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The injury causing chairs of the Somali parliamentarians were firmly grounded; many unwary souls were safe from Yalahow’s harmful throw. Much discussion about the newly formed TFG was hitting the airwaves. Many of the warlords saw green as they were named to various ministerial positions. (Cabdullaahi Yuusuf's Government is not a Government of Scope). They could now cause more damage under the espouses of a government. As these events ensued, a dream has erupted as a group of concerned Somalis began to discuss these historic events with vigor and might. The dilemma that confronted this group of would be journalists and commentators were the lack of reliable, intuitive, and objective information on existing Somali websites. A concern shared by the masses who were glued to various websites that unfortunately contributed to the further polarization of an already polarized society. They toyed with the idea of creating a website to inform, inspire and awaken a sleeping giant in the intellects of people scattered around the globe. To provide a space of discussion, exchange and info sharing, they looked for a way out of the current inferior and clan-based discussion. The dream finally came to fruition as the website erupted with an unsuspecting splash. On Nov 23 2004 WardheerNews was born. Much hard work was ahead as the first articles, editorials and Talk of the Town pieces beat the expectation of the editorial board. The first authors WDN has contacted to contribute the site’s first pieces set the tone for brilliant writing. From the get go the editorial board has began the monumental task of impartial analysis, integrity and insightful reporting with a promise to be inclusive, and eclectic. Yet, the board never lost its main focus – provoke serious and animated discussion on the current problems facing the Horn. Today the readers expect the excellence set forth by WDN. These days, a mere year latter the editorial board wakes up every morning to all types of surprises as the in box attracts topics as diverse as the readers. The ideology, political affiliation and interests of the contributors is a testament that WDN is open to all types of opposing ideologies, as long as the essays meet the policies of fairness and fine writing. Some may be rubbed the wrong way while others are elated by the hitherto information. In the short span of a year, WDN has not only attracted the most diverse of readers but has also attracted various freelance journalists around the globe. In particular there is a tireless and dedicated young man named Maxamed, who is not deterred by the various danger zones in Mogadishu. He wakes up at the crack of dawn every morning to search for the ever involving news of the day to assure that WDN readers wake up to the most current updates. The readers can all gasp a breath of clear relief as they are assured a tireless commitment of the WDN editorial board to disseminate current news, analysis, and opinion through objectivity and integrity. With a fair lens of impartiality, the WDN board is hard at work to neutrality report it’s readers interesting reliable current news. In the words of a reader who has luckly stumbled on the site while serving the net, “I often wonder who is behind this website” He confessed further “ as we read the assorted ideology of the commentary my friends and I often ask ourselves “who are these guys anyway?” With that note, WDN has rightfully done its job when such wonder looms in the minds of its viewers. WDN hopes to evoke some provoking thoughts among the many readers around the globe, and if the various topics touch a nerve, then journalistically WDN has achieved its purpose. Enlightened readers from all walks of life are attracted to the site for its objectivity, consistency, and indiscriminate nature, making it the leading Somali online magazine. Many readers professed that WardheerNews.com has surpassed its competition due to its reliable journalistic pool of contributors. The dream of bridging the information gap takes many forms such as translating news pieces of non-Somali origin to Somali for viewers who prefer their mother tongue. WDN is a magnet to many authors who seek the capability and knowledge of the group to offer editorial know how on upcoming books. The accomplishments of WDN did not escape the notice of the San Diego Union Tribune, which featured it on its Currents section on May of 2005. It has also won an award from a Somali media peer group. To recall a few WDN milestones, the leadership or the lack there off, of the TFG was the first featured editorial. WDN editorialized the land transfer from Somalis to the powerful Oromo’s, the sad inhumane act of beheading six young Somalis in Saudi Arabia, the injustices and wrong imprisonment against Zamzam Dualeh by the Hargeysa Kangaroo Court, Mogadishu-based warlords who are committing crimes against humanity and harassment against press freedoms in Puntland were exposed. Dr. Saed Samatar’s eloquence came to the readers through his Sarbeeb essay, which detailed the art of communication in the Somali culture (Serializing Saed’s work helped familiarize readers with a body of scholarly work), and Bob Montgomery of IRC San Diego shared his informative piece about the Benefits of Citizenship. I hope amid the heated discussions, exchanges and information sharing WDN has somewhat contributed to our learning curve. We can take something away from each commentary even if the content does not tickle our bones, and may be, just maybe, we can share some of what we have read on WDN over the span of a year with others. Yasmeen Maxamuud We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com |
