Mr. Halaneh said many of his friends wanted to leave Somalia.

United Nations workers left Somalia after the start of the civil war in January 1991.

Soon after that, in 1981, Afrax left Somalia and has been living abroad ever since.

Before we leave the subject of metaphors and Somalia, a word about the origin of cut and run.

Norta left south-central Somalia after her 100 goats and 50 cattle died.

The family left Somalia with others, with the men and women traveling separately.

This left Somalia in a state of anarchy, with warlords battling for control, even 15 years later.

Otherwise, outside forces may leave Somalia a few months from now in even worse shape than they found it.

Bowe had left Somalia when news of her killing reached Mogadishu.

Perhaps leaving Somalia as soon as possible may be the answer, the former being a priority.