The year 2012 has fast come. Time flies far quicker than I can keep up with these days. I am however trolling along with an optimistic outlook on what's ahead of us this year. I'm getting to know the land of the Welsh and I must say, it has been a pleasant breath of fresh air thus far. I find myself directionally challenged lost in the most popular areas, but then again, one cannot bring a testimony without the tests...
My PhD is slowly taking the shape of a full time job (much of it spent trying to find the library!) that occupies my mind on a full time basis, but only noticed how consuming it is just now, as I reflect. It is a fine bubble to be in!
One of the issues I've been pondering on lately is that this year is the year of massive soldier withdrawal from Afghanistan.The United States is pulling out approximately 33,000 by the end of 2012, which is one third of the 101,000 American troops who were in Afghanistan in June, the peak of U.S. military presence in the war.Canada withdrew 2,850 combat forces and France and Britain will each send about 400 home while Poland is recalling 200 and Denmark and Slovenia are pulling out about 120 combined. On one hand it is good to see that this war might finally be coming to an end, hoping the Afghan troops can maintain law and order in their country.
I dread the conditions the returning soldiers will be facing though, as many of those who had come back from Rwanda, Iraq and Vietnam for example had severe stress and depression related illnesses leading to endangerment to themselves and others at times. Statistics that reflect the mental health conditions of returning soldiers and veterans and their levels of post-traumatic stress disorders are astounding. What's ironic is that these same soldiers are revered and well looked after by their governments prior to their departure.
I was watching a documentary not long ago that highlighted this issue titled 'A War in the Mind' and what baffled me was the lack of after-care there is available for these soldiers. It is almost as if they're of no more use, so they get disposed of and this is precisely what leads some of them to commit the ultimate act of violence against themselves.
For many of these soldiers, and probably for those that will return this year, admitting the symptoms is often the hardest in a “suck-it-up” military culture of macho toughness that stigmatizes men for the “weakness” of being emotionally troubled. What isn't often taken into account is that once a soldier returns from a battlefield, the horrors of war remain engraved in their memory long after the war has ended.
Being successful does not mean winning a war but rather being able to go to sleep with a clear conscious and waking up with a noble perspective.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, December 18, 2011
a tale of blame shifting
My little brother recently shared a story with me that served as a great reminder for me. He began his tale with 'Once upon a time, a devilish creature went to a kiosk in a small village and rubbed a streak of sweet jelly on one of its walls. An old wise man walked up to the creature and asked him why he's always misleading humanity to which the creature replied "I am not to blame for humanity's decisions." The old man walked away upset.
The jelly attracted a fly which got stuck on the wall. A customer that came to buy something from the kiosk brought along his cat. Whilst conversing with the owner, the customer's cat got attracted to the fly on the wall, and the cat then attracted the dog of the kiosk owner. Long story short; dog ended up killing the cat and a huge fight ensued between the customer and the kiosk owner. Their fight draw in the entire village and the kiosk owner gave the customer a final blow that led to the customer's death. A village-wide outcry led to a nationwide outcry and before long,a civil war broke out between those that supported the family of the kiosk owner and those on the dead customer's side.
The devilish creature came back to the old, wise man and said "You see what humanity is capable of without our involvement? All I did was rub some sweet jelly on a kiosk wall..."
We often hear many shifted blames and complaints about how others are in the wrong yet we rarely reflect on our individual parts of society's ills. This story served as a reminder for me and wanted to share it with you all hoping it might have similar impact.
The jelly attracted a fly which got stuck on the wall. A customer that came to buy something from the kiosk brought along his cat. Whilst conversing with the owner, the customer's cat got attracted to the fly on the wall, and the cat then attracted the dog of the kiosk owner. Long story short; dog ended up killing the cat and a huge fight ensued between the customer and the kiosk owner. Their fight draw in the entire village and the kiosk owner gave the customer a final blow that led to the customer's death. A village-wide outcry led to a nationwide outcry and before long,a civil war broke out between those that supported the family of the kiosk owner and those on the dead customer's side.
The devilish creature came back to the old, wise man and said "You see what humanity is capable of without our involvement? All I did was rub some sweet jelly on a kiosk wall..."
We often hear many shifted blames and complaints about how others are in the wrong yet we rarely reflect on our individual parts of society's ills. This story served as a reminder for me and wanted to share it with you all hoping it might have similar impact.
Monday, December 12, 2011
reflections of a hopeful student
The past few weeks have cocooned me into my own world of literature. When I started my PhD course in October, I was still in an idealistic state of mind reading 5-6 books a week of authors I personally liked and much of it was general media and conflict literature.
I had my first 'awakening' when I got feedback for my first literature review draft. Since then I've figured out I ought to be reading around 30 odd books, a wide range of journals and empirical data on a weekly basis in addition to critically analysing them! Swamped with this much information, one's mind can often get bogged down. But I've also had a good few 'Eureka' moments where ideas flowed out of my mind.
So far my studies have taken me along a humble path, realising the scope of knowledge there is out there and the human limitations when it comes to acquiring it. Every day I learn something new and every day I face a new intellectual challenge. It is a balancing act of patience, humility and optimism which I hope will gradually move me forward in to the realm of ongoing progression.
I am thoroughly enjoying it, far more than I had anticipated. Einstein's statement 'the more you seek knowledge, the more you realise you know nothing' often crosses my mind :). I feel I am growing on a daily basis and for that I am grateful.
I had my first 'awakening' when I got feedback for my first literature review draft. Since then I've figured out I ought to be reading around 30 odd books, a wide range of journals and empirical data on a weekly basis in addition to critically analysing them! Swamped with this much information, one's mind can often get bogged down. But I've also had a good few 'Eureka' moments where ideas flowed out of my mind.
So far my studies have taken me along a humble path, realising the scope of knowledge there is out there and the human limitations when it comes to acquiring it. Every day I learn something new and every day I face a new intellectual challenge. It is a balancing act of patience, humility and optimism which I hope will gradually move me forward in to the realm of ongoing progression.
I am thoroughly enjoying it, far more than I had anticipated. Einstein's statement 'the more you seek knowledge, the more you realise you know nothing' often crosses my mind :). I feel I am growing on a daily basis and for that I am grateful.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Post Somali Week
Though I'm still recuperating, I wanted to write a quick note of appreciation as I had a blast at Oxford House's Somali Week in London. I came back Sunday morning exhausted but filled with exuberance and hope for the heights Somali literature can reach in the future.
Many prominent artists, writers, publishers, poets and literary experts gathered for that one week and every day was a different flavour bringing many people across the spectrum together. Wednesday was particularly close to my heart as it was the evening dedicated to Women's Literature and the contributions they made to the development of society.
I've met some awe-inspiring youngsters and inspirational women and men that I hope to stay in touch with. If events like these were replicated across the country and perhaps even in the countries where there are large Somali communities, the image of the Somali people would be tipped towards the positive side.
Many prominent artists, writers, publishers, poets and literary experts gathered for that one week and every day was a different flavour bringing many people across the spectrum together. Wednesday was particularly close to my heart as it was the evening dedicated to Women's Literature and the contributions they made to the development of society.
I've met some awe-inspiring youngsters and inspirational women and men that I hope to stay in touch with. If events like these were replicated across the country and perhaps even in the countries where there are large Somali communities, the image of the Somali people would be tipped towards the positive side.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
For the love of humanity
I have always been a big fan of book gatherings and events that bring people who share a similar love for literature together. It is a different kind of love that overwhelms you when those gatherings are held for your own writings and people attend because they share your literary vision.
For the past two weeks I have been at awe and very humbled at how many people that turned up at our book launches across the city. People from all walks of life crossing gender, faith, class and social status came to share this journey with us in our quest to make a small contribution to the betterment of our Somali people and the societies we live in.
It is amazing to see the similarities in the human race and how there is a lot more that connects us than that which separates us. I've met people I never thought I'd come across only to have an instant bond with them through our common sense of humanity. They have given me memories, fond memories and for that my heart will remain touched.
For the past two weeks I have been at awe and very humbled at how many people that turned up at our book launches across the city. People from all walks of life crossing gender, faith, class and social status came to share this journey with us in our quest to make a small contribution to the betterment of our Somali people and the societies we live in.
It is amazing to see the similarities in the human race and how there is a lot more that connects us than that which separates us. I've met people I never thought I'd come across only to have an instant bond with them through our common sense of humanity. They have given me memories, fond memories and for that my heart will remain touched.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
humble beginnings...
For as long as I can remember, I've always dreamed of putting pen to paper in a definitive sense and share my creativity whilst contributing to the greater good. It has been a long time coming but my first book that I've co-authored with three other authors is finally out.
'Somalia to Europe; stories from the Somali Diaspora' looks at the experiences of the Somali-European community from fleeing the civil war to becoming refugees in various European countries and then migrating once again, this time seeking tolerance and social acceptance. Many seem to have found this in the UK but nevertheless have come across various ordeals and obstacles. This book captures those experiences in personal story formats and is written in both English and Somali. This is done for many reasons but primarily the intent is for the book to reach as many audiences as possible but also for it to serve as an archive of the history of the Somali people as they continue to evolve. The upcoming generations will have something that has been preserved that will teach them of their parents' history and migration to the Western lands. In the immediate future, we hope the book will create a better understanding amongst the wider communities of the Somali people, particularly those that engage with the Somali community so that better relations can be formed based on understanding, respect and mutual tolerance.
On an individual note, a human being is always observing the horizons of one's life continuously seeking meaning and a way to make a difference. This has been the driving force behind my part in this book. The stories captured in this book tell of joys and happiness, tears and pain, doubts and fear. Aspects that can resonate with human beings across the world since we are all connected through the emotions we experience and the quest for a better existence. When we begin to look around us and observe individuals and societies, we realise our journey is a shared experience...
'Somalia to Europe; stories from the Somali Diaspora' looks at the experiences of the Somali-European community from fleeing the civil war to becoming refugees in various European countries and then migrating once again, this time seeking tolerance and social acceptance. Many seem to have found this in the UK but nevertheless have come across various ordeals and obstacles. This book captures those experiences in personal story formats and is written in both English and Somali. This is done for many reasons but primarily the intent is for the book to reach as many audiences as possible but also for it to serve as an archive of the history of the Somali people as they continue to evolve. The upcoming generations will have something that has been preserved that will teach them of their parents' history and migration to the Western lands. In the immediate future, we hope the book will create a better understanding amongst the wider communities of the Somali people, particularly those that engage with the Somali community so that better relations can be formed based on understanding, respect and mutual tolerance.
On an individual note, a human being is always observing the horizons of one's life continuously seeking meaning and a way to make a difference. This has been the driving force behind my part in this book. The stories captured in this book tell of joys and happiness, tears and pain, doubts and fear. Aspects that can resonate with human beings across the world since we are all connected through the emotions we experience and the quest for a better existence. When we begin to look around us and observe individuals and societies, we realise our journey is a shared experience...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
post riot reflections
A mere few weeks ago, England had been swept by rioters causing havoc and upheaval in our mostly calm surroundings. The events were dominating most of the Western media as they spread across many of the British cities in a matter of days, all happening consecutively. For a moment the whole country went mad, mimicking signs of a people ready for a civil war. Here in Leicester, we had police officers almost in front of every house and shop with helicopters flying over each street. It created a tense atmosphere but it was also the reason why the yobs here were prevented from committing any real damage.
I'm happy to report things are back to normal. I went to London a few days ago where preparations and test runs for the Olympics were in full swing. Normality was in full bloom. If you hadn't watched the news, you wouldn't have thought any upheaval took place, let alone the biggest riot in English history. It's uplifting to see people value peace and serenity to this length and reassuring that the police has brought calmness to our streets.
What is pertinent that we ask one another is the reason for a peaceful demonstration in front of a local police station in one of the boroughs of London to spin so quickly out of control. What led to all these youth coming out in such full force having no mercy for anyone? The first and most obvious answer is that they are a pack of criminals who saw an opportunity and decided to take advantage. Once captured they need to be brought to justice. This is the most obvious explanation and that's what the government has been advocating for. The real underlying issue that will take much more effort than capturing and handcuffing these youth is the huge social divide in the British society where the upper and middle class live extravagantly and the working class struggle to reach a comfortable living. Taxes affect them the most as well as pensions being cut and student fees being trippled to £9000 per year.
In addition many of the youth from a working class background have been segregated into the life of the 'estate' because there aren't many other opportunities in the mainstream society. They are surrounded by poverty with the only role models being the local hustler and gang leader. Therefore when an opportunity like the recent demonstration comes along, it is their chance to feast! They couldn't care less about preserving public buildings and local businesses because they feel society hasn't preserved them. Whether they get a criminal record or serve time in prison is also of no concern since they never had any future aspirations. This really reminds me of the youth in Somalia who are a perpetual part of the agonising civil war. Those that are at the forefront of the Al-Shabab militias or the piracy that has gone beserk are all youngsters very much in their teens and early twenties.
I am by no means excusing their actions. What they did was vile and utterly unacceptable but I think it is high time we speak about and point out that the government and society at large starts addressing the core problems of issues like these and start implementing long-term solutions to draw the social gap in our society and for these youth to feel inclusive in the society they live in. This means educational opportunities affordable to them, job creation, training and vocational programs that are viable and ensure a difference in their lives and most of all they need mentors and role models that show there is another way of life. This is the only way we can ensure this sort of thing does not happen again on our streets and harmony across the classes of society is harboured. Otherwise we'll remain a ticking bomb not knowing the severity of the next explosion...
I'm happy to report things are back to normal. I went to London a few days ago where preparations and test runs for the Olympics were in full swing. Normality was in full bloom. If you hadn't watched the news, you wouldn't have thought any upheaval took place, let alone the biggest riot in English history. It's uplifting to see people value peace and serenity to this length and reassuring that the police has brought calmness to our streets.
What is pertinent that we ask one another is the reason for a peaceful demonstration in front of a local police station in one of the boroughs of London to spin so quickly out of control. What led to all these youth coming out in such full force having no mercy for anyone? The first and most obvious answer is that they are a pack of criminals who saw an opportunity and decided to take advantage. Once captured they need to be brought to justice. This is the most obvious explanation and that's what the government has been advocating for. The real underlying issue that will take much more effort than capturing and handcuffing these youth is the huge social divide in the British society where the upper and middle class live extravagantly and the working class struggle to reach a comfortable living. Taxes affect them the most as well as pensions being cut and student fees being trippled to £9000 per year.
In addition many of the youth from a working class background have been segregated into the life of the 'estate' because there aren't many other opportunities in the mainstream society. They are surrounded by poverty with the only role models being the local hustler and gang leader. Therefore when an opportunity like the recent demonstration comes along, it is their chance to feast! They couldn't care less about preserving public buildings and local businesses because they feel society hasn't preserved them. Whether they get a criminal record or serve time in prison is also of no concern since they never had any future aspirations. This really reminds me of the youth in Somalia who are a perpetual part of the agonising civil war. Those that are at the forefront of the Al-Shabab militias or the piracy that has gone beserk are all youngsters very much in their teens and early twenties.
I am by no means excusing their actions. What they did was vile and utterly unacceptable but I think it is high time we speak about and point out that the government and society at large starts addressing the core problems of issues like these and start implementing long-term solutions to draw the social gap in our society and for these youth to feel inclusive in the society they live in. This means educational opportunities affordable to them, job creation, training and vocational programs that are viable and ensure a difference in their lives and most of all they need mentors and role models that show there is another way of life. This is the only way we can ensure this sort of thing does not happen again on our streets and harmony across the classes of society is harboured. Otherwise we'll remain a ticking bomb not knowing the severity of the next explosion...
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