VOA Article Portrays Wrong Picture, Appeases Terrorist in Puntland

[General Duke]

Local ministers of Puntland with the people[/i]

[Thankful]

Its evidence like this picture is why the VOA made sure that the Puntland government wasn't given any chance to be interviewed. They knew that their entire article would have been discredited. A real media outlet would have let both sides comment and then let the reader decide. However the VOA wanted to make sure that their readers would only get one side of the story. No mention of the Interior Minister Ilka-Jiir who is from Eastern Sanaag and led the attack, Vice-President General Abdisamid. Evidence like this would have shown that this attack on Atam was supported by a wide variety of Puntlanders; of course the VOA doesn’t want you to know that though.

 

I know that the VOA was closed by government of Puntland about a year ago and that they may be some hidden anger from them towards the government. However, I never expected them to write this article with comments from different sides but not even a single thing from the government that they are talking about.

 

Very unprofessional!

[General Duke]

^^^Indeed thay are just encouraging bad behavior which is not required at the moment.

[Xudeedi]

Puntland is a weak SSDF clan enclave as revealed by one of the greatest and most popular media institutions of our time (Voice of America). Stop takin-out your frustrations on Yabarow and Somali's who have no links to this article at all. The article was penned by a well informed premier American journalist and relayed recomendations from European analyst and researchers.

 

It's a shame for some to compare a third party source with gibberish penned by their kinsmen. The VOA article was welcomed by the body mentioned in the article and all Somali's aside from the weak enclave.

 

Many articles were written by Somali's that reinforce the writters perception. Pirate Farole could supress Horseed, but this is VOA that your threatening here. An agency instituted to promote U.S foreign interest.

 

SOMALIA: Preventive Diplomacy can dampen Clan Rivalry

DhaharOnline Editorial

 

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

The United States has long been committed to promoting the institutional frameworks for peace, equality, good governance, and social and economic development in Somalia. The effort was reinforced by a significant policy shift that attempts to reach out to stable administrations along with family clans that are aligned with the U.N backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG). This calculated choice by the United States signals a new approach, one that aims to build relations with multiple actors in the geopolitical interest of Somalia.

 

 

Since the announcement of this new American policy, "Puntland" and "Somaliland" responded with press statements in support of this new initiative and in reflection of their goals, political orientations, and modes of organization. The new approach, as articulated by U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Johnny Carson, pronounces U.S. engagement and assistance in key development areas such as agriculture, water, health and education.

 

 

Many analysts affirm that the new policy entails profound political understanding of the clan element, in regards to both Galgala of western Bari and "SSC" conflict zones. Though conceived with good intentions, regional analysts fear that if the new American policy bypasses or ignores internal clan grievances in Sanaag and Western Bari regions peopled principally by the ********** tribe, it may perhaps further increase violence and instability in Northern Somalia.

 

 

Somalia observers, as reported by Alisha Ryu of VOA, warn of the political consequences of a “narrowly-focused engagement with both "Puntland" and "Somaliland". Stig Jarle Hansen of the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research in Oslo relayed to the VOA an echoing concern held by many international analysts. He stated, "if the United States is planning to assist the Puntland government in its fight against Atom, it will need to approach the situation with extreme caution. The danger is that you could suppress the ********** in a drastic way, or you could act in a way that mobilizes the ********** to the Shabab side. So, you can make your predictions come true through your own actions."

 

 

The Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research appeals to the U.S. policymakers to deploy preventive diplomacy, a strategy that calls for the suspension of potential clan conflicts. It also stresses that if the U.S. proceeds to cooperate with Somalia's northern clan-based entities, it must do so on a conditional basis--that is, each party seeks to forestall conflicts in a suitable manner.

 

 

Because Puntland' has been launching offensives in Galgala and other towns in Western Bari region since late of July, 2010, Asha Ahmed Abdalla, Somali legislator, argues that shrinking the role of diplomacy, financial and military assistance promised to Puntland may succeed in altering the dictatorial behavior of the current leaders of Puntland.

 

 

We think following the recommendations given by the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research is of critical importance in order to fairly and objectively resolve prior clan grievances in Bari region as a result of Puntland's continual enforcement of uneven distribution of power and resources. We believe viable insitutions of governance can be built by a committed and competent administration that promotes judicial independence, fights corruption and nepotism, and tackles criminal enterprises that seem to thrive in Puntland such as human smugglings and high-seas piracy.

 

 

********** clans from Haylan, Sanaag and Western Bari regions point to clan feuds, struggle over resources and Puntland's quest for oil and mineral expolaration as themes that fuel the Galgala conflict.

 

 

In attending to this complex issue of tribalism and ancient land disputes, the U.S should revisit and seriously consider the advise of an expert and practitioner in preventive diplomacy, the former U.N Secretary General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali. In his famous 1995 report, he recommended preventive diplomacy as an avenue to prevent disputes from turning into regional conflicts. The U.S must deploy information gathering as part of their new engagement, through fact finding missions to Galgala to mediate oppossing sides.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Dhahar

 

[General Duke]

I think people need to stop believing their own lies. The truth is simple, Puntland exists and we can provide documentation, pictures, audios and vide o its existence. The US admin has named it with Somaliland as two key regional states that will get support from now on.

How clan rivalry complicates terror threat[/b is neither here nor there. I don’t see the US changing its mind, and Attam showing his face any time soon. SSC is a real entity, with recognizable leadership and Diaspora support. They have a valid reason and quest. Also who’s idea was it to refer to SSC regions as “conflict regions” and how does this new label help the development of these regions? Many questions and few answers, but the fact remains this article only assists those who are looking for a route out from a debacle they helped create.

[Thankful]

Originally posted by Xudeedi:

Puntland is a weak SSDF clan enclave as revealed by one of the greatest and most popular media institutions of our time (Voice of America). Stop takin-out your frustrations on Yabarow and Somali's who have no links to this article at all. The article was penned by a well informed premier American journalist and relayed recomendations from European and analyst and researchers.

 

It's a shame for some to compare a third party source with gibberish penned by their kinsmen. The VOA article was welcomed by the body mentioned in the article and all Somali's aside from the weak enclave.

 

 

Wait a minute Xudeedi, you are calling the VOA one of the "greatest" and popular media institutions of our time. However, when I posted an article almost a year ago about the decision by the Puntland government to suspend the reporters of VOA and ban VOA affiliate FM. You didn't say anything about it and incredibly you defended the government an implied the VOA and other media outlets were unethical. You said:

 

Xudeedi - SOL Oct 2009

 

 

Originally posted by Xudeedi:

Although claims of media monitoring maybe true, the volatile nature of the environment accompanied by un-ethical media practices cripple the progress of free press. Aware and educated individuals like the president and the interior minister must put in-place a policy that enables free press and addresses the responsibilities of the profession. The author discriminately relates Puntland to a problem that the entire country shares.

Although the academic credibility of Faroole and Ilka Jiir raises the expectation, one must understand that its institutions not individuals who can bring change.

It's amazing that you are now praising the VOA as on of thegreatest but had no problem when the Government shut it down in the past. Why weren't you concerned back then or spoke against it?

[General Duke]

With the aware and educated leaders like Faroole & Ilkajiir Puntland is not going to succumb to a weak article from a discriminatory author who does not know what’s taking place on the ground.

[Xudeedi]

Again, your lack of comprehension has been the source of trouble for many of our conversations. My prior comment of unethical media practice was tagged towards Somali outlets in reference to unregulated media environment. The stature of the VOA as a leading world broadcasting outlet is a fact that can’t be altered with ones opinion.

 

For too long, you clowns praised Garoweonline and Allpuntland and linked the near 100 articles penned by concerned Makhiris around the world with dhahar.com. It’s only expected that such a damaging article to your enclave would produce further fume from standby cheerleaders who excelled in the art of “copy and paste” and title making contribution on SOL.

 

My objective was to reveal the narrow clan agendas masked by your weak enclave, thus after reading this, I feel as if my service has been well received. You’re only embarrassing yourselves more by comparing Garoweonline to VOA; Garoweonline is not even comparable to Galgalanews.

 

Look at what the foreign relations minister supposedly wrote at Garoweonline:

 

The two clans enjoy fraternal relations of the first kind and the government of Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabab in the mountainous regions of Sanag and eastern Bari regions is just that a counterterrorism campaign and has nothing to do with clan politics

Everything in that statement is as made up. First this is not a counterterrorism effort, this was a war waged for financial purposes. second, the man stated that he is not affiliated with Al-shabaab. Third, the war is neither in Sanaag or Eastern Bari, its in Western Bari.

 

This is an insult to our intelligence.

[Thankful]

Xudeedi, you know and I know the VOA article should have gotten the Puntland government's position, of course it has every right to say the things it did even if we didn't agree with it. Yet, the fact the article was focused a lot of the Puntland government, you would expect they would include it in their piece.

 

The fact that they didn't, means it was not balanced! What are they hiding? What will the government say that they didn't want to get out?

[General Duke]

There is no argument here, aside from the supporters of the man who is afraid to show his face in Public, this article does not have traction. Puntland will not be affected by an unbalanced article.

 

Lets move on, but the thread has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that a a man who hides his face and his diaspora supporters can not be taken seriously.

[Thankful]

Originally posted by Xudeedi:

 

quote:

---

The two clans enjoy fraternal relations of the first kind and the government of Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabab in the mountainous regions of Sanag and eastern Bari regions is just that a counterterrorism campaign and has nothing to do with clan politics

Everything in that statement is as made up. First this is not a counterterrorism effort, this was a war waged for financial purposes. second, the man stated that he is not affiliated with Al-shabaab. Third, the war is neither in Sanaag or Eastern Bari, its in Western Bari.

 

This is an insult to our intelligence.

On Garoweonline this is what it says: Garoweonline

 

"The two clans enjoy fraternal relations of the first kind and the government of Puntland's counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabab

in the mountainous regions of Sanag and western Bari regions

is just that a counterterrorism campaign," read the press statement from Puntland's government.

Also if this is not a counterterrorism effort and Atam is not affiliated with Al Shabaab (even though his assests have been frozen by the US and he called Al Shabaab his brother).... can you please please please, provide us with just a single image of the man.

 

You refuse to answer that question....where is a picture of the man?

[Xudeedi]

Your only embarassing yourself more.

 

This is the press release from your foreign relations minister.

 

http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Press_Releases_32/VOA_Article_Portrays_Wrong_Picture_App eases_Terrorist_in_Puntland.shtml

 

Click on the link, 3rd paragraph down. lol

 

Press Releases

 

Somalia: VOA Article Portrays Wrong Picture, Appeases Terrorist in Puntland

30 Sep 30, 2010 - 6:38:15 AM

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE| In an article posted on the English page of the VOA on the 29 September titled, “Clan Rivalry Complicates Terrorism Fight in Puntland.” Alisha Ryu rather than clarifying unfortunately further confounds the VOA readerships’ understanding of the issue.

 

First, the impression made in the VOA piece that there is a long simmering rivalry whether it is over the control of resources or power sharing between the *****ten and ********** clans is unfounded.

 

The two clans enjoy fraternal relations of the first kind and the government of Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabab in the mountainous regions of Sanag and eastern Bari regions is just that a counterterrorism campaign and has nothing to do with clan politics. The government of Puntland is not a *****ten government and does not serve the interests of any particular sub-clan of the various ***** communities that comprise it at the expense of another at anytime or under any circumstance. The allegation that it can operate in the fashion portrayed by Ms. Ryu is at once malicious and inflammatory. It is important to note that the Minister of Interior who along with the Vice President commanded the Galgala counterterrorism operation against the Al-Shabab cell is none other than **********.

 

Second, the article appears to be advocating for the United States to appease the Al-Shabab and warns of drastic actions if the United States assists Puntland in its effort to deny Al-Qaeda and her affiliates to establish a safe heaven in its territory. Quoting an unknown Somalia observer based in Norway, Ms. Ryu writes“ The danger is…you could act in a way that could mobilize the ********** to the Shabab side.” The ********** are at the forefront of the war against Al-Shabab which is locally led by the internationally sanctioned, self-confessed terrorist Mohamed Said “Atom”, and the false prediction that a robust United States engagement with Puntland on counterterrorism may spur the ********** to join the Al-Shabab is absurd. It might be instructive to note that the ********** did not extend any assistance, in any way to “Atom” and his terrorist compatriots whilst they fully supported the government’s operations to cleanse the latter from their hideout in Galgala.

 

This article is a cheap ploy to frustrate the implementation of the recently announced United States government’s “Two-track” Somalia engagement policy through the dissemination of unfounded information and propaganda. Schemes of this kind however sophisticated will not succeed to prevent the governments of Puntland and the United States continuing their mutually beneficial cooperation in the crucial area of the war against terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

 

END

 

Press Office

Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation [Puntland]

info@mopic.org

[General Duke]

A fine press release full detail and accuracy. Now anyone for Attams pic?

[Thankful]

What I saw on Garoweonline was:

 

Puntland's govt blasts VOA report as 'appeasing Al Shabaab' in Somalia

30 Sep 30, 2010 - 9:43:27 AM

 

 

 

The government of Somalia's stable northern Puntland region has blasted a Voice of America report which it says is as expecting the U.S. government to "appease Al Shabaab" in Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.

 

 

Flag of Puntland

A press release issued from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in the Puntland capital Garowe said the VOA report entitled, "Clan Rivalry Complicates Terrorism Fight in Puntland," attempts to create the impression that "long simmering rivalry" exists between the ********* and ********** sub-clans of the ***** clan-family in Puntland.

 

PRESS RELEASE: VOA Article Portrays Wrong Picture, Appeases Terrorist in Puntland

 

"The two clans enjoy fraternal relations of the first kind and the government of Puntland's counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabab in the mountainous regions of Sanag and western Bari regions is just that a counterterrorism campaign," read the press statement from Puntland's government.

 

The statement said the VOA report's attempt to portray Puntland as a clan government is "malicious and inflammatory," while describing the report's motives as a "...cheap ploy to frustrate the implementation of the recently announced United States government's 'two-track' Somalia engagement policy." VOA Report: Clan Rivalry Complicates Terrorism Fight in Puntland

 

Puntland's government promised to continue its "mutually beneficial cooperation" with the U.S., but strongly rejected the VOA report's claim that increased U.S. engagement with Puntland will "mobilize a clan to join Al Shabaab."

 

T he press statement said this claim is a "false prediction" that will not stop "Puntland in its effort to deny Al-Qaeda and her affiliates to establish a safe heaven in its territory."

 

"The article seems to be advocating for the United States to appease the Al Shabaab," concluded the press statement from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in Garowe.

 

U.S. policy and Puntland

 

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, announced last week a two-track policy that will pursue closer U.S. relations with Somalia's two stable regions, Puntland and Somaliland.

 

The new U.S. policy recognizes the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Mogadishu as Somalia's national authority, but promises "aggressive" engagement with Puntland and Somaliland in key areas of security, governance and social services.

 

Puntland's government has repeatedly called for U.S. robust engagement with stable regions in northern Somalia, as much of Mogadishu and south-central Somalia remains under the control of Al Shabaab insurgents.

 

The new U.S. policy for Somalia was welcomed in Puntland as a "strategic reward of the commitment to peace and institutional governance." READ: Puntland govt welcomes U.S. policy change on Somalia: Report

 

But some analysts have criticized U.S.-Puntland relations with regard to the Puntland government's intelligence and counterterrorism branch, the Puntland Intelligence Agency (PIA), which has enjoyed the backing of Western intelligence communities since 2001.

 

Puntland war against Al Shabaab

 

Mohamed Said Atom, a native of Puntland who is allegedly Al Shabaab's chief in the region, has always justified attacks against Puntland's government by claiming that the PIA is a "foreign organization."

 

Experts say it is part of Al Shabaab's strategy to use "clan grievances" to advance their own political agenda. In Puntland, however, Al Shabaab failed to benefit from Atom's use of the "clan grievance" method due to the egalitarian nature of Puntland society.

 

Since July, Puntland government forces including PIA units have engaged in a military offensive to flush out Mr. Atom and his Al Shabaab allies hiding out in the Golis mountain range that straddles Puntland and Somaliland.

 

Puntland forces have seized all facilities and training camps used by the insurgents, but Atom and others have fled deeper into the mountains as military operations continue.

 

In recent weeks, Somaliland's government has appealed for security cooperation with Puntland. Somaliland Interior Minister Mohamed Abdi Gabose even told reporters that he is "worried" about the movements of Al Shabaab militants led by Atom. READ: Somaliland appeals for 'cooperation with Puntland' a second time

 

Puntland, located in northeastern Somalia, has been relatively stable since declaring autonomy in 1998. The region considers itself part of a future federal Somalia and maintains its own government, security forces and holds elections as mandated by the constitution.

 

GAROWE ONLINE

 

 

Garoweonline

 

So where is Atam's picture?