SomaliNet Forums

AI-Tadamun: Somalia joined the Arab League in 1974, 13 years ago. What have you offered the Arab League during this time and what has it offered you?

President Barre: We do not view the matter from the standpoint of profit and loss; we have not been seeking any gains. We are now participating with the other members in all matters concerning the league, and are doing everything to offer the league something that would serve its objectives. But I believe that the Arab League should be more effective in serving the Arab peoples and improving the Arab image internationally so as to protect Arab rights. For this reason the Arab League needs more power and wisdom.

AI-Tadamun:How do you evaluate present Arab-Somali rela­tions?

President Barre: (Smiling and correcting the question) You mean relations between Somalia and the other Arab countries? To use the term Arab-Somali relations is to exclude Somalia from the Arab homeland. Relations between Somalia and the other Arab countries are good but could be better.

AI-Tadamun: Could be better in what sense? Do you feel that Somalia could obtain more economic aid? What are the fields in which relations could improve?

President Barre: I wish I were not in a position where I needed to ask for aid. In any case we have good relations with the other Arab states. When we receive aid from any of them we are grateful, but if we do not receive aid we will not be angry or make demands.

I believe it is in the interest of the Arab world to cooperate, because no country can stand alone without cooperating with others, particularly with friendly and sisterly countries. But we do not measure our friendship with others on the basis of material interest.

Basra- wrote: NO!! It is NOT interesting. Baare answer is confusing. At first, I thought he was offended as to WHY Somalia is not included with the arabs. And then he brings up the issue of 'other arab countries'???? I am confused. I think Baare ---God rest his soul---was a DUMB a$$$ based on this respond if 'at all' it is his exact quoted response.

skywalker25 wrote:Horta we Isaaq's have always been arabs and considered by arabs as arab. Now you will find a few bushman with a chip on their shoulders and identity crises that beg to differ. But any regal real Isaaq who's grandparents sailed the arabian seas and been to yeman, oman and arabia will agree with my statement. As for other Somalis they picky banked on the reputation we had built over centuries and destroyed it just like they have in the UK.....

SecretAgent wrote:Issaq r syrians n darods r yemenis da rest r pure soomaal

Basra- wrote:5. We have a heart of lion, courageous. (in a way we inherited the old style arabs that were lions. ie Ottoman dynasty. Today arabs are big futo sissies)

Arabman wrote:

Basra- wrote:5. We have a heart of lion, courageous. (in a way we inherited the old style arabs that were lions. ie Ottoman dynasty. Today arabs are big futo sissies)

Correction; the Ottomans weren't Arab. Basra, you should expand your knowledge beyond the Victorian history, literature, fashion, gossip, etc.

skywalker25 wrote:Horta we Isaaq's have always been arabs and considered by arabs as arab. Now you will find a few bushman with a chip on their shoulders and identity crises that beg to differ. But any regal real Isaaq who's grandparents sailed the arabian seas and been to yeman, oman and arabia will agree with my statement. As for other Somalis they picky banked on the reputation we had built over centuries and destroyed it just like they have in the UK.....