DISTORTION OF GOOD INTENTIONED
CONFERENCE

Jamal Ali
March 28, 2007

In the quest to mend our conquered country by our nemesis in cahoots with TFG, North American Somali Diaspora conference was held in Columbus, Ohio to initiate a course of action and political discourse to find a way out of this difficult situation. As one of the few proud participants of that conference, I found very disturbing and utterly astounded to read and came across the personal views and comments of Dr.Ali Bahar who compared and contrasted two different conferences with different scope and mission and yet concluded both undertakings as an exercise in futility. Moreover, while everyone is entitled to his opinion, one should buttress and substantiate his statements and remarks with facts. There fore, I found his remarks repugnant and morally irresponsible because he shamelessly distorted the objective and the outcome of the Columbus Conference, audaciously defamed a respected Somali hero and regrettable being a discreet about the Ethiopian occupation of our country.

Distortion of the Columbus conference

The old adage “Every cloud has a silver lining” has never been more instructive and there is a reason for hope even in the bleakest situation. The smallest deed is greater than the grandest intentions and we should commend and hat off to those of us from the North American Somali Diaspora who went above and beyond call of duty. Some times, in the face of insurmountable odds, few brave ones can venture into uncharted waters. I happen to be one of those who were fortunate enough to attend the Somali Diaspora Conference held in Columbus, Ohio on March 10 and 11. Unlike what Mr. Ali Bahar tried to portray, the motive of the conference was not to score points with tribe(s), not dominated by a specific clan, and there was no inter clan competition what so ever. The two days long conference was one of the best organized and administered. Contrary to Mr. Bahar’s assertion, the attendees were not driven by clanism; rather, they were likeminded individuals who realized that they cannot standby and watch the suffering of their people. The group understood that the current occupation of our country could become permanent. The overall atmosphere was one of sanity as opposed to irrationality and needless arguments. It was entirely inline with the rules of typical meetings of civilized individuals. In short, the conference has addressed several crucial and pressing issues and presented the outcome and recommendations in many media outlets and Somali website.

Defamation of a Somali hero

It is inconceivable to see such level of defamation portrayed by Mr.Bahar who might attend the meeting not as an observer as he claimed but as a wolf in sheep’s clothing or more bluntly as a mole’s masquerade as a true Somali. It is a clever ploy by some pseudo intellectuals using smear tactics to taint and tarnish the reputation of well respected and seasoned politician. Some of the Bahar’s comments and derogatory remarks directed to Dr. Galyr went beyond the pale of respect to say at least. It was malignant reminiscence of vulgar and cheap horse trading uncharacteristic of intellectual circles and elites like Dr.Bahar. A classless crass and deplorable stunt of that sort spilled by Dr. Bahar is the talk of the groups in the café and tea places (Fadhi ku dirir).

Perhaps, I should point out fairly and squarely that I do greatly admire Dr. Galaydh for his unwavering opposition to our number one enemy with their insidious plans that can only be sensed by practical and pragmatic leaders with vision and not by puppets. His relentless and consistent effort to be diligent and resourceful in seeking a viable solution to a persistent problem is well perceived and acknowledged by many Somalis and hence is viewed as a national hero and patriot. Surprisingly, all these do not sit well with those who practice the perverse politics of Somalia which are driven by clanism. And we all know that the clanism is the prime culprit of our country’s destruction. Through out the years of the tribal war fares, Dr. Ali Khalif was brave enough to refuse to be influenced by the disease of clanism.

Discreet about the Ethiopian occupation

Somalis are diametrically divided and bitterly opposed to one another on several hot issues. However, the prevailing divergent view is emancipating from the presence of the Ethiopian troops in Somali soils. In my opinion that is the real point of contention. While proponents are jubilant and triumphant about the use of Ethiopian forces as a means to achieve their end, opponents view the Ethiopian presence as an invasion and a conquest perpetrated by those TFG leaders who evidently could not live and rule without them. Those two camps are currently at loggerheads over that particular issue. What surprises me most is that Mr. Bahar has failed to mention in his writing about the Ethiopian occupation. Instead, he dared to attack those who are resisting the occupation, and the Islamic courts that were able to rid the evil doers (warlords) out of Mogadishu, restored order and brought a peace in the areas they were controlling. Most of his time has been consumed to create a negative image against anyone who has shown a sense of patriotism. Thus, it is obvious to me which group that Mr. Ali Bahar belongs to.

Conclusion

Finally, by all means I am not against a constructive criticism, and I agree with Mr. Ali Bahar that there are failures at every level of our society. But, the question that looms more and more for me is just what over 16 years of senseless wars did to millions of our people. For this reason, The Ohio conference was commendable and was a ray of hope radiating far and wide despite distortions and outcry from diehard pro-Ethiopian and TFG camp. It was a beacon of hope to many true Somalis with sense of nationalistic aspirations and who are in defiance and in opposition to the conquest and occupation of Somalia by Ethiopia.  

I do really feel pity of those of us who are rallying behind the inept current leaders of TFG who fiddle while Mogadishu burns. History will recall those of us who instigated, initiated, supported and rallied behind this unprecedented Ethiopian conquest to Somalia and will be considered as traitors to the country and to the people of Somalia.
There is no doubt in my mind that more Somalis will die and we will have different opinions, but the struggle between right and wrong will continue and those who stick with their religion and fight for their country will eventually prevail. There fore, the shameless distortion of the Columbus conference, defamation and derogatory attacks against the respected Somali politicians, and the discreet denials of the Ethiopian occupation will not deter our efforts to speak out and fight for our beloved country.

Jamal Ali E-Mail:
Jamali305@yahoo.com

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