Somalia Deserves Leadership, Not Political Survival
By Ahmed Farah

From afar, Somalia is often seen through a narrow lens: conflict, piracy, famine, and instability. But those who take a closer, more honest look know that this Horn of Africa nation has extraordinary potential. Its people are resilient. Its youth are ambitious. Its coasts are rich. Its culture is deep. The tragedy is not that Somalia has been broken. The tragedy is that even now, with so many opportunities within reach, the country’s leadership appears more invested in consolidating personal power than uniting and rebuilding a nation that deserves so much better.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to power in 2022 with considerable goodwill. Many, inside and outside Somalia, hoped he had learned from his first term and would now govern with the maturity and foresight the country urgently needed. Instead, more than two years into his presidency, Somalia remains dangerously divided, its federal system under stress, and its people left to wonder whether the top priority in Villa Somalia is national transformation or political survival.

There have been military operations against al-Shabaab, to be sure. Speeches have been made, drone strikes have landed, towns have been "liberated." But these victories are repeatedly hollowed out by a lack of follow-through. Governance does not replace the gunmen. Services do not follow the soldiers. And sooner or later, the militants return stronger, more embedded, more lethal. This cycle continues because the state remains weak at its core, riddled with corruption, reliant on foreign forces, and lacking a clear vision of inclusive national development.

Then came the bold announcement of electoral reform. Somalia would move to universal suffrage, for the first time in over half a century. It sounded like progress. But almost immediately, key federal member states, especially Puntland, rejected the process not because they oppose democracy, but because they were not consulted. The move felt less like a sincere attempt to give Somalis their voice and more like a political calculation to fast-track re-election through a centralized process that tilts the playing field. Puntland, alarmed by creeping authoritarianism, declared its withdrawal from the federal political system, a sign of just how fractured the national fabric has become.

More worrying still are the economic decisions being made in secrecy, far from public scrutiny. The recently publicized agreement with Turkey, which grants Ankara 90 percent of Somalia’s future hydrocarbon revenues in exchange for naval support, has shocked even longtime observers of Somali politics. This is not partnership. This is surrendering the country’s future wealth, perhaps its only ticket to self-sufficiency, before a single drop of oil has been commercially extracted. In any country, this would be considered political malpractice. In Somalia, it is potentially irreversible damage.

What is particularly painful is that the Somali people are not failing their country. They are moving forward wherever they can. In the diaspora, Somalis are thriving as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, scholars. At home, they are building businesses, educating their children, and holding their communities together with little help. But their leaders continue to betray their efforts with short-term thinking, corruption, and political gamesmanship.

The president's frequent international travel does little to ease these concerns. While he courts global attention and international handshakes, the urgent work of nation-building at home is neglected. Somalia is not a project to be marketed abroad. It is a homeland that demands sweat, sacrifice, and presence.

There is still time. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud can abandon the path of electoral self-interest and become the unifier Somalia needs. He can reject the temptation to trade away the nation’s resources for temporary support. He can sit with the federal states, not as a commander but as a partner, and begin rebuilding trust. He can choose to lead with humility and wisdom, instead of calculation and control.

To move forward and avoid another decade of lost opportunity, several urgent steps should be taken:

First, the president must rebuild trust through genuine federal dialogue. He should immediately initiate an inclusive national conversation with all federal member states, particularly Puntland and Jubaland, possibly with neutral mediation. Only through consensus can the federal model be repaired and made functional again.

Second, all foreign agreements, especially those involving Somalia’s natural resources and security sovereignty, must be subject to parliamentary oversight and public transparency. The Turkish hydrocarbon deal, in particular, must be re-evaluated with national interest in mind. A national resource council should be formed, involving federal states, civil society, and independent experts.

Third, military victories must be tied to long-term stabilization. Clearing areas from al-Shabaab without restoring basic governance is not a strategy, it is a stalling tactic. Somalia needs to train and deploy local police, re-establish services, and empower communities to protect peace once the military leaves.

Fourth, the administration must end the culture of political appointments based on loyalty and clan favoritism. Public institutions cannot serve the nation when they are packed with cronies. A credible anti-corruption commission should be created, and appointments should be based on qualifications, not personal alliances.

And finally, the president must lead by being present. Symbolism matters. Somalia does not need a jet-setting head of state; it needs a grounded, visible leader who visits neglected areas, listens to ordinary citizens, and delivers on promises. Rebuilding trust starts with proximity.

From the outside, we see a country that should be a regional anchor. A crossroads of trade. A cradle of culture. A hub of innovation. But none of that will come to pass if the politics at the top continue to revolve around preserving power at the expense of building institutions. The Somali people are not asking for perfection. They are asking for leadership. For fairness. For peace. For a chance to write a new chapter.

If Somalia’s president cannot deliver that, then someone else must. Because the country cannot afford another lost decade. The window is closing. The world is watching. And history will not be kind to those who chose power over progress.

Racial Profiling in Social Spaces: Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Promoting Social Integration and Inclusivity in Sweden

Abstract:
This paper provides an analysis of the findings from the Swedish investigative program 200 sekunder, which revealed systemic racial discrimination in Stockholm’s nightlife. Specifically, the investigation uncovered racial profiling at nightclubs, where white patrons were granted access while Black patrons, despite similar behavior and attire, were denied entry. The paper further discusses the implications of such discrimination on societal cohesion, cultural identity, and the mental well-being of marginalized youth. It also analyzes the ideological stance of political parties, such as the Sweden Democrats, and their emphasis on assimilationist policies, which threaten the multicultural fabric of Swedish society. Based on these insights, this paper offers recommendations for policymakers to address the issue of racial profiling and improve social integration and inclusion.

Introduction: The Need for Action

The issue of racial discrimination, particularly in social spaces such as nightclubs, has gained increasing visibility following the exposé in 200 sekunder. The program's findings revealed clear patterns of racial profiling, with white patrons gaining access while Black patrons were denied entry, despite similarities in appearance, behavior, and attire. This example of racial exclusion raises urgent questions about the state of social integration and equality in Sweden. While Sweden has long been seen as a progressive society committed to diversity and inclusivity, the persistence of discriminatory practices in public spaces calls into question the extent to which these ideals have been truly realized.

This paper aims to provide an academic analysis of the issue, highlighting the psychological, cultural, and societal implications of racial profiling. It will also explore the policies promoted by right-wing political parties like the Sweden Democrats, whose assimilationist approach threatens the multicultural fabric of Swedish society. In conclusion, this paper will offer recommendations for policymakers to address these challenges and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Racial Profiling: A Persistent Issue in Social Spaces

The findings of the 200 sekunder investigation reflect the ongoing problem of racial discrimination in Sweden. Despite a legal framework that condemns discrimination and promotes equal treatment, ethnic profiling remains widespread. Participants in the 200 sekunder experiment, who were matched in terms of age, clothing, and behavior, experienced differential treatment based solely on their racial background. Black patrons were turned away from nightclubs with reasons such as "full capacity" or "guest list required," while their white counterparts were allowed entry without issue.

Racial profiling in social spaces, particularly in the context of leisure activities like nightlife, has been well-documented in academic literature. As Essed (1991) notes, racism operates through both overt actions and subtle, systemic exclusion that marginalizes individuals based on race or ethnicity. This phenomenon is not limited to Sweden but is a widespread issue across many Western societies. Racial profiling in public spaces not only denies individuals access to equal opportunities but also contributes to the reinforcement of societal hierarchies that disadvantage racial minorities.

The findings of the 200 sekunder program underscore the need for further research and policy intervention. Racial discrimination in public spaces has serious consequences for the psychological well-being and cultural identity of affected individuals. As Hage (1998) points out, such discrimination contributes to a sense of alienation and marginalization, especially for young people trying to navigate their identity in a society that demands conformity to dominant cultural norms.

The Psychological and Cultural Impact of Exclusion

The psychological consequences of racial profiling are far-reaching. Studies have shown that individuals who experience discrimination in public spaces suffer from heightened stress, anxiety, and depression (Williams et al., 2003). For marginalized youth, particularly those from immigrant or racial minority backgrounds, exclusion from social spaces like nightclubs signals a broader issue of social belonging. The denial of access to these spaces, which are seen as markers of social integration, exacerbates feelings of isolation and reinforces the perception that one is not fully accepted in society.

Additionally, for many immigrant and Muslim youth, the desire to engage with Swedish society often comes into conflict with cultural or religious values that discourage participation in activities like drinking alcohol or attending nightclubs. This dynamic creates a paradox where individuals from minority backgrounds are asked to either conform to mainstream Swedish values or remain on the periphery of social life. Such experiences of exclusion undermine the sense of belonging that is essential to social integration.

The issue is compounded by the increasing prevalence of an assimilationist ideology promoted by political groups such as the Sweden Democrats. This political party advocates for the integration of immigrants, but their approach is predicated on the idea that immigrants must adopt Swedish cultural norms at the expense of their own identities. Such a framework, which demands that individuals assimilate into a singular Swedish identity, does not account for the complexity of cultural diversity or the lived experiences of minority groups.

The Political Context: Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism

The rise of the Sweden Democrats and their policies on immigration and integration poses a significant challenge to Sweden’s multicultural identity. The party’s stance on integration emphasizes assimilation — the idea that immigrants must conform to Swedish cultural norms in order to be fully integrated into society. This view is in direct contrast to the principles of multiculturalism, which recognizes the value of cultural diversity and promotes inclusivity.

Assimilationist policies, as advocated by the Sweden Democrats, often lead to the marginalization of minority groups. By focusing on conformity, these policies ignore the richness that diversity brings to society. Hage (1998) argues that policies centered on assimilation fail to address the structural inequalities that persist in society, leading to increased social division and disenfranchisement. Furthermore, such ideologies undermine the social fabric by suggesting that cultural differences are inherently problematic and must be suppressed in favor of a dominant national identity.

The Sweden Democrats’ emphasis on an exclusionary vision of Swedish identity risks perpetuating the very forms of discrimination that the 200 sekunder investigation highlights. If such policies gain traction, they may exacerbate racial tensions and deepen divisions within Swedish society, making it more difficult to foster the social cohesion necessary for a harmonious multicultural society.

Policy Recommendations

In light of the issues outlined above, this paper offers the following policy recommendations aimed at addressing racial profiling in social spaces and promoting social integration:

1. Implement Stricter Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthening laws that prohibit racial discrimination in public spaces, such as nightclubs, is crucial. This could include more robust enforcement mechanisms and higher penalties for establishments found guilty of racial profiling.
2. Promote Cultural Competency Training: Nightclub owners and staff should be required to undergo cultural competency training to ensure they understand the importance of inclusivity and respect for cultural differences. This training should include awareness of unconscious bias and its role in perpetuating racial discrimination.
3. Foster a Multicultural Vision of Integration: Policymakers should prioritize an approach to integration that values cultural diversity. This approach should encourage mutual understanding and respect rather than demanding assimilation. Public policies should reflect the understanding that individuals from different cultural backgrounds contribute to the richness of Swedish society.
4. Increase Public Awareness Campaigns: Public campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the negative impact of racial profiling and discrimination. These campaigns should highlight the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of social life and challenge stereotypes that contribute to exclusion.
5. Strengthen Community Support Networks: Creating and supporting community networks for minority youth can help mitigate the negative effects of exclusion. These networks can provide a space for young people to express their concerns, build solidarity, and gain a sense of belonging.
6. Monitor and Regulate Political Discourse: Given the rise of exclusionary political ideologies, it is critical to monitor the rhetoric of political parties like the Sweden Democrats. Policymakers must ensure that political discourse remains focused on fostering inclusivity and social cohesion, rather than promoting divisive ideologies that undermine Sweden’s multicultural identity.

Conclusion

The findings of the 200 sekunder investigation into racial discrimination in Stockholm’s nightclubs serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in Sweden. While the country is often viewed as a model of equality and social justice, the reality of racial profiling and exclusion highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to integration. The rise of assimilationist ideologies, particularly those espoused by the Sweden Democrats, threatens to undermine the multicultural fabric of Swedish society.

To build a truly inclusive society, Sweden must prioritize policies that promote cultural diversity, respect for difference, and the elimination of racial discrimination. By taking concrete actions to address racial profiling and fostering a vision of integration that values diversity, Sweden can strengthen its social fabric and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, feel welcomed and included.

References

Essed, P. (1991). Understanding Everyday Racism: An Interdisciplinary Theory. Sage Publications.
Hage, G. (1998). White Nation: Fantasies of White Supremacy in a Multicultural Society. Pluto Press.
Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A.C. McClurg & Co.
Williams, D. R., Neighbors, H. W., & Jackson, J. S. (2003). Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Health: Findings from Community Studies. American Journal of Public Health, 93(2), 200-208.
TV4. (2025). 200 sekunder: Rasism på Stockholms krogar. [Broadcast]. Available at: https://www.tv4.se/200-sekunder
Sweden Democrats. (2025). Policy Platform: Immigration and Integration. Available at: https://www.sverigedemokraterna.se

This Is How ChatGPT Chose Islam

When evaluating the world’s religions from a neutral, reasoned, and philosophical standpoint, one might ask: "If I had to pick just one religion as the most coherent and complete, which would it be?"

Based on a range of intellectual and spiritual criteria, the choice becomes clearer. Here are the key benchmarks used for analysis:

Criteria Considered:

• Internal consistency and logic

• Historical foundation

• Claim to divine revelation

• Clarity of doctrine

• Global impact

• Preservation of scripture

• Personal accountability and spiritual depth

The Conclusion: Islam

After comparing various traditions against these standards, Islam emerges as the most compelling choice.

Why Islam? A Reasoned Perspective

1. Pure Monotheism (Tawhid)

Islam teaches the belief in a single, indivisible God—Allah—with no partners, children, or incarnations. This theological purity avoids philosophical complications like the Trinity and upholds a clear concept of the Creator that is consistent across the Quran.

2. Preservation of Revelation

Among the world’s scriptures, the Quran stands out for its unparalleled preservation. It has remained unchanged for over 1400 years in its original Arabic form. This is acknowledged by both Muslims and non-Muslim historians alike. No other major religion can make the same claim with the same degree of textual certainty.

3. Continuity of Prophethood

Islam affirms all previous prophets—from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus—and presents Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger, completing the divine message. This continuity provides both a respectful acknowledgment of other traditions and a final framework in the Quran.

4. Comprehensive Life System

Islam is more than theology—it is a full way of life. It offers guidance in ethics, economics, family, law, governance, and spirituality. This completeness appeals not only to the soul but also to social order and justice.

5. Rational Appeal

The Quran invites readers to reflect, ponder, and use reason. Verses often begin with rhetorical questions like “Do they not reflect?” Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking rather than blind belief.

6. Simplicity of Salvation

Salvation in Islam is direct and personal: believe in God, do good deeds, repent sincerely, and live a righteous life. There is no need for blood sacrifice or intermediaries—just a sincere relationship between the individual and the Creator.

A Word of Respect for Other Religions

This conclusion is not a rejection of the value or sincerity found in other religions. Many faiths have deep moral teachings, rich traditions, and have profoundly shaped human civilization.

However, when assessed by the criteria of clarity, coherence, preservation, and comprehensiveness, Islam stands out as the most compelling and unified path to understanding the divine.