussion to the personal level, sxb? You don't know me, you've never seen me and you probably won't ever see me. So, why make such grand assumptions about my personal life? It serves no purpose to promote your redundant argument. Anywho, its unquestionable who brought down the former regime: the USC. But, my question is, what else has the USC done? - Declared war on North Muqdisho sub-clan, thereby killing more people than of the original target: Puntland/Gedo folks - Declared war on Beledweyne sub-clan, loosing an important ally - Declared war on Cadaado folks (that's still unresolved) What is USC policy? What vision has the USC ever presented to the world about the future prospects of a Somali nation-state? Sure, the USC liberated the people from tyranny, but what do you call the many roadblocks the USC set up that prevent Muqdisho citizens from leading a normal life today? The past is long gone - the fact remains Muqdisho (under USC control) has retreated and retreated to become one of the most uninhabitable cities on the face of the earth. The UN-HABITAT housing project for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) didn't pick Muqdisho as a city to live in, they rightfully picked Garoowe and Hargaysa - believe it or not, Capitals that are actually worthy of the name. Today's Muqdisho, my friend, is not worthy. I know this, you know this, and the whole world knows this - but, because of USC clan pride, its blasphemous to admit such things for you P.S. You can come online and brag about how the USC drove out the "expellees" and the "defeatists" and how mighty Muqdisho is once again in their hands. But at the end of the day, if you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor, why did you fight for it in the first place then? At least, in Hargeisa, they're enjoying the fruits of their labor: a mayor, a city council, peaceful, unarmed streets, economic prosperity. Let me ask you a trick question (an oxymoron, really): who rules Muqdisho? LOL How many names jus' rolled through your head? Wind.Talker wrapped the whole thing with a stinking diaper Real mature, buddy

^^ Abti, there's no reason to pull this back and forth. BUT, I would like to make another correction (seems like you enjoy making mistakes): Remember a discussion about Barre Hiiraale in mid may, you posted an article from Allgedo which said Barre Hiiraale was near Baydhabo but turned out to be false? Here is the discussion: http://www.somaliaonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=003876 Where did I say that Barre Hiiraale was near Baydhabo? You are becoming a source of misinformation - and the sad thing is that waad isla saxsantahay. P.S. I'm surprised you even know who Col Barre Hiiraale is. I thought referring to such men (for sub-clan reasons) was treason in your democratic Somaliland. I suppose nowadays the enemy isn't Hiiraale's sub-clan (as you feel you've defeated him in your so-called war of liberation), but rather is Puntland. Mise sheekadu waxay maraysaa maska madaxaa laga toogtaa?

somehow I knew someone would pick up the torch and put an emphasize on the Duqa's all prophetic phrase. Now tell me why I had marked you as that torch bearer ? Kismaayo is an international city and will stay as such. :cool: Maybe because you're a psychic. On a serious note, Kismaayo is an international city - that, I don't argue about. BUT, I will never - in 1 or 50 lifetimes - accept a military presence in Kismaayo of the very men (USC militias) many people died protecting the city from, and our Col Hiiraale has invited into the city. I do realize their presence is a matter of temporary political adjustment, but it irks the living daylights out of me that Hiiraale still believes he needs such men in Kismaayo. He'll be my hero the day he tells USC militias to evacuate the Jubba Valley. Until then, he'll remain nothing but a man who doesn't trust in his own abilities (for he needs the help of others). P.S. I noticed you changed where you're from. I believe (if I'm not mistaken) it used to say Caabudwaaq. Why the sudden change to Wardheer? Does it have anything to do with the recent outbreak of violence in that region of Somali Galbeed between Caabudwaaq-allied & Puntland-allied kinfolk? And how does claiming it on SOL further promote the agenda of Reer Caabudwaaq in the Wardheer region? If there is (was) a caste system in place among Somali society and your clan was at the top of the hierarchy then you´ll have to enlight us about where it exixted and why n please explain for all those refugees in the Kenyan camps that their place in the hierarchy is temporarily overtaken. So, for something to be temporarily overtaken, it must've existed, correct? The sad thing is that niyadaad ka wada dhimateen. You just proved my point that such a hierarchy - while not as obvious and discriminatory as the Indian caste system - did exist in Somalia. Isn't that the reason many staunch pro-USC elements repeatedly claim to have "liberated" homes and properties in Muqdisho and surrounding areas? As far as the refugee comment I'm sooo angry dude!

^^ Listen here buddy. This is what you wrote first: Tension is reportedly high in Laas Caanood...after two men from Somaliland were arrested I responded by highlighting the fact that these dead men (alaha u naxaristo) can't be "from Somaliland" because they were part of Puntland security services. Hence, highlighting the flawed part of your report. Then, defeated, you desperately write: Who care’s if they were from Somaliland , Puntland or which clan they belong to. They were unlawfully killed, It doesn't matter where or from which tribe they hailed from. What matters is presenting the information accurately. However, like I said, the killing was unjust and wrong - and the culprits will be brought to justice. Unlike Somaliland, Puntland (the people and the government) has dignity. The illegal torture and rape of a Somali woman will never be tolerated. Nor will the illegal detention of over 100 peaceful protestors (for reasons of clan marginality and deep-rooted animosity). Therefore, rest assured that the killers behind this mayhem will be brought to justice and executed in public. Cheers

Originally posted by Northerner: One could say the same about pro-unity supporters, are they really in a position to talk about unity with the current situation in Somalia? I never talked of unity. I support the secession of Burco-and-anything-West areas (where 97% of people voted for independence - but the referendum didn't take place in SSC regions). I gotta respect peoples' will to self-determination (much as Hargeisa should respect the will of SSC regions). That mumbo-jumbo about Laascaanood has been "invaded" didn't seem to stir any emotions in the concerned city, did it? And you know Reer Sool aren't an easiy-conquerable people (the British had a terrible time, forget Col Yeey ). Where were these pro-unity ppl during the civil war? I have no idea. But where was Guulwade Riyaale? Commanding an NSS unit, I presume. Did they speak out against the war? I still have no clue. But did former- Guulwade-turned-Somaliland President Riyaale speak out against the Somali army's onslaught in Northwestern Somalia? Or was he in some office kissing **** for a raise or a promotion? Did they have the balls to speak up against the dictatorship? Did Kacaan-Jeceel Riyaale have the balls to speak up to the dictator? Does he now have the balls to attain Somaliland's mythical eastern border (a pre-requisite for recognition)? BOTTOMLINE: You and others on SOL can classify me as a "hater" of Somaliland. But what I can't stand is the overt hypocrisy. Maxaa ku dhacay xishood, sxb? Wasn't dignity once a factor in the life of Somalis? Show me the dignity in demonizing one man for being part of Somalia's former government while you crown his colleague as your current president? And please don't tell me about the conference where "all was forgiven." What Riyaale has done in Somaliland within the last two years is tantamount to treason, yet he's still somehow protected under some vague form of democracy and the agreements of some forgive-all conference. That, my friend, I can neither understand nor condone.

I got nothing against "puntlanders" per se, but I despise the warlord –President-Select Yeey and his nostalgic and hegemo hegemonic nic backward-looking policies. That has really touched some nerve here and that is why all the die-hard cheerleaders are so infuriated. Hmm...It was recently that the grand warrior JUMA used that same word in reference to Col Yeey (and presumably his clan). This notion that Col Yeey will bring clan "hegemony" is nothing but coffee-shop he-say propagated and compounded by Mogadishu war/druglords and their mightiest cohorts, the media. For the true believers of such conspiracy theories (the same ones who believed Sh. Xasan when he magically produced a copy of an Ethiopian war plan in Garoowe) - I have one thing to say: the days of Cali Kenadiid are long behind us. You should control your semi-understandable fear of once again being categorized into the lower stratum of any future caste system you believe Col Yeey has in store for you. Why? Because its you have arms, media etc. and everything that happens in Somalia can be easily reported. This so-called TFG is all-inclusive (excp. for S/land) and members of the USC are included in it. So what gives? Maxaa loo caga juglaynaa? Maxaa dadweynaha Xamar loo maaweelinaa? Eventually, people will realize your idols' (Mogadishu and allied war/druglords) are nothing but men of war who have no chance of ever relieving Xamar of its current state of duress. 15 sano baa ka soo wareegtay markii Xamar looga soo qaxay dadkii sheegtay inay "xaq" u leeyihiin degaanka. 15 sano baad tashan-wayseen. 15 sano bay Soomaaliwayn idin xayirnaayeen. Hadaad tashanwaysaan, waa la'idin talin. That's what it'll eventually come down to. Incompetence at such a level has never been known in modern man's history. On Kismayo,...JVA alliance had won the battle of Juba, where does that fact leave folks like me? ...1) Swallow my foolish pride and say alright Barre and his senior partners are in charge now, deal with them and relinquish Kismayo resident's political ambition and in return secure all their properties...When the dust settles those who have the money, the know-how, the political intrigue will carry the day and in the case of Kismayo I have no doubt who will have the upper hand. Taas ma awalbaa shaki kaaga jiray?

No, no, no! This guy hasn't provided enough reasons to move Somalia's capital from its historic place. His opinion seemed very lop-sided and is obviously the product of a man who's bent on pushing forth Col Yeey's agenda (posted on AllPuntland.com, of course!). If he'd said that any future Somali Federal Republic should have three capitals (executive, legislative and judicial - like the South African model) I would've supported him, had Muqdisho been guaranteed the privilege to house the executive branch. We can't make such a big national decision with Muqdisho in today's current state of affairs. That's unfair to the historic city, to its legacy on Somali national life and politics, and to the people of the city and Soomaaliwayn in general. I'm still of the opinion that most Somalis still favor Muqdisho to remain Somalia's capital. I can't tell whether or not its the uncanny relationship we have with the city or the fact that its the ONLY Somali national capital we've ever known.

^^ Strange how you conveniently choose not to answer my question, but instead use the opportunity to take a jibe at me. Strange, too, how the Riyaale regime (and related mouthpieces) would rather point fingers at others as "the enemy" while they and they're agents overtly rob the good, hard-working people of Waqooyi Galbeed of much-needed revenue and freedoms. What was the reason the Riyaale regime provided for not enacting a Press Bill? I look at the strange resemblance between how you react to my words and how the Riyaale regime reacts to questions (by avoiding them) as systematic in an odd, eerie way. Have they really programmed you that much?

I think I've finally nailed down the difference between pro-secession elements and the rest of Somaaliwayn. It is this simple: Pro-secession peoples' history begun with the British arrival on Somali soil Soomaaliwayn's history begun centuries before any White man ever set foot on the continent of Africa How's that for a "historical fact?" I suggest we keep the debate current, lively and realistic. ADNAAN, try going to Laascaanood and distributing this article to the locals. I'd rather read an article about the REACTION of Laascaanood natives (as an example) to this article instead of the article itself (because it spends too much time in the hypothetical realm). P.S. Why such desperation of late from the pro-secession camp? Perhaps, its best to discuss irrelevant matters instead of urgent ones that need to be addressed, i.e. the rising conflict in parliament between pro-UDUB and the anti-UDUB camps. Are Riyaale's days really numbered?

Tension is reportedly high in Laas Caanood...after two men from Somaliland were arrested and later on brutally murdered in Garoowe Two men from Somaliland? The two murdered men (alaha u naxaristo) were both members of the Puntland Frontier Police (Daraawiish) convicted of killing a fellow ranking officer. The illegal and unjust slaying of these men is wrong. Labelling them as men "from Somaliland" is either an honest mistake (which I doubt) or another cheap propaganda attempt at dividing the people of Garoowe and Laascaanood. I think, at the End of Times, the old adage will always hold true: Blood is Thicker than Water. Colonial legacy, as far as I know, isn't considered 'blood.' P.S. This tragic incident happened. Is recognition any closer? I mean to say have the secessionists really stooped this low, to believe that they can somehow use this incident to divide Garoowe and Laascaanood (the twin cities of the Dooxada Nugaal), and perhaps gain int'l recognition by exploiting the incident? This is getting rather pathetic, me thinks.

Originally posted by General Duke: Beelaha USC waa in ay kala doortaan Itoobiyo iyo Isbaaro webmaster@dayniile.com Horta, Dayniile.com dad fiyow baa leh mise dad yara fudud? Tan kale, how hard could the choice be between Ethiopian troops and USC-owned roadblocks be? Reer Muqdisho (and surrounding areas) need to wake up and smell the coffee. Intra-USC differences aren't so great - so why is it they can't agree to remove roadblocks, open sea/airport to THIS day? These nonstop accusations of Ethiopia and Col Yeey (I've seen a website claim that all the recent assasinations of prominent Somalis in Muqdisho were carried out by Col Yeey - just how powerful is the guy? Is he a Muqdisho warlord himself? :confused: ) are a smokescreen for the real Muqdisho war/druglords, who will use that smokescreen until Reer Muqdisho realize their games - the same games they've been playing for 15 years. First, Siyad Barre and his clan were 'traitors'; second, Barre, his clan and their entire clan-family were 'traitors'; today, some 15 years later, its Col Yeey, PM Ghedi, Puntland, Xuseen Caydiid, RRA-Shaatigaduud, Mohamed Dheere, C/llahi Cosoble, iyo wixii raacsan are 'traitors'! Give me a break. Does no one else see the idiocy of such thinking? Sure not Reer Muqdisho - they're busy preparing for the upcoming 'jihad' against Ethiopian troops. I suppose, living in Muqdisho today, its better to die believing you died in a 'jihad' than to live in the miserable status quo of today. A sad state of affairs that'll need years of healing.

SOO MAAL - I think its best you give it a rest, sxb. Somaliland has not been recognized. As long as they 'claim' to be independent, it ain't really hurting nobody. And even if they got independence, they wouldn't control SSC regions - for those regions have been and will always be under the control of their rightful inhabitants. It seems like Guulwade Riyaale - on his trek to destroy the dream that was Somaliland - is doing a mighty fine job by creating unnecessary political tensions for himself and for his government. One must wonder: he was democratically elected so why is he working so hard to create chaos? It was the KULMIYE party leadership that recently accused Riyaale of attempting to start a new 'civil war.' Big words! This comparison to the Eritreans - its absurd and highly irrelevant. Eritreans speak Tigrinya - a language distinct to them (the Tigrayans, such as Zenawi, speak a diff dialect of Tigrinya but they don't use the unique Tigrinya alphabet). Although they're divided as Muslims and Christians, they nonetheless consider themselves Eritrean nationals, which is more important than anything else. In the past, the West tried to give western Eritrea (home of the Muslim Eritreans) to the Sudan and the rest to Ethiopia. That plan didn't work because ALL Eritreans - irrespective of religion or region - joined hands and fought against the plan. You get it? The Eritreans succeeded because they ALL believed and fought for a genuine cause. So-called 'Somalilanders' don't enjoy that support in ALL areas of the ideal Somaliland. SSC regions will always serve as a reference point. The rest of Somalis failed in 14 attempts at creating a government. Somaliland has failed a gazzallion times in 14 years in attaining recognition. We're all in a big mess, one way or another.

XIIN - SXB, I don't get why you're arguing with this kid. Look at what he wrote: what is shocking though is your calling for another senseless civil war. This seems unconventional for a punch of spineless defeatists who can’t engage their adversaries in any confrontation whatsoever. Defeatists, expellees, etc. Easy words online, harder in real life.

What was it? 27 protestors? LOL

Originally posted by contraflow: Second the people of Mog always felt that they were never given top post such as the presidency seat in th past... Hmm...WRONG! What do Ali Mahdi, Mohamed F. Aideed and Cabdiqasim Salad have in common? From the primitive Somali mode of thinking, they can all be categorized as 'the people of Mogadishu.' At some point or another, they've ALL held the highest title of 'Somali President' - and failed each time. I'm all for supporting and empowering the less-enfranchised amongst us Somalis, but I will never support an intiative or ideology that rewards incompetence - the root cause of the colossal failure they consider a political career.

Originally posted by contraflow: Second the people of Mog always felt that they were never given top post such as the presidency seat in th past... Hmm...WRONG! What do Ali Mahdi, Mohamed F. Aideed and Cabdiqasim Salad have in common? From the primitive Somali mode of thinking, they can all be categorized as 'the people of Mogadishu.' At some point or another, they've ALL held the highest title of 'Somali President' - and failed each time. I'm all for supporting and empowering the less-enfranchised amongst us Somalis, but I will never support an intiative or ideology that rewards incompetence - the root cause of the colossal failure they consider a political career.

Ahem..I duly observe dadka isku camiraayo. Sometimes I wonder what the real - if any - differences are between you people. JUMA - Don't find an excuse for your incompetence. You'll quickly run out of words. However, I do laugh at your attempt to portray your inner envy of anything Yeey as a mere "joke" - while, in reality, it borders on the disease. Do you think, for a mere moment, that I doubt your seriousness of this thread? Play it off if you like, but the malicious intent is well-recorded in my books.

^^ Thanks for that, yo! BOQORADA BOORAMA - I normally laugh in the face of overly-emotional complain queens, but I'll make you an exception. As she has stated above, I didn't "write" the article about Borama, your beloved hometown. I have the same amount of love for Borama as I do for any other city in Somalia. Ironically, the article was posted on Awdal News Network (ANN)website. So, who's the "hater" here - me or ANN? I suggest you read carefully next time before you engage in useless finger-pointing, a rather childish quality for such a grown man. :rolleyes: FYI - http://www.awdalnews.com/wmview.php?ArtID=5400

Awww JUMA, I thought you were more logical than that. I pity your desperation - don't let Somali politics get to you so much, sxb. Not healthy. Good luck, though.

^^ What is it with you? I like Cadde Muse because he's bringing positive change to Puntland, change Col Yeey couldn't do in his illegal six-year term. What's wrong with Dhahar.com questioning Cadde's motives? In politics, you question the actions of the ruling elite, nothing wrong with that. For example, what did Puntland gain by closing down an independent newspaper - SHACAB - but a bad name in the Somali, African and global contexts? We've experienced tyrants before; by closing down newspapers, the Puntland admin is only bringing back yesteryear's painful memories of civil oppression. It was an unnecessary, unjust action on the part of the Puntland gov't. In fact, it was illegal, given how a Puntland judge had freed SHACAB's editor days prior to the closure of his paper. So, tell me: if the government doesn't abide by the RULES, who will? :confused: Originally posted by Sky: you say you dont consider yourself a puntlander but just a soomaali maryooley from kaaraan and gaheyr in xamar. but wasnt it you who boasted about being ciise riyoole for life and dangoronyo, eyl and garoowe is the bomb and all that shit? Okay, let's debate. Define 'Puntlander'. Is ANYONE from certain Somali clans deemed a 'Puntlander' at the expense of other Somalis? If that's your definition, I'm not with it. As far as Garoowe - EDITED coz the Nazis think we're breaking their rules!

An interesting column about the current situation in Uzbekistan, Anglo-American foreign policy, and the sheer truth of their "Crusade" against terror. The old saying that God stands for gold, oil and drugs has never been more true in the Bush-Blair era of international politics. Nonetheless, the one thing the writer & a member of European Parliament (along with Western governments) agree on is that they think "Islam" is the enemy of the West. Read on. Friday, May 20, 2005 Are Britain and U.S. repeating mistake? JOHANN HARI SYNDICATED COLUMNIST Welcome to the New Middle East. On your left, you'll see the largest Asian massacre since Tienanmen Square. Look -- they're hosing blood off the streets. To your right, you can see some dissidents being boiled alive, while the local regime smirks they had "an accident with a kettle." Ah, and here's a dictator who reminisces about his trips to the White House and brags: "I'm prepared to rip off the heads of 200 people, to sacrifice their lives, in order to save peace and calm in the republic. If my child chose such a path, I would rip off his head myself." The debate about Uzbekistan has been weirdly unreal. The Uzbek people are rebelling because they live in grinding, binding poverty and have no freedoms at all. Many still live on Soviet-style collectivized farms and earn less than $2 a day. True, there is a small Islamic fundamentalist political movement in the country, but in the current rebellion all the classic jihadist tactics -- such as suicide bombs or targeting civilians -- have been scrupulously avoided, with only the police feeling the force of their rage. Yet all it has taken is for Islam Karimov to cry "terrorism!" and most Western politicians and journalists have acted as though the "war on terror" is the reason why Britain and the United States are deeply enmeshed with the Karimov tyranny. Yes, the Uzbek KGB provides us with some intelligence on apparent al-Qaida cells, but according to a man who has read all of it -- Craig Murray, Britain's ambassador to the country post-9/11 -- it is "totally useless." This is hardly surprising, since Karimov is "systematically" using torture, according to the United Nations. Information acquired via electrodes is as useful as the European confessions of witchcraft in the 16th century. Any benefit to the "terror war" from reading this junk is far outweighed by the damage to that same "war" caused by our association with Karimov. All experts on the region agree that Karimov's Stalin-era policies of criminalizing Islam, no matter how mild or pluralistic, is directly fuelling jihadism. As one member of the European Parliament's Uzbekistan relations committee explains: "By supporting Karimov, we are helping to create the very thing we fear -- Islamic fundamentalism. Islam has never been strong in central Asia. Even before the Russians came, alcohol was widely drunk, prayer observed fitfully. Now, a visitor sees neither beards nor headscarves ... yet official persecution is giving fundamentalists their opening in the region. Ordinary Uzbeks, constantly told that all opponents of the regime are Islamic radicals, are understandably wondering whether there might not be something in this ideology." And by shoveling cash to Karimov and building bases on Uzbek soil, we are ensuring angry Uzbeks will ultimately blame us for their oppression -- and possibly make us pay a blood-price for it. Jihadism was born in the Middle East when the West supported savage dictators; why repeat the mistake? No; the reasons for our governments' connections to Karimov are rather different. Uzbekistan's first uprising -- the first of many -- is being crushed by U.S.-trained troops and with U.S. funds, in return for access to the last great oil-grab in history. The Republican regime in the White House wants to be part of the global scramble for the final untapped stash of fossil fuels on Earth, before the carbon-burning party winds to an end. Central Asia holds up to 243 billion barrels of crude, worth around $4 trillion -- enough to meet the West's energy needs for years -- and Uzbekistan is in the region's dead (and I mean dead) center. A strategic decision was clearly taken that, if this requires them to fund and fuel Karimov, the butcher of Uzbekistan -- and inadvertently recreate the Middle East in central Asia -- so be it. This isn't just my view. In 1998, Dick Cheney, when he was still CEO of the oil firm Halliburton, explained, "I cannot think of a time when we have had a region emerge as suddenly to become as strategically significant as the Caspian (central Asia's source of oil)." Three years later, Cheney was responsible for the National Energy Report, which recommended "the president make energy security a priority of our trade and foreign policy." Their words. Their intentions. At a time when oil supplies are either vulnerable to jihadist coups (as in Saudi Arabia, where our governments still back and arm the odious House of Saud) or are simply running dry, the oil industry is ravenous for new supplies. In some places -- such as Iraq -- this thirst will lead the United States to overthrow tyrants but, in just as many places, such as Uzbekistan, it will lead them to prop up oil-and-pipeline-friendly tyrants, with the British government following closely behind. The question "do they let us buy and sell their oil?" determines policy, not the question "do they terrorize their people?" So we ignore the voices of the Uzbek people; nobody wants to know the price for our carbon-economy. The rote condemnations offered by the U.S. and British governments do not match their actions. ( The United States' call for "peaceful resistance" -- in a country where people regularly "disappear" for joking about the leader -- is preposterous ). Look at the plight of Craig Murray as British ambassador. He did everything a representative of democracy should: He spoke out against Karimov's butchery, and offered dissidents support and protection. He was repaid with the sack, and a vicious smear campaign. There is no point having a fake argument about whether Karimov is a necessary but ugly ally in the war on terror, when the real argument is about whether it is worth trading the human rights of 25 million Uzbeks for access to remaining oil supplies. We must be honest: That is what the current policy amounts to. At the best of times, trading human lives and human dignity for oil would be repellent, but right now, it would be near suicidal. Islamic fundamentalism will pose a genuine threat to free societies in the coming age of WMD, where the technologies of destruction are terrifyingly easy to acquire. We need to undercut the causes of Islamic fundamentalism -- particularly Western-backed tyranny in the Muslim world -- now. Even more important, the petrol-based economy that these excursions into central Asia are designed to prop up is an environmental disaster for all humans, and finding a new set of dealers for our fossil-fuel habit is not the solution. Some U.S. environmentalists have tried to turn this insight into what they call a "geo-green movement" to make Americans realize they need urgently to begin the transition away from dirty fuels, for the sake of human rights abroad and for the planet. It's time for a British counterpart. For the sake of us and for the sake of the Uzbeks, it's time to wake up and smell the petrol. Johann Hari writes for The Independent in Britain.