II

I  would  like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the panelists of the USIP Conference on exploring solutions to the Somali Piracy and other crises.  The panelists were extremely distinguished and well versed in the current affairs of Somalia.  Their presentations and discussions of the issues were very well received by the conference attendees.

 

In addition to that, I would like to thank Khadija Ali who assisted me in more ways than I can imagine to ensure the success of the Conference on behalf of the Foreign Policy for Change.  She was instrumental in finding the Panelists, serving as the POC for USIP and opening her house to us in preparation for the Conference.  Thank you Khadija!

 

I would also like to thank the Foreign Policy for Change members who participated in the event physically.  I know many more of you wanted to be there, but couldn't, I thank you as well for your support of the Somali Project.

 

In order to build on this initial success of the Somali Project, we are targeting to co-sponsor a similar conference with another group, and as we had discussed in our previous Group meeting, perhaps prepare for a peaceful March in Washington in 2010.

 

Once again, thank you Panelists!

 

Mustafa Omar

Somali Project Lead

Foreign Policy for Change