Postby DamallaXagare » Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:34 am
Puntland, our sister region
Maakhir does not claim to extricate from its economic and social interconnection with Puntland. However, it needs to define its political vision, from the perspective of Somali union and realist priorities.
Maakhir is a symbolic reminder of the wealthy of resources and land size the region sits on and the resiliency of its people. It's neither a proxy state nor a vassal of some entities. It's , however, defined by its unique history and, economically and socially, its contemporary coalition with Puntland so as to stave off the challenging times of Somalia and to completely neutralize, and to some extent, reverse the secessionist's divisive goal.
Historically, Maakhir was created on the basis of territorial accumulation by Warsangeli Sultanate, which established permenant rule over its subjects. In its peak, it reached as far as Burco. Historians from the region would claim that the extension of its influence, long-distance communication and exchanges reached Aden, Oman, Berlin, Rome and London. A closer examination of its past reveals a time the Germans entered treaty with Warsangeli in Berbera after the Egyptians vacated, according to Beachey in his book, "The Mad Mullah"
The administration had extensive professional bureaucrats and standing army that assessed trade routes as well as taking accurate accounting for the imports, production and exports of food and raw material surpluses vital to the survival and expansion of the centralized Muslim Sultanate.
On contemporary issues,
Maakhir faces huge challenges that have made its progress fairly stagnant. However, there are now shovel-ready projects, such as the Port, roads, state-of-the-art schools and hospitals. These are huge and stiff challenges and will be difficult to meet if tribal-based entities that are engaged in war of words and diplomacy over Maakhir are not stopped. It's like financial broker/advisor in charge of your stock portfolio without proper experience and certification, besides having a record of wrong doings and ethics.
SL is our sister friend, and Ogaden will be our source of wealth and trade. The latter love to trade with us and bring enough supply of livestock, once the port starts functioning.
What are your views reer Maakhir. Others are welcome.
-DX