Bashir asks why a peaceful African state doesn't make world news. Well it doesn't even generate debate on these threads either.

I can think of a couple of reasons.

1. There are those to whom success + Africa is an anathema - they like to believe that only white and western can succeed.

2. Peace is boring. Without anything to whinge about many people would have to deliberately stir up trouble - these pages reveal the truth of this.

I continue to welcome Bashir's enlightening and informative articles - they are inspirational and I am sure there are many like me who enjoy them.

Dear reader, if you enjoy Bashir's writings please make a post now. Lets spread around some positive energy.

To read anything positive about Africa is a wondrous thing. Usually the only topics are death, famine,fear,warlords,ugly fanatical religious isms.
Peace, as Scout says, is a topic that does not go down well in the media. Who wants to read about societies who go about their everyday duties and pastimes?
There is no profit in peace.
Thank you for that great article, I wish Somaliland all the peace and tranquillity they can manage.

Indeed, well done Somaliland. I can't quite understand why the Commonwealth countries have refused to recognise a country that has every reason to be a member of the organisation.

On the downside, I do have something of a quibble with a constitution that forbids the promotion of any religion other than that supported by the state (Islam, in this case).

Former British Colony = Better than fair chance for stable institutions and proper military role

Islamic Status = No universal human rights, therfore OK if you are Islamist

Obviously doesn't have significant resources of economic importance?

Average lifespan is 48 years.

It is a real shame that other African success stories ie HIV/AIDS success of Uganda etc is also devalued by Western eyes/ media values

While sharia law doesn't hold many attractions to those of us in the west, it seems from Bashir's article that it may have positive effects in countries torn by war and anarchy. Trouble is, as the Afghanistan experience shows, harsh rule can move from being the solution to becoming the problem. After that, violence and unrest can re-commence. Let's hope Somalia avoids this.

Well said PK

Can't say I am happy with any theist state of any stripe, however that's just li'l ole independent me talking. Nothing is perfect.

May Somaliland continue to evolve and prosper.