I think the business of the Somalia meeting in London is clear. The British govt will not support nor advocate for recognition of Somaliland. Because of that, I refuse to agree that it is worthwhile to attend the London meeting.

However, Somaliland can play clever and call its own meeting with supporting nations in Hargeisa. Even if that means we have Israel, China and Russia, then so be it. An international meeting held in Hargeisa will be a powerful force indicating to the international community ( western world) that the govt of Somaliland will not be intimidated to rejoin Somalia.

The only issue I see is we lack strategic leadership to counter the effect of deniers of recognition. I once suggested when I met the Foreign Minister that we must be clever and seek British attention where they don't expect us to do. For example, with the many Somalilanders in UK, who are tax payers, why have any of the many organisation ever thought of seeking to judicial review of the British govt non-recognisation. That action may not go far because the Courts will say policy is for the executive, but imagine the publicity such an action will generate? All the papers will report it. Everyone in the UK will know about the plight of Somaliland. And, with the public supporting us, who knows. The British govt tends to follow public views closely.

The Foreign Minister is busy eating khat every time he comes to the UK in the so called 'meeting the people get together'. I doubt with such people if Somaliland will ever move forward. The Somaliland deniers are doing more and shamefully as successful.

Good news. However, I think Mo Guled should edit his posting - the following does not make sense, if not written poorly.

"Imam Qasim thanked the Allah, the President of Somaliland and his Vice president for facilitating to materialize the development projects intended to accomplish in Somaliland".

The current British government's interest lays on gaining petrol and seeking business deals abroad, neither of which the Horn of africa can offer. The conservatives are busy, very busy realigning themselves for the deals to be struck in Libya and others Arabs government after the spring revolution. That is why David cameron went to Russia, to kick start some relationship with them so that they ( Russia) not hinder the process of deal making after the spring revolution.

Rather than waste time seeking the attention of the Union Jack, we, as Somaliland, must form liaison of others across the field and solemnise our affairs with wide ranging government. If Israel wants to be our friend, we must agree forthwith. Waiting for Britain will make us lag behind in international scene.

Abdi and Bedria

I am in the UK, but usually follow politics bak home.I have read with interest what you wrote. Yes, we have made a great leap and inshaAllah we will continue to move forward. Whilst I agree that we need to nurture the growth already achieved, we must equally accept and allow criticism of our failings, or what seems to others as failures. It is only when we are tolerant and acceptable to our own misgivings to be pointed to us, can we really make the fathom steps that our country needs at the moment.

Abdirahman Abdulkadir has the right to speak his mind. You might not agree with his opinions but he must be allowed to air them public without harm or hindrance. Afterall that is the government and country we all want – where everyone is heard.

Some may come with selfish agenda, and try to propagate them. But, we will never knew what the message is if we stop people from making their minds known and rubbish everyone we perceive to be a threat. Further, the fact that someone questions the distribution of resources, is not bad at all. There must be equity in distribution of jobs, and others resources so that no one is left out. Everyone must be included.

I think you are accusing Gaboose wrongly. He wants to be the president, there is nothing wrong with that, and he formed his own party, equally there is nothing wrong with that, too.

I agree with you when you said, “ Our national political parties should never be exclusive to a single tribe or serve single "Beel's" interest, but rather should be inclusive and be underpinned by strong ideological foundations, supported by social justice and equality before the law”. For us to reach that stage, we must first make sure everyone in included and jobs and other amenities are distributed equally amongst our people. If that does not happen, then we will not reach the stage where our politicians do not have the need to defend ‘narrow tribal interests’, as you put it.

Finally, we need to hear from the government and especially the president to respond to the comments raised by the Kulimiye party second in charge, who is number two to him. Silence will not make the issues raised go away.

I think I am getting roped in some unhealthy conversation. God, what can of worms did I open, here? At the risk of losing my head, let me respond, hopefully this time you will understand where I am coming from, as you haven’t so far.

If you take Benzir Bhutto to be your role model, the simple truth is you far way from Islam whatsoever you intent. Take it or lump it.

Second, the point about trousers was a metaphor! Shame, you did not get it. It refers to women who think they are same as men. That is against Islam, and I have no apologies to make because I know it is the truth. Men and women are different. To think they are same and equal is un-islamic. Simple,period.

For your information, I do not chew miraa, if anything I am very much against it. Further, I am comfortably educated and with a family, and therefore does not need to take hostage when making my points clear and known.

Good luck and so long, I will now leave you with your delusions. Finally, you do need to learn to be brief, as brevity mirrors de-cluttered mind.

Nonsense. Wikipedia is a website whose information in inputted by people like me and you. You take what is in there at your peril. In spite of that, let us 'interrogate' what you claim in islamic feminism.

I think you seem to confuse 'feminism' with equal rights. They are two different things. I let you work out the difference. Feminism, if it means emancipation of the female dignity, values, and rights, is already well enshrined in Islam. Amongst the major shahabis were women and many played crucial roles. But they remain Islamic women, with the values that they inherited because of their respective roles.

But, if your 'feminism' means women are equal to and same with men, then you are hopping on one leg! Women cannot be same with men, as the two are unequal in many aspects. That fact is well recognised in Islam, as well as Biology.

So the fallacy in your 'source' is manifested in the examples it gives. Was Benzir Bhutto a perfect example of a Muslim woman? Bhutto is an example because she became a prime minister, but was she really an example to be followed? She inherited her father's political patronage and cultivated it more to reach the prime ministership. Having listened to her on several occasion, I doubt if Benazir knew any religious knowledge. She lived as any western women, but with a small cloth to cover her hair, usually on her shoulders. If that is your role model, good luck!

Your role model should be the likes of Aisha RA who was an intellectual in islamic knowledge, a beloved wife of the Prophet PBUH, a great daughter of Abu Bakr RA and a staunch follower of Islam. Would you equate Benazir Bhutto ( who drank alcohol openly) to her - no chance.

No need to quote your grand-mother, whom ever she is, or was! I can categorically told you a Somalilander woman even stood up for presidency of our country. We have women in politics, in Law, in the police, in medicine, and so on. All these women know they roles as mothers, wives, daughter, sisters and are very happy to be Muslimah - not the likes who want to wear trousers like their men folks!

Now, you can see your assertion of Islamic Feminism is hot air - the type of sociology 101 you pick up in A levels. Fortunately for us, Islam is a perfect way of life.

For the many 'western' somali women, young and educated, who though feminism meant they are equal to and same as men, their lives have remained a council flat, single with several babies from different fathers, ending up fat and disjoined from the reality of life, with no future other than benefits. Is that what you want, or would you rather be a Muslimah who respects her roles with her religion.

Whilst it is good to hear our people talk, I think in this particular discussion, the bottom line has been reached, and nothing pertinent could be said which has not already be said. It seems to me the issue of women in media was a storm in a tea-cup. No one is stopping any lady from being a journalist, and the stereotyping raised here is simply pathetic. The ladies themselves need to pursue journalism if that is want they want. And I am sure outlets like somaliland press will accommodate them in their midst.

Many of the ladies contributing here seems to be western-type with sweeping statements like - men chew mirraa, they do not work, and so forth. That is not helpful. Granted, that may be the facts, bit it is not the way to proceed, when we are still at infancy state in out nation. Feminism will not help women further themselves in an Islamic environment like ours. Each party must learn to respect each other, and live to cultivate mutual understanding. I fear I see women yapping about how many A* they got in the GSCEs, and in the process missing on marriage, remaining bitter and twisted ending in misery. Education should open up new horizon for you to make you a better person, not some canning person dwelling on non-issues which are neither here nor there. So, education should make you better happy and easily integrated person, if it does not then you need help!

Now, the following are misapprehension needed to be corrected. Islam puts the responsibility of looking after the family on the Husband. But, if the wife wants, she can work and whatever she earns is her to do with want she sees fit. She must while doing that observe hijab. The responsibility of the house falls on her, and likewise if the Husband wants to help, he can.

Ps. It is not Somalians, for God sake. It is Somalis, or rather Somalilanders.

Amal, your yardstick to 'evaluate' Somalilanders man/women is wrong. Judge us on our own standards, not others. Kadhar has pointed you to some of issues where your yardstick - using Pakistanis and Arabs have fallen short. Moreover, you seem to 'attack' Islam, nor the subjects of the topic - Somalilanders.

The pertinent point in the opinion posted was the male dominance of the Media. It was not the subjugation of the women Somalilander, or downgrades their respective intelligence. I take on board your elaborate examples in female ‘shahabis’.

Our women should engage in media, politics, or any other fields they want. There are no restrictions, whatsoever. As far as I know a Somalilander woman even stood up for presidency of our country. We have women lawyers, doctors, soldiers, police and so on.

So who is stopping the women in Media? I suggest no one, as they need themselves to engage proactively in the all spheres where they think they would. Women folks must take up opportunities in education, work, employment and so on. We have many areas now opening up in our country, and it is only right that they play their part as the citizenry of our country.

I only add that we respect our religion, which says that women when not their houses must be on ‘hijab’. That is a command from Allah.

Somaliland press must regulate their sites to stop the perennial abuse of it. I suggest you moderate what people write and delete the nonsensical ones.

It shameful and embarrassing to read what some people write here. Could they not use their time wisely and, at least, learn some English. When you see people yapping about politics and governance but cannot express themselves clearly, you wonder what contribution can they add to the country?

Maybe it the product of half-baked education many receive in the country and assume they are well qualified to insult others - surely little knowledge can be dangerous!

Somalilandpress must be proactive in cleaning their website from filth.

Kamal

Thank you for the insult. God bless.