I will always keep with me some unforgettable memories, like the interview I had with the late Abdikarim Laqanyo, a young promising Somali diplomat and patriot who has done more under difficult circumstances, some of which I witnessed when I had visited him in Addis Ababa in the summer of 2006; or my one-on-one interview with the preeminent Horn of Africa scholar and a good friend, Dr. Ed Keller, chairman of Political Science Department at UCLA. 

I still take pride in bringing the works of Professor Said Samatar and the likes to a wide range of educated Somalis, far beyond the narrow confines of academic institutions where most scholarly works on Africa, for sure on Somalia, collect dust without much access by the bourgeoning Somali educated class.  Equally important to me was to bring into the Somalia debate scholars like Dr. Ali Hersi, whose in-depth knowledge about the Islamic Court Union was fresh and breathtaking. 

There have been many challenges too. Many a times, I had to cheat time from my family to write and meet stringent deadlines.  Some days were irksome, especially when less suspecting readers, naively attributed anything written or posted on Wardheernews to the editor in chief.  It is rather the failing of hostile parties to appreciate the concept of “freedom of press,” a concept so dear to this culture in which we live, that often gets butchered.  In short, this job is not and would never be for the faint hearted individual.

I for sure stepped on powerful and impatient toes, including some of the rulers in the countries in the Horn of Africa as well as organized groups both here and back at home.  All the threats and intimidations that came to me from such hostile circles - owing to their offended feelings - at the mere publication of ideas would pale compared to the satisfaction that one in my position derives from appreciative letters that come from satisfied readers (students, former statesmen, scholars, young and upcoming scholars and journalists who seek direction and information……). 

I will do injustice to my readers if I don’t mention the hundreds, literally close to three hundred positive letters; I received when I posted a memoir about Mogadishu. “A Tale of Two Cities: A Personal Perspective on Mogadishu and Los Angeles,” reminiscing the collective loss of a national treasure.  Of course, the ultimate satisfaction always comes in the form of: “keep up the good work; the nation and its people need you!” This is especially so because I did all this for the love of labor and free from any opportunistic gains. 

There are few issues, when I reflect back, that strained friendships; a case in point is when a friend’s article is not published because the board decided so.  Despite the pain that I take home with me, the board, consisting of 6 individuals, strictly observes “majority rule,” which at times comes contrary to my personal inclinations and the vision with which I Joined this project.  This I would have liked to change, but my adherence to democratic values takes supreme.

In my free time in the future, I will continue to write and give advice to the board as needed.  However, I will dedicate most of my free time to serve as the editor-in-chief of a newsletter on urban planning that my office recently undertook under my new director who is a close colleague of mine.  I will also serve as a Contributing editor of the Horn of Africa Journal.

Faisal Roble
E-Mail: fabroble@aol.com

_____________________________________________________________________

We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com
So please email your article today Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect the views of WardheerNews
Maqaalkani wuxuu ka turjumayaa aragtida Qoraaga loomana fasiran karo tan WardheerNews 

Copyright © 2011 WardheerNews.com