Warsaxaafadeed Kulankii dhex maray Musharax Farmaajo iyo Taliyaha Ciidamada AMISOM

Jimce, August, 10, 2012. waxaa galabta kulan gaar ah ku yeeshay Taliska ciidamada Nabad illaalinta ee AMISOM Musharaxa madaxtinimada dalka Mudane Maxamed Cabdullaahi Maxamed Farmaajo iyo Taliyaha guud ee Ciidamada AMISOM Gen. Paul Lokech.

Kulankan oo uu codsaday taliyaha ciidamada AMISOM ayaa waxaa looga wada hadlay arrimo la xiriira wada shaqeynta labada dhinac iyo sidii looga wada shaqeyn laha jawi nabadeed oo lagu soo dabaalo inta laga gudbayo marxaladda kala guurka iyo doorashooyinka oo ay magaalada ku sugan yihiin musharaxiin fara badan kuwaasoo halgan ugu jira sidii ay uga qeyb gali lahayeen doorashada loo balansan yahay August 20 inay magaalada ka dhacdo.

La-taliyaha Musharaxa madaxtinimada Mudane C/llaahi Yuusuf Maxamed oo isagu ka mid ahaa dadkii ka qeybgalay kulanka ayaa xaqiijiyay in labada dhinac AMISOM iyo Musharaxa ay si degan oo ay ku jirto xushmad iyo qadarin ay ugu balan qaadeen wada shaqeyn dhanka ammaanka ah.

"Waxay noo sheegeen inay AMISOM ay dhex dhexaad ka tahay xaaladdaha siyaasada dalka iyo ololaha doorashooyinka" ayuu yiri C/llaahi Yuusuf oo xusay in AMISOM ay u balan qaadeen cidii ku guuelysto doorashooyinkan ay la shaqeyn doonaan amaankana sugi doonaan.

Sidoo kale, AMISOM ayaa ka tacsiyeysay dhacdadii shalay ka dhacday fagaaraha Sayidka oo ay kooxoqaswadayaal ah rasaas ku fureen dadweyne muujinayay taageeradooda musharaxa Farmaajo ay u hayaan, wuxuuna u xaqiijiyay in dadkaasi la gartay lana xiray, isla markaana la marsiin doono cadaalada.

Dhinaca kale, Taliyaha ciidamada AMISOM Gen. Lokech ayaa u balan qaaday Mr. Farmaajo in wixii culeysyo amni ah oo soo wajaha ay diyaar u yihiin inay kala qeyb qaataan, oo ay ka hortegi doonaan wax kasta oo khal khal amni dhalin kara. Waxay kaloo labada dhinac isku afgarteen haddi culays dinaca amniga soo foodsaaro musharah iyo kambaynkiisa ay diyaar ula yihiin in ay nabad galyadiisa la wareegi doonaan ayuu yiri ugu dambeyntiina C/llaahi Yuusuf Maxamed oo ah La-taliyaha Musharaxa madaxweynaha Mr. Farmaajo.


Kala soo xiriira wixii faah faahin nabaradan hoos ku qoran:
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Concord, NH Neighborhood Bands Together After Hate Crime « CBS Boston

CONCORD, NH (CBS) – A New Hampshire neighborhood is banding together after a hate crime. Hundreds came out to show a family of Somali immigrants they are not alone, including Governor John Lynch.Governor Lynch told the family, “You’re part of a family and we’re going to treat you like part of a family and we’re going to stand right with you and be supportive of you. “This past Sunday, the family found hate-filled graffiti on their Thompson Street home. Someone wrote in black magic marker, “We cannot exist with third world scum” and called them “primitive beast“This behavior is not acceptable in New Hampshire,” Lynch told the crowd, “and we should have zero tolerance for this type of hate crime.”Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. Similar graffiti was written on three nearby homes last September.Still the homeowners believe this outpouring of support will help end the cycle of hate in the neighborhood.

“These people they make me happy,” said one of the victims. “And I’m so happy with them. First when I saw this message I feel sad, but now I feel happy.”

“This community and this show gives me a lot of courage,” said another victim. “I love my neighbors. I love the community.”Police have not made any arrests in this incident or the vandalism from last year. However, Governor Lynch promised a thorough investigation and said if caught, those responsible will face serious charges.

Concord, NH Neighborhood Bands Together After Hate Crime « CBS Boston

Farmajo supporters attacked, two killed,President Sharif Ahmed (A former jihadist ) attack Somalia-American Former Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed A. Mohamed (Farmaajo) supporters. Demo shooting & killing civilians

That's African-style democracy

Two people including a police officer were killed and two others injured when government soldiers allegedly opened fire on supporters of the immediate former TFG Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmajo) who converged at Sayidka Square after Farmajo’s return to Mogadishu earlier this morning.

Eyewitnesses told terror free somalia military officers in a saloon car popularly known as Leyla Alawi in Somalia arrived at Sayidka square where pro-Farmajo were holding a gathering in support of this candidacy in effort to disperse the crowd pitching tent at the Square.

They say the soldiers in the car were barred from dispersing the crowd by a police officer stationed at the square to keep law and order, forcing them to open fire killing him on the spot and injuring two journalists working for terror free somalia.

An elderly man was also killed during the incident.

The crowd melted into disarray as participants ran helter-skelter following the shootout that claimed the lives of two people and injured the two journalists.

The gathering started shortly after the former Prime Minister and his entourage arrived in Mogadishu after declaring his candidacy.

Ra’iisul Wasaarihii hore ee Soomaaliya oo si heer sare ah loogu soo dhoweeyey Muqdisho

Warsaxaafadeed

Ra’iisul Wasaarihii hore ee Soomaaliya oo si heer sare ah loogu soo dhoweeyey Muqdisho



Muqdisho, August, 09, 2012------ Ra’iisul Wasaarihii hore ee Soomaaliya Mudane Maxamed C/laahi Maxamed (Farmaajo) ayaa maanta dalka dib ugu soo laabtay mudo sanid ah kadib.

Mudane Farmaajo iyo wafdigii la socday ayaa si heer sare ah loogu soo dhoweeyey garoonka diyaaradaha Caalamiga ah ee Aadan Cadde, halkaas oo ay ku soo dhoweeyeen Wasiirkii hore ee Gaashaandhigga C/xakiin FIQI iyo dadweyne kale oo aad u fara badan.

Mudane Farjaamo marka uu soo degay kadib saxaafadda kula hadlay gudaha garoonka diyaaradda ee Aadan Cadde International Airport, Isagoona Sharaxaad kooban ka bixiyay Musharaxnimadiisa.



“Waxaan aad ugu faraxsanahay inaan dalka dib ugu soo laabto mudo sanad ah kadib, Wuxuuna tilmaamay in uu qeyb ka yahay Musharixiinta dalka”.

Wuxuuna sheegay in uu ugu horeyn u mahadcelinayo Odayaasha Dhaqanka Soomaaliyeed sida ay u Ansixiyeen Dastuurka dalka balse ugu baaqay iney soo xulaan Barlamaan Tayo leh oo dalka u horseeda hormar.

Sidoo kale wuxuu mahad ballaaran u diray Ciidamada Qalabka Sida sida geesinnimada leh oo ay Kooxaha Nabad diidka ah ee Al-Shabaab ugu xoreeyeyn qeybo ka mid ah ka oo ay ka mid tahay Caasimada Muqdisho ee Soomaaliya.

Ugu dambeyntii Mudane Farmaajo ayaa sheegay inuu ka warhaayo in ciidamada Xoogga dalka iyo Shaqaalaha dowladda ay in mudo 5 bilood ah aysan wax mushaar ah qaadanay uguna baaqay Madaxda dowladda iney bixiyaan Mushaaraadka Ciidanka iyo Shaqaalaha madaama ay tahay Bil Ramadaan oo ay ilmahooda ugu ciid gataan ayuu yiri.


---DHAMAAD---

Somali war linked to brewing oil dispute

The military offensive against Islamic al-Shabaab fighters is gearing up for an assault on Kismayo that's seen as a key element in a dispute over oil and gas.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The military offensive by Kenyan and Ethiopian forces against Islamic al-Shabaab fighters is gearing up for an assault on the Indian Ocean port of Kismayo that's increasingly seen as a key element in a brewing dispute over oil and natural gas.Kismayo, in southern Somalia near the Kenyan border, is al-Shabaab's most important base, through which it gets its supply of weapons and much of its revenue.But the strategic value of the city, one of Somalia's three deep-water ports, has swelled in recent months because of the huge oil and gas discoveries off East Africa.Kenya made its first big strike in March and the discoveries, all the way south to Mozambique, are piling up. Even South Africa is undertaking major seismic testing, hoping to join the region's growing energy boom.The oil and gas strikes, including some in neighboring Ethiopia, a U.S. ally that's played a prominent role in the 6-year-old war against the Somali Islamists, have raised the strategic context of the conflict to a new level.On July 6, the Western-backed Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu, Somalia's war-battered capital, accused neighboring Kenya of illegally awarding offshore oil and gas exploration rights to leading European oil companies in waters claimed by Somalia.Eni of Italy got three blocks and Total of France got one.Kenya and Ethiopia, encouraged by the United States, deployed armored columns into Somalia from the south and west in late 2011 to aid the beleaguered TFG crush the Islamists. In recent months, they have pushed al-Shabaab into a southwestern pocket, with Kismayo as its main stronghold.The dispute over the four exploration blocks is likely to complicate the stampede of oil companies into a region that over the last year or so has become one of the world's hottest energy prospects.Analyst Jen Alic, reporting for energy Web site OilPrice.com, observed July 15 that Kenya's timing "will be viewed as suspicious in Somalia ..."It's plausible that Kenya was hoping that its very successful assistance in pushing al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu and a number of other key bases and strongholds would give it carte blanche to act on oil exploration in contested coastal waters."It's a tricky situation that goes beyond the legal aspects on ownership of these waters."Kenya's involvement in southern Somalia was designed to gain the upper hand on offshore oil block concessions that rightfully belong to Somalia as stipulated in the 1982 U.N. Law of the Seas convention," said Abdillahi Mohamud, director of the East African Energy Forum.That's an international lobby group that seeks to protect Somalia's energy assets from being exploited by other states.The forum estimates that impoverished Somalia, ravaged by clan warfare since Siad Mohammed Barre was toppled in 1992, has offshore and onshore oil reserves of 80 billion-100 billion barrels."This small nation of 10 million stands to have the fifth largest petroleum reserves in the world, eclipsing heavyweights like the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Nigeria," Mohamud noted.That may well be an overly optimistic estimation. But there's little doubt that the volume of oil and natural gas in the region is vast.The recoverable gas reserves found off Tanzania and Mozambique since 2010 are estimated to total 100 trillion cubic feet. Exploration companies say the true figure may be more than double that.The U.S. Geological Survey says East Africa's waters hold more than 440 tcf of recoverable gas reserves, which will transform the region into one of the world's leading gas exporters, primarily to energy-hungry Asia.The danger is, of course, that the oil and gas strikes off Somalia will end up fueling the Somali conflict, if they haven't already, and possibly even widening it as regional powers vie with each other to control the energy riches.This could apply to other East African states as well. Ethiopia, for instance, is considered to be sitting on considerable energy reserves.These looks set to inflame a long-running insurgency against the brutal regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi , who took power in 1991 and who is now reported to be in poor health.Oil discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a treasure house of mineral riches, are adding fuel to a murderous war waged largely by neighboring states over its resources.

Source: United Press International (UPI)

Al-Shabaab Logistics and Planning Base Destroyed by Kenya Army

A secret base run by Al-Shabaab militants in Hosingow area of Southern Somalia was captured by the Kenya defense forces in Sunday, 5th of August.Kenya army captured and destroyed the Al-Shabaab militia logistics and planning base used in launching militant activities in the southern Somalia regions including Afmadow, Hosingow, Kulbiyo, Badade, and many other towns controlled by KDF/TFG.

Strategic Intelligence reports show that the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab secret strategic logistics and militia activity planning base was captured and destroyed by the Kenya defense forces.

The base was located in the outskirts of the Hosingow area controlled by the Kenya army, TFG, and Ras-Kamboni militia who work under the AMISOM banner.

Intelligence on this base shows Al-Shabaab has been using it to launch attacks on KDF/TFG military assets and troops since last year when KDF moved into South Somalia.

Kenya Army Advance to Kismayo to End Somalia Operation

August 5 | Posted by David Goldman | Intelligence News, Military Intelligence

Strategic Intelligence confirms movement of Kenya army strategic defense assets towards the militant controlled sea port city of Kismayo since 3rd of August.
Initial intelligence reports projected 3rd of August as primary in logistics and troop deployment by Kenya to bring down the last stronghold of the Al-Qaeda backed Al-Shabaab.
On the sea, Strategic Intelligence confirmed movement of three Kenya Navy vessels and their strategic direction towards Somalia.
Kenya navy wing of KDF has armed warships which are now past Burgavo, an strategic sea-town once controlled by Al-Shabaab but taken by KDF.
Special Operations by different types of fighter jets has been confirmed by intelligence sources where Strategic Intelligence defines these air defense assets as ‘fast, capable of ground attack missions, and able to avoid low level anti-aircraft defenses.
Strategic Intelligence further defines them as ground-attack aircraft whose primary role is attacking targets on the ground with greater precision than strategic bombers. Ground Attack bombers are designed to weather stronger low-level air defenses and are ideal for close air support on the main battlefield.
These jets have been conducting surveillance missions in Kismayo where they have gathered intelligence on both positions and strategic defense assets of the Al-Shabaab in the port city of Kismayu.
Wajir Airbase activity and new troop and equipment movement toward the border with Somalia confirms KDF strategic movement with a strong bias to the Somali operation.

One Year Anniversary of Al-Shabaab Fleeing Mogadishu, transforms one year on from al-Shabaab exit

The soundtrack to a day in Mogadishu, Somalia's scarred capital, is very different today than it was a year ago, Mike Pflanz and Abdiaziz Abdinor report.

Then, shells and small-arms fire echoed across the seaside city's empty streets as al-Qaeda-linked Islamist fighters withered under the onslaught of an African Union army.

Today, a year since al-Shabaab, that extremist militia, deserted its foxholes and sniper points and left the city to government forces, the sounds of a Mogadishu morning are the cracks of hammers and the drones of drills.

Somalia's capital is in the midst of its greatest transformation in 20 years, bringing cautious hope that a measure of peace may finally be taking root.

The shift started with al-Shabaab's departure from central Mogadishu, overnight on August 6 last year, after months of daily bombardment by the African Union mission, AMISOM.

Now scaffolding covers new buildings. Traders no longer fearing stray bullets fit glass to their shopfronts, and street lights brighten evenings along repaired roads that were front lines just a year ago. Down at Lido Beach, teams play volleyball beside the surf.

Press Release: Resignation of the Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Ports of Galmudug State, Hassan M. Said Samantar “Gacaliye”

 H.E Hassan M. Said Samantar “Gacaliye”, resigned Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Ports of Galmudug State.

Galmudug State of the Somali Repubic Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Ports Office of the Minister Mogadishu, August 4, 2012 PRESS RELEASE After seeing how the situation in the Galmudug State of Somalia has deteriorated at an alarming pace, after acknowledging the announcement of parallel and rival administrations in Galmudug, with the establishment of two Parliaments and the selection of two Presidents, after taking note that the rulings of the Supreme Court are ignored and the law of the land is disregarded, I want to inform the people of Galmudug in particular and the people of Somalia in general, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the League of Arab States (LAS), the IGAD member countries, the Secretary General of the United Nations, The Government of the United States of America (USA), the Government of the United Kingdom, the Government of France, the Government of Korea, the Government of Spain, the Government of Italy, the Government of China, the Government of Russia, the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Uganda, the Government of Burundi, Government of Kenya, the Government of Djibouti and all the friends of Galmudug and Somalia, that:

1) The Supreme Court of the Galmudug State (SCGS) issued a verdict against the Electoral Commission (EC) that facilitated Gen. Abdi Qaybdid claims of victory;

2) The EC claimed by Gen. Abdi Qaybdid was illegally named by the Vice-President of Galmudug;

3) The Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of the EC because it had no legal basis and it was not named and established by a decree of the President of Galmudug, who alone has this prerogative;

4) In conformity with the law, a new Electoral Commission was named and established by a decree of the President of Galmudug. The legally established EC formed the new Parliament that, on July 30,2012, elected Mohamed Elmi “Timo Kala-Jeex”, as the new President of the Galmudug State;

5) President Alin fully endorses the legal election of the new President of Galmudug and powers will be transferred on September 1st, 2012.

6) Clan representation and power sharing have been disregarded by both sides unfortunately taking Galmudug back to its founding days;

7) The prevailing situation of tension can only be solved through dialogue and not by the use of force, money or intimidation.

Having considered all of the above points and starting from today, August 4, 2012, I formally declare to have resigned from all official functions from the Galmudug State of Somalia. Whatever are the justifications, it is unacceptable that a single clan holds all the major positions of the Galmudug State, like the Presidency, the Vice-Presidency, the Speaker of Parliament and the Head of the Judiciary. All these positions must be shared equally. The fact that the non-founding clans lack representation at the Parliament (Golaha Wakiillada) and at the Traditional Elders Body (Golaha Dhaqanka) it is simply a grave set-back for the Galmudug State and a very clear rejection of the policies of sharing and expansion throughout the Central Regions of Somalia, that was promoted by the previous Administration.

I avail myself of this opportunity to thank the people of Galmudug for showing me their appreciation, and President Alin for trusting me with responsibilities of my ministry and for being a friend and brother.

Finally, I hope that reason and compromise will be the rule and that the people of Galmudug will be able to preserve what they have painstakingly achieved so far. I wish Galmudug stability, progress and contentment.

Sincerely,

Minister, Hassan M. Said Samantar, “Gacaliye”

soomaalinfo@gmail.com

Kenya: Suicide bomber kills self, wounds 9

Nairobi – A suspected suicide bomber killed himself and wounded nine people when he detonated a grenade near a military air base in Nairobi on Friday, police said, in the latest such attack since Kenya’s military foray into neighbouring Somalia.The incident occurred in a Somali-dominated area, and police said the attacker had intended to blow up a group of soldiers near the perimeter of the air base.All but one of the wounded were civilian bystanders, police said.“The person was a suicide attacker, he blew up what we believe was a grenade and we presume he was targeting the air base perimeter,” Nicholas Kamwende, head of the criminal investigations department in Nairobi, told Reuters.“Nine other people were injured,” he added.The attack came shortly before a visit to Kenya by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Africa, whose trip in part is intended to strengthen US security ties in the face of growing threats from Islamist militants.After travelling from Uganda, Clinton is expected to meet Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki in Nairobi on Saturday and, later, Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.Nairobi has blamed the series of attacks on Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which has threatened to retaliate since the east African economic powerhouse’s military pursued the Islamists into Somalia in October.Other grenade attacks have hit the capital and the coastal city of Mombasa, threatening Kenya’s lucrative tourism sector.

Two Iranians are facing charges in court after they were arrested in June in connection with chemicals

Hillary Clinton at Kasenyi Military Base in Uganda.The United States has provided 12 Raven unmanned aircraft to the ... deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union's AMISOM mission

At Kasenyi Military Base in Uganda, Secretary Clinton introduced the Raven drone aircraft and turned her baby blues toward the heavens for a demonstration of one of them in flight. This caption on one of the pictures of her holding a Raven is amusing. Yes, we know she is Superwoman, but we did not think she could hoist a manned aircraft. (Yes that IS the Raven, not a model. That is the actual plane.)

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, holds one of the 12 Raven unmanned aircrafts provided by the United States to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for use by their troops deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union‘s AMISOM mission, during her visit to Kasenyi Special Forces Group barracks 40km (25 miles) south west of capital Kampala August 3, 2012.

U.S congratulates Somalia for Adopting the Provisional Constitution

The U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has on behalf of President Barack Obama congratulated Somalia’s constituent Assembly and the entire Somali people for Wednesday’s historic vote to approve the country’s Provisional Constitution.

In a press statement from her office, the Secretary of State said “By laying the foundations for a mutually agreed upon system of governance, this vote moves Somalia closer towards lasting stability.”

She said the 825 member assembly represented the diverse concerns of the nation as it reviewed and ultimately approved the Provisional Constitution, defying intimidation of death threats and political pressure.

“Despite significant logistical difficulties, political pressure, death threats, and two attacks on the National Constituent Assembly venue, this vote affirms that the Somali people will not be intimidated by violence as they work to rebuild their country. The people of the United States applaud the members of the National Constituent Assembly for their dedication and conviction,” said Hillary Clinton.

Clinton urged Somali leaders to quickly complete the remaining tasks including the selection of a new parliament that will elect its speaker and the president to end the transition on schedule, and usher the country in a new era of governance that is more responsive, representative, and accountable.

“Our support for Somalia and the Somali people will continue beyond the end of the transition. We stand with the people of Somalia on your path toward peace, stability, prosperity,” added Clinton.

The U.S Secretary of State who is now on an official trip to Africa is scheduled to meet in Nairobi Somali leaders early this month.

Hillary Clinton will meet President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other signatories to the Roadmap aimed at ending the transition period to underscore U.S. support for completing the political transition in Somalia by August 20^th.

During her tour to Africa, the U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be visiting Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.

New era of sports diplomacy - Puja Murgai - POLITICO.com

New era of sports diplomacy - Puja Murgai - POLITICO.com

The Jawa Report: Mogadishu: Al Shabaab Kills Comedian Who Made Fun Of Them

The Jawa Report: Mogadishu: Al Shabaab Kills Comedian Who Made Fun Of Them

At around 6:00pm local time, unknown gunmen assassinated a well-known and popular Somali comedian, Abdi Jeylaani Malaaq (Marshaale), in Mogadishu as he was on his way home, according to witnesses who spoke to terror free somalia The suspects escaped from the scene before security forces arrived. Marshaale’s close friend Abdala Talaash told terror free somalia that Abdi was a peaceful and loving man who was often laughing. “It is very sad. It is shocking that gunmen would kill him, particularly during Ramadan. It is a month of worship and he was fasting. He was a patriotic man who loved his country,” said Abdala.

“He was very funny, too. From the last moment we have been producing a comedy program for Radio Kulmiye with another comedian, Abdi Muridi Ajakis. Abdi joined the program at the beginning of this Ramadan month," added the friend.Abdi had been working as a freelance comedian for many radio and television stations based in the Somali capital including Radio Kulmiye and Universal TV.

Although the motive for the murder is known, he is the eighth journalist targeted by gunmen this year, sparking fear among local media professionals.

“We were often worried, but still trying to stick our efforts to bring the reality to our people. We are often the voice of the people, but this act of murder against such man is another frustration because he was not involved in political programs. He was entertaining the people, and he was loved by the people. I never believed that he will be targeted for any reason," Ali Baashi, a local radio journalist told terror free somalia

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat

U.S. Attorney’s Office July 30, 2012

Northern District of Illinois (312) 353-5300

CHICAGO—A Chicago man pleaded guilty today to planning to travel to Somalia in 2010 to engage in jihadist fighting for a foreign terrorist organization. The defendant, Shaker Masri, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization, knowing that it was engaging in terrorism. The guilty plea resolved charges that have been pending since Masri was arrested as he was preparing to leave the country in August 2010.

Masri, 28, a U.S. citizen who lived in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing, which U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on October 16, 2012. Masri’s plea agreement calls for an agreed sentence of 118 months (nine years, 10 months). Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The guilty plea was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was conducted by the Chicago FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of FBI special agents; Chicago Police officers; and representatives from 20 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

According to the plea agreement, on July 19, 2010, Masri told an associate, who, unbeknownst to Masri at the time, was a government cooperating source, that he had decided to travel abroad to engage in a jihadist conflict as a combatant. Masri told this individual that he had two choices: either travel to Somalia to aid al Shabaab or to Afghanistan to aid al Qaeda, and Masri indicated that he had decided to travel to Somalia. Masri assured the cooperating source (CS) that he was determined to join a jihadist conflict and only needed funds to facilitate his plan. The CS responded that he had money to fund Masri’s proposed travel, but only if he could join Masri in traveling to Somalia to join al Shabaab, and Masri agreed.

Masri admitted that he and the CS met to discuss their proposed travel on multiple occasions over the following two weeks. They discussed the logistics of traveling to Somalia, including prospective routes, dates, how to conceal their departure, the costs of the journey, the necessity of supplies, and the weapons they would need to acquire in Somalia. Masri warned the CS that they had to be careful to avoid drawing any attention to their proposed travel, the plea agreement states.

On July 23 and 28, 2010, Masri and the CS met to discuss their proposed travel. Masri suggested that, to avoid suspicion, they should avoid traveling directly towards East Africa. Rather, Masri suggested that they travel to southern California, where they could cross the U.S. border into Mexico. From Mexico, Masri explained that they could travel to and through a Latin or South American country that did not work with United States’ law enforcement before heading to East Africa. When asked by the CS how they would link up with al Shabaab once in Somalia, Masri assured the CS that the area of southern Somalia where they would be traveling was controlled exclusively by al Shabaab. Masri further assured the CS that, after arriving in Somalia, he expected they would be placed with a faction of al Shabaab’s militia comprised of foreign fighters.

Masri admitted in his plea that he knew that al Shabaab was a militant organization that had engaged in violent terrorist activity. He was also aware that al Shabaab’s leadership had issued statements advocating terrorism, and he further knew that the United States had designated al Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization. In their July 23 meeting, Masri told the CS that once they embarked on their journey, they would be “wanted” men.

On July 29, 2010, Masri and the CS met at the CS’s home where they used the CS’s computer to purchase airline tickets to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles. Using a debit card provided by the CS, Masri purchased two one-way tickets to travel from Chicago’s Midway Airport to Los Angeles on August 4, 2010

Masri told the CS that before they left, he needed to discard his laptop and purchase a new computer. Masri explained that he needed to destroy his computer because it contained incriminating information, and the CS agreed to help. In the afternoon of August 3, 2010, Masri and the CS met to finalize preparations for their impending journey to Somalia. They went to a liquor store where the CS was to collect a purported debt that could be used to finance their trip. After purportedly obtaining $18,000 in funds from the liquor store, Masri and the CS traveled to a retail store where they purchased a new laptop computer. Masri was arrested as he and the CS exited the store.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Hammerman and Nicole Kim, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division...via FBI

PRESSRELEASE: National Constituent Assembly reaches Day 6

PRESSRELEASE:

National Constituent Assembly reaches Day 6

Mogadishu, July 30, 2012. The National Constituent Assembly continues tounfold smoothly as 825 Somali citizens from all walks of life discuss anddebate the draft Somali Constitution.

The formal opening of the National ConstituentAssembly took place on Wednesday, July 25, representing a significant milestonein the path towards a new constitution for the Somali people. On Day 1, thedelegates were addressed by the President, the Speaker and the Prime Ministerof the Transitional Federal Government, amongst other notable personalities andspeakers. Somali musicians and actors were able to contribute their artistictalents as well. The opening ceremony was attended by diplomats includingUnited Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General, Dr. AugustineMahiga and ambassadors from Djibouti, League of Arab States, Turkey, Ethiopia,IGAD, and the African Union, amongst others.

On the second and third days, the delegatesreviewed the rules of procedure, the entire constitutional process and the tasklying ahead of them. Also, the constitution was read by eminent Somalipersonalities.

On Days 4, 5 and 6 of the National ConstituentAssembly, the delegates were separated into 10 thematic breakout groups, madeup of approximately 80 delegates each, to facilitate debate and discussion. Thedelegates have been vigorously debating the provisions of the draftconstitution, in some cases making recommendations of changes to be deliveredto the new parliament.

The National Constituent Assembly willcontinue for another three days – on Day 8, the delegates will vote onadoption. A positive vote from the National Constituent Assembly will turn thedraft into the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. It will remain provisionaluntil the government can organize a national referendum to give each Somali manand woman the opportunity to vote on the Somali constitution.

The National Constituent Assembly has beenvisited on Sunday July 29 by Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, as well asnumerous ministers, who have commended the delegates and all the teams fortheir hard work and dedication and for their contribution to the Somali future.Today, the Norwegian representative to Somalia Jann-Peter Holtedahl addressedthe plenary session, extending his country’s good wishes and highlighting thehistoric nature of this assembly.

--

Diraac Salaad Fagaase

Communication Director, office of the PM

Mobile: +252-616084650

             +252-699270033

Mogadishu, Somalia

SEMG Report Attests That IC is an Accomplice to Somalia’s Strife

The leaked and publicly debated report of Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG) of the United Nations has uncovered unimaginable range of predatory activities perpetrated by Somali leaders as well as by large number of foreign actors against Somalia’s peace, stability, sovereignty, unity and self-governance. The deep rooted pervasive corruption and mismanagement of the leaders of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the widespread violations of UN resolutions by States, Private Security Companies (PSCs), and Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) have been well documented. The SEMG Report attests that the International Community (IC), particularly the United Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the International Contact Group (ICG) are accomplices to Somalia’s strife.

According to the report, TFG has no control over Somalia’s sea, air and land space. AMISOM, Ethiopia, Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority of Somalia, (CACAS), Bancroft Global Development (USA), Pathfinder (SA), Sterling Corporation Services/Saracen International (UAE), numerous PSCs and PMSCs control Somali Nominal Authority. In one year, close to two hundred unidentified flights arrived and left in Puntland and South Central Somalia for unspecified missions. The fundamental conclusion of 2012 SEMG report with regard to Somalia is as follows:

1. Under the Transitional Federal Institutions, the systematic misappropriation, embezzlements and outright theft of taxpayer funds have become a system of governance in Somalia, embodied in the popular phrase “Maxaa igu jira?”(“What’s in it for me?”).

2. Somalia’s prospect for stabilization and effective governance have fallen prey to political and commercial “elite” who appropriate, privatize and criminalize the core functions of the Somali State enriching themselves while perpetuating a political economy of State collapse.

For recollection, the 2011 SEMG report stated that “The principal impediments to security and stabilization in southern Somalia are the Transitional Federal Government Leadership’s lack of vision or cohesion, its endemic corruption and its failure to advance the political process.” Both reports has sufficiently discredited the false depiction by UNPOS, IGAD and ICG that TFG is a responsible and legitimate representative government of Somalia. Worse, the comment of Dr. Augustine Mahiga, head of UNPOS, to the findings of the report conveyed message of indifference and business as usual.The continuation of the Roadmap process for ending the transition under the discredited TFG leaders is inconceivable and without merit.

Corruption and mismanagement of TFG leaders

In 2011, the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Finance, Money and Protection of Public Assetsof the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) presented its preliminary findings of missing funds to parliament and media after conducting an investigation of government revenue and expenditure. The investigation has been quickly terminated by the top TFG leaders. For reasons to be examined other time, UNPOS and IGAD purposefully decided to disband the parliament and to establish instead a new Authority composed of six individuals under the fancy name – “Signatories of the Roadmap process.” Prime Minister Prof Abdiweli M. Ali claims to be the brainchild of this deceptive process.

Then, the Director of the Office of Public Finance Management Unit (PFMU) in the Office of Prime Minister Mr. Abdirizak Fartag issued Audit report indicating unaccounted and unrealized amount of $ 278 million dollars in 2009-2010. PM Mohamed Abdullahi “Formajo” under pressure closed down PFMU and fired the Director.

For corroboration, the World Bank [1] (WB) conducted Financial Diagnostic Assessment (FDA) of the Audit Investigative Financial Report of 2009-2010 and issued detailed report dated May 30, 2012. The WB report confirmed that $ 131 million dollars ($ 164 million of estimated collection less $33 million declared by TFG) are uncounted for 2009-2010. The report found that the source of mismanagement originated from the fact that the power to collect and disburse public funds constitutionally invested in the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the Accountant General and the Auditor General as institutions was practically exercised by the following officials:

1. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed President of TFG

2. Sharif Hassan Sh. Adan Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister (Speaker)

3. Abdirizak Osman Hassan “Jurile”” Minister for Post and Telecommunication

4. Abdirahman Haji Adan Ibrahim Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources

5. Abdirashid Mohamed Hashi Minister of Commerce

6. Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade Minister of Ports and Marine Transport

In addition, the 2012 SEMG report identified at least 15 Somali individuals[2]defined as “political and commercial elite” involved in various activities under investigation. The dealings of the group have been branded as cartel-style arrangement for the purpose of personal profit.

As illustrative cases, SEMG concentrated on the investigation of four transactions engaged by the TFG. First, it analyzed, transcribed and endorsed the FDA of the World Bank, which discovered the missing of $ 131 million dollars. Second, it investigated for evidence the mismanagement of $ 5 million dollars ($ 3 million dollar donated by Omani Government to the Somali National Security Agency (SNA), $ 1 million dollar donated by South Sudan Government for special purpose, and $ 1 million dollar paid by SKI Air Logistics after it received Mogadishu Airport Contract). Third, it probed the shady process for printing 5 trillion banknotes in Sudan in defiance of all legal, administrative and technical procedures. And fourth, it described the corrupt handling of the project for issuing new Passport and National Identification Card. The four cases showed how TFG leaders privatized public power, institutions and services.

Surprisingly, in the face of the above mentioned subsequent revelations, TFG leaders never cared to respond satisfactorily to the accusations of rampant corruption by providing comprehensive detailed explanation of the external and domestic revenues through institutional responsibilities. To the contrary, besides sending a letter to the UN Secretary General in which he designated the Coordinator of SEMG as “Persona non grata in Somalia”, the President accused SEMG for anti-Somali agenda. The Speaker denounced the accusations as bias and baseless aimed to undermine his high chance for being elected to the position of President after his past political performance. The Prime Minister praised the report and accepted the allegations against him by agreeing to provide documentation only for the $ 6 million dollars linked to his name.

These split reactions among the three top TFG leaders reaffirmed the central conclusion of the report consisting in the absence of TFG collective responsibility and in the lack of adherence to Public Finance Management rules and practices. Because of the letter, SEMG recommended sanction against President Sheikh Sharif for the obstruction of the enforcement of UN Resolutions.

Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF)

Puntland State has refused to cooperate with SEMG which led to the recommendation of sanction against Puntland Authorities as their act of refusal constituted a potential obstruction of the work of SEMG. Nevertheless, the Report discussed in detail the operations ofSterling Corporate Services (SCS) formerly (Saracen International) which trains, equips and supervises 1,000 Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) with funds provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Without proper consultation, the Office of the Prime Minister authorized SCS to select soldiers from Somali National Army (SNA) to join PFMP training at their camp in Bosaso. AMISOM overruled PM’s authorization and stopped the selection process.

There are many entities involved in the support of PMPF [3]. The report points out that SCS and other companies are linked to Mr. Lafras Luitigingh, owner of Saracen International. Recently, Col Oliver North visited Puntland. TFG received from Saracen International the medical center -Villa Somalia Emergency Trauma Centre,establishedin the Presidential compound. The Fund was paid by UAE.

SEMG argues that PMPF represents a profitable enterprise for relatives and close associates of Puntland President who directly controls it contrary to article 94 of Puntland Constitution. Therefore, SEMG considers the external support of PMPF illegal and breach of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Support to TFG and Puntland Intelligence Services

The report brought to light that the TFG National Security Agency (NSA) commands 1,500 strong force well equipped and trained that comes under the direct supervision of the President. The US Government supports NSA and Puntland Intelligence Services (PIS). Also Sudan supports NSA. SEMG is of the opinion that the support of NSA and PIS is in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Violations of Arms Embargo

More than 15 countries and International Organizations are accused of violations against UN Arms Embargo on Somalia. The presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia is considered as a violation of UN Resolutions.Another violator of UN resolution is the United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) which has contracted a UK based company,Human Recognition Systemto conduct biometric registration including personal details, fingerprints, photograph and DNA, of Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers, aimed at improving payment of stipends.

In Summary

The Parliamentary Committee, the PFMU, the World Bank, and SEMG have graphically presented the pervasive corruption and mismanagement within TFG. But UNPOS and IGAD backed by IC successfully flouted those accusations and stuck with their corrupted TFG leaders to implement a divisive Roadmap process. The Security Council and the IC must re-examine the facts and problems identified in the SEMG report for course correction and new policy prescription that will help peace, security and stability in Somalia. The predatory activities underway in Somalia must be stopped and the focus should be shifted to State building that delivers State functions throughout Somalia.

Mohamud M Uluso

Email: mohamuduluso@gmail.com

Keeping Somalia in Conflict: Somaliland Secessionists, Al Shabaab and Matt Bryden

Over the past couple of decades, every Somalia analysts had nightmares whenever they tried to find solutions for the Somalia conflict. A unique nation, no text books were ever written on situations similar to that of Somalia. As one of the only two countries named after its people in the giant continent of Africa, the frustrated experts often conveniently conclude that Somalis are just hot-headed and turbo-charged people who argue with each other rather than sit around the table and debate when considering matters of national interest.

But as a concerned Somali, it’s unacceptable to me that such energetic and highly enterprising people would be in conflict with each other for that long without the interference of other governments or groups of people or powerful individuals, so I went my separate way to find my own solutions for what’s wrong with the country and its people.

In my researches in the early years of the conflict and occasionally at present, I blamed the Ethiopians for having their own national interest in the Somalia conflict. And increasingly recently I suspected the Saudis and their teachings of Wahabi Islam. Often I would debate with friends and even with myself about the reasons for the Ethiopians or the Saudis wanting to sustain the conflict in Somalia. Both are close to us; one being our immediate neighbour and the other, our favourite destination for Hajj, shopping and work.

This past fortnight however, I took far too closer look at Somalia, Ethiopia and the nearby Saudi Arabian peninsula. And when the bell did not ring in any of these places, I suddenly, like Albert Einstein discovering Matter and Energy, found a single Canadian culprit who strategically positioned himself in the suburbs of Nairobi, Kenya. I made a substantial discovery towards the conflict resolution programmes for Somalia.

I zeroed in my investigation to small group of mainly Western expats in Nairobi. But the person who is partly responsible for much of the chaos and the unrest in Somalia over the past 21 years is none other than Mr Matt Bryden from Toronto, Canada. He worked for the Brussels-based the International Crisis Group before joining the United Nations, and he is married to Ubah (her exact Somali family name unknown at the time of writing) who originally came from North-Western Somalia (Somaliland).

An investigation into the criteria used to process his original application for employment at the UN is currently underway to establish how Mr Bryden was able to secure employment at the United Nations Political Office for Somalia. My initial findings, however, is that the ‘conflict of interest’ procedure was not properly followed. At this point in time, I can’t confirm whether the mistake was an oversight or deliberate disregard of the UN’s recruitment policy.

In fact I have been wondering over the past ten years about what interest Mr. Matt Bryden has in Somalia. I knew all along from his various reports on Somalia that he has some kind of business in trying to keep Somalia in conflict. I have not, however, discovered up until this week exactly what that interest may be. Perhaps I overlooked some crucial but remote details about the man and his activities, just like the United Nations Human Resources Department in New York, if they were ever made aware of the fact that they have outsourced an important contract to a person who has private interests in Somalia.

Matt Bryden at Somaliland SPRI Conference (2005)

With his latest report on Somalia, Mr. Bryden attracted the undivided attention of the entire Somali nation and this time, the knives are out to him. His dirty laundry is there for everyone to see hanging on the ropes outside his house in Nairobi.

Mr. Bryden’s leaked report on Somalia which is doctored several times over offended every Somali person and the Somalis have him cornered as his back is against the wall. He made very serious error of judgement by underestimating the Somali people, their intelligence and their patience.

The incomplete report which is surprisingly sanctioned by the United Nations has laid bare to Mr Bryden’s ulterior motives. It’s obvious to everyone that his high school style essay has been designed to disrupt and derail the final days of the Somali peace process once again and to tarnish the reputation of the entire Somali nation as corrupt society, unable to produce credible people who can take responsibility for their own country. Please note that I am not, by any means, defending any Somali official who may have been involved in corruption activities.

In the report, while Mr. Bryden pointed the finger at individuals in the transitional Somali government and underlined the amounts of cash they allegedly misappropriated, he deliberately omitted the vital data of who actually handed the money over to whom and with which bank or banks handled these monies, making the entire report unworthy of the papers it was written on.

What also baffled the Somali people and the observers of the Somalia conflict is the deliberate exclusion from the poorly written report of a widespread corruption that is taking place in Somaliland. The United Nations Development Programme confirmed in the winter of 2011 (news wire) that 1000 metric-tonne of food aid that was donated by the government of Oman were emptied by Somaliland officials on daylight from warehouses in Hargeisa.

Moreover, a fourth grader knows that when corruption takes place anywhere in the world the facilitators of that corruption would consist of two people or more. And in the case of Somalia, since almost all the monies came from foreign donors and mainly changed hands on the watch of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia in Nairobi where Mr Bryden lives and works, there were no people named in the report other than the Somali officials, shamefully insulting the intelligence of everyone who read his so called the Somalia Report.

According to Mr Bryden’s sources, there are the Arab Sheikhs who Mr. Bryden claims paid substantial amounts of cash to the Somali government officials. But if an Arab Sheikh hands over a suitcase full of cash to a Somali official and asks him or her no questions later, would you consider it as a gift to that particular individual or would you call it a corruption – a corruption by who? And surprisingly enough, as the weak Somali government officials are junior partners to UNPOS when it comes to foreign donations, the report has been selective and does not contain the names of the people who I believe initiated the alleged corruption and who pocketed the most of the misappropriated funds. The world needs to know who these people are.

The UN must appoint a new and credible person immediately and commission fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bryden’s activities in Somalia and all the monies that are unaccounted for, no matter whether the funds were paid through the United Nations Political Office for Somalia or was given to individuals as cash in hand. Until then Matt Bryden’s so called Monitoring report is implausible and should be considered null and void.

In fact the Monitoring Group’s report falls far too short of international standards as it lacks substance, professionalism, legitimacy and credibility, and should be dismissed by the United Nations. In the light of the facts available so far, the United Nations should demand the tax payer’s money back from Matt Bryden and his organisation. And Mr Bryden must be relieved from his post, and not reappointed in public service capacity to any activity within the Somali Republic. The international community can no longer afford to tolerate any government or lone wolves who represent other privately established institutions to prolong the conflict by working against the efforts to find peace and security in Somalia.

The Somali people are also strongly urging the UN – after the report is reconsidered – to open the way for comprehensive and independent investigation into the suspected Nairobi-based protection racket which is possibly headed by Mr Matt Bryden. And a good starting point would be Mr Bryden’s interest in Somalia and his relationships with the secessionists group in Somaliland. Only then can the fragile Somali peoples’ relationship with the UN be put back on the right truck.

As politically literate society, the Somali people are well aware of who meets who and when in Nairobi’s expatriate circles. When Mr Augustine P Mahiga, the UN Special Rep. for Somalia, for example, called for the diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, my follow up investigation confirmed that he had dinner table conversation in Nairobi with Matt Bryden the week proceeding to his departure for Hargeisa where his statements were made. But the irresponsible remarks put the colonial mission school educated Mahiga in hot waters after the Security Council promptly reprimanded him.

I must underline that the Somali people have the resources – financial and professional personnel – to conduct their own world class investigations, and if Mr Mahiga elects not to recommend the termination of Mr Bryden’s role in Somalia, other people would be implicated. I should also make it clear to everyone, friend or foe, that the Somali people are fully awake in 2012.

Big or small, there is corruption everywhere including Somalia. But we must be on the lookout for the parasitic individuals who are lurking in the dark periphery of the Somalia conflict, and who are actively involved in the attempts to keep Somalia in conflict. We won’t be able to put to good use the recent gains made by the African Union without removing the remaining obstacles to peace and stability in Somalia: Somaliland secessionists, Al Shabaab and people like Matt Bryden.

It’s an open secret, albeit published in some intelligence reports on Somalia, that Somaliland politicians believe that it’s in their best interest to help sustain the anarchy in the rest of Somalia. So when Mr Bryden’s strong relationship with Somaliland is on the public domain, I wonder how an oversight could have taken place in the UN’s recruitment policy on international staffing.

Urgent review of the UN’s hiring procedures should also be made before another ‘white collar warlord’ and international ‘conflict fat cat’ cooks their own books and makes further embarrassment for the world body. It’s time to find out who else, apart from Matt Bryden, is fuelling the conflict in Somalia and giving Al Shabaab the lifeline they badly need. The Somali people need answers as they are running out of time – and patience.

Abdul Ghelleh, former UKLG civil servant

Email: abdulghelleh@gmail.com

Propaganda Report of Monitoring Group Somalia – Who is "Con-Artist" Lobbyist Matthew Bryden (Terror Free Somalia Foundation Fact Check )

Ethiopia's Intellectual Leader Meles Zenawi | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Ethiopia's Intellectual Leader Meles Zenawi | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

The Zenawi Paradox: An Ethiopian Leader's Good and Terrible Legacy - The Atlantic

The Zenawi Paradox: An Ethiopian Leader's Good and Terrible Legacy - The Atlantic

Tacsi Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed

                                  Tacsi    



Innaa lillaahi wa inaa ileyhi raajicuun

July, 21,  Reston, Virginia 2011------Magaca  dhamaann Reer Yusuf Warasme (Reer yusuf ganay) Hooyo Faaduma dheere  Guuleed ( Canada, Sweden and the US) WaxaanTacsi tiiraanyo leh u diraya Abti  Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed oo maanta ku geeriyooday magaalada London ee wadanka Ingiriiska, dhamaan reer cad cad Qaraabada iyo Ummadda Soomaaliyeed Meel walba ay joogaan.

Geeriduwaa xaq, noole walbana waxuumarayaa dhimasho. Waxaana EEBBE uga baryayaa inuu Abti Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed Janadii Fardowsa ka waraabiyo,kitaabkiisana gacanta midig ka siiyo, dhammaan ummadda Soomaaliyeedna Samir iyo IIMAAN ka siiyo.

   
 Abdirahman Y Warsame

-DHAMAAD-

"Ramadaan Kariim"رمضان مبارك Have a Happy Ramadan/UK’s premier reaches out to Muslims in the world as Ramadan begins/Obama Statement Marking Ramadan

The essence of Ramadan is to become humble

Muslims around the world will begin fasting from Friday July 20, 2012 and for a whole month thereafter, however, for some it will begin only if the moon is sighted.

Since the beginning of Islam, there have been debates as to what constitutes moon sighting. Some interpret that there has to be a minion to declare that they have seen it themselves with their own eyes, where some others do not accept the holiday unless they have seen it themselves. In the United States, there is an organization that monitors moon sighting called the Hilal committee. At one time it was acceptable if the moon was sighted elsewhere, but now, each group has to have their own moon sighting.

Politics runs deeply in our communities, be it a temple, synagogue or a church, and mosques are no different. A few scientifically-inclined-Muslims have adopted NASA's calculation, believed to be precise. However, four different traditions are operative concurrently; i) Strictly Calendar, ii) NASA and iii) Sighting with bare eyes and iv) Sighting by others in the community.

The NASA-oriented and the calendar-group misses out the fun, joy and exhilaration of waiting and watching the needle thin moon on the horizon. The whole family gets out on the roof tops, or higher grounds, some even climb electric poles, and a few will drive out where they can see the sky without obstacles, kids would climb up on parent's shoulders, and a few run from place to place shouting in excitement, did you see? It is like the belief in Santa Claus, angels and other myths; each tradition fulfills one's emotional needs and every one becomes sentimental. After all, if celebration does not have the excitement, it is less of a celebration.

America's spirit of freedom touches every soul, no matter what religion or tradition they follow. American Muslims are no different, they prefer to have a pre-set date to start fasting and the celebration called "Eid" (pronounced as 'Eeed'). The idea is for them to take a day off from work or get an optional day off for their children from the schools. Always, the joy multiplies when the family and friends celebrate it together. They prefer not wait for the moon to show up to the bare eyes.

The conflict is the same every where on the earth. Each group subscribes to one of the four systems mentioned above. America is no different; you will find celebrations on one or three different days in any given city. The Sunnis, being the largest group has the greater division within, while the Shias, Ismailis, WD Mohammad, Bohra and Ahmadiyya follow the pre-determined dates. The consensus may be attributable to having central spiritual leadership in all groups except the Sunni. However like the American public wishes to see Republicans and Democrats drop the party lines and focus on what is good for America, the Muslims also wish they could celebrate the Eid on one single day. It ain't going to happen; it is human to disagree.

It is against the spirit of Ramadan to denigrate, diminish and devalue other practices. The essence of Ramadan is to become humble, simple and free from ill-will, anger, meanness and hate.

Let's fill our hearts with goodwill and honor Ramadan by saying "Eid Mubarak" or Happy Eid to every one who celebrates on a different day in the same town. The essence of Ramadan is joy and let's not prick any one's bubble; God has not signed a pact with any one behind others back, let's rejoice the differences of interpretations. If you want to celebrate every day, go to every celebration.

In the spirit of Ramadan, I pray that Ramadan gets into our hearts and minds and make us embrace all factions of Muslims without undermining their tradition and further pray that we treat every human on the earth with dignity, respect and care.

That is indeed the wisdom expressed in Qur'an, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware of everything you do."

Ramadan Mubarak!

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on Islam and pluralism
.

President Obama Gives Ramadan Message

UK’s premier reaches out to Muslims in the world as Ramadan begins

Muslim communities in Britain and around the world at the start of the month of Ramadan.In a press release,

Mr Cameron said Ramadan is a time to remind people their duties and responsibilities and the importance of charity.The premier urged Muslims all over the world to put aside thoughts of themselves, and think of others during this month of Ramadan.The Prime Minister noted the terrible scenes of famine and suffering in the Horn of Africa, saying it reminds them of their duties and responsibilities to those beyond their shores .Mr Cameron said the importance of charity at this time is clear and he is proud of many different communities in the United Kingdom continuing to come together to support millions of people who are in desperate need.

Israeli President Peres releases video message wishing Muslim world “a blessed Ramadan.”