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Mohamed Osman

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Aug 8, 2026, 5:35 PM

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Paradox: High Spending, Persistent Vulnerabilities

Saudi Arabia ranks among the world’s largest defense spenders and operates advanced aircraft, missiles, and air-defense systems. Yet high expenditure has not produced complete protection. The kingdom’s vulnerability reflects a mismatch between the threats it faces, and the institutions,...

Aug 7, 2026, 6:40 PM

The Red Sea Bargain Security, Recognition, and the Israel–Somaliland Partnership

Israel and Somaliland differ sharply in scale, wealth, culture, and international status, yet their partnership rests on a clear exchange: Israel gains strategic reach near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while Somaliland gains recognition, security cooperation, and greater diplomatic visibility....

Aug 6, 2026, 5:48 AM

The Pit You Dig: Somali Wisdom on Karma, Conflict, and Strategic Backfire

The Somali proverb “Borran hadimo ha qodin, haddii aad qodana ha dheereyn, ku dhici doontaa mooyee” can be translated as: “Do not dig a pit of harm; if you do, do not make it deep, for you may fall...

Aug 5, 2026, 6:28 AM

Small State, Strong Shield: Strategic Lessons for Somaliland from Israel

Israel and the Republic of Somaliland occupy different legal and political positions, but both illustrate the security challenges faced by small states in volatile regions. Somaliland can draw selective lessons from Israel’s experience in self-reliance, mobilization, technological adaptation, partnerships,...

Aug 4, 2026, 5:54 AM

The Berbera Axis: Israel, Somaliland, and the New Red Sea Order

Closer ties between Israel and the Republic of Somaliland would rest on a convergence of maritime security, diplomatic recognition, technology, and trade. Somaliland’s position on the Gulf of Aden gives it strategic value near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while...

Aug 3, 2026, 2:05 PM

Aid, Power, and Patronage: The Crisis of Governance in Somalia

Over the past four decades, Somalia’s state-building efforts have been repeatedly weakened by corruption, patronage, political clientelism, and elite self-preservation. External intervention, climate shocks, and violent insurgency have also mattered, but failures of leadership have hollowed out institutions, fragmented...

Aug 2, 2026, 4:48 AM

Restoring a State? Somaliland’s Legal Case for Recognition

Somaliland’s claim to statehood rests on a defined colonial territory, a brief period of recognized independence in 1960, and the argument that its 1991 declaration restored sovereignty rather than created a new secessionist state. Its case is strengthened by...

Jul 31, 2026, 6:37 PM

The Integrity Test: Leadership, Crisis, and the Future of Somali Governance

Leadership integrity is the alignment of values, words, and actions, especially when ethical choices carry personal or political costs. It rests on honesty, accountability, fairness, and moral consistency rather than opportunism or status. An integrity-driven leader applies the same...

Jul 30, 2026, 1:09 AM

Saudi Arabia and Somaliland: Securing the Red Sea Through Pragmatic Partnership

The strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Somaliland lies at the intersection of maritime commerce, regional security, and Gulf geopolitics. Riyadh formally recognizes Somalia’s Federal Government and conducts official diplomacy through Mogadishu. Yet effective protection of the Red Sea...

Jul 29, 2026, 12:20 AM

The Story That Outlives Us: A Somali Reflection on Legacy and Mortality

The Somali proverb “Waari maysid ee war ha kaa hadho” means: You will not live forever, so let a delightful story remain after you. In a few words, it expresses a deep Somali understanding of mortality and legacy. Human...

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About Me

Mohamed Osman, a retired physician and public health specialist from Somaliland, is a Canadian citizen who has worked with Ottawa Public Health and Alberta Health Services. He is also recognized for supporting Somaliland's recognition.