Instead they raise the children to recognize each other as step-siblings.

But none of them have ever tried anything this big before, and their profound, palpable affection for Mr. Bush raises questions about whether they see him clearly and dispassionately enough to recognize problems before they do unnecessary damage or give him the advice he needs for a contest with dramatically raised stakes.

Some International jurists have argued that if a state fulfils all the criteria for statehood that this raises an obligation for other countries to recognize Somaliland.