These two nations should be as close as the U.S. and Canada. So why are Ethiopia and Eritrea on the verge of war—again?
Comment: Interesting enough for people to post this many comments. A healthy discussion and an exceptional article.
http://www.abesha.wordpress.com
Comment: I for a fact (48 years old) grew in a family made of an Ethiopian father and an Eritrean mother and I find it very difficult ,like many friends, to describe to my children the cause of this silly puzzle war. And I suffer emotionally and am unable to take one side and reject the other. It is completely inconievable for me that after confronting the former regeim both leader find an opportunity to confront each other so wildly.
I always wish to find out what is Mengostu Haile Mariam (former Derg President) is saying about them ?
Comment: T.G. I understand your conflicting emotions. I also have a friend whose father is Eritrea and mother Ethiopian. Although, he feels more Ethiopian because he was born and raised in Ethiopia. Culturally he is Ethiopian. Sadly people like Meles and few others who are responsible for this war are also half Ethiopian and half Eritrean. Being half and half in my opinion should not make you more conflicted than the rest of us Ethiopians or Eritreans who oppose war between the two countries. I suppose what you teach your children is basic conflict resolution skills or understanding whether that conflict is between husband and wife, between siblings or between parents and children or even between countries. You teach them that conflicts happen, misunderstanding arise, but after all is said and done, you strategize as to how you want to resolve the conflict. See a shrink, invite the elder, go to court or other method of conflict resolution. You take your medicine and swallow it after the courts, elders, shrink what have you come with the verdict. Its a mark of strong character, decisive leadership to accept a resolution and move on instead of whining endlessly. That my friend is what I tell my children if I were you. You accept your mistakes, call a wrong when it is wrong and live your life in love and peace.
Comment: Shanka is right on the money. Stop waging war, feed your people, stop begging... in short get your country in order. Reporting facts is not meddling. The article does just that. your medieval mind set can't comprehend that?
Comment: Shankardada2 is right on the money. Stop waging war, feed your people, stop begging.... in short get your country in order. Reporting facts is not meddling. The article does just that.
Comment: One thing the westereners should know is that Ethiopia has no a slightest interest to go to war because she is busy fighting her eternal enemy-poverty. So, don't equate a democratic and civilized governement of Ethiopia with a war mongerer regime of Eritrea- led by the rentseeker Isayas Afewerki. Ethiopia through out her very long history didn't go to war as an agressor, but it was attacked so many times by different forces from the dervites of the sudan to Eritrea. But no one of such aggressors were able to defeat Ethiopia. And if Eritrea would launch an attack again it will get the fate of its predecessor aggressors.
Tadesse
Comment: Another arrogant article from a westerner "reporter" who understands nothing about the two countries. If the reporter had done his homework, he would have found out that the war has nothing to do with the border of the two countries. It was an invasion by Eritrea to in order to gain access to the Ethiopian economy. Naturally. Ethiopia had to defend itself and that is what happened. If it were not for you Westerners meddling and misshandling the whole situation, it could have been resolved long time ago. Your former president, Clinton had a lot to do with encouraging the Eritrean bully think that he had Americas support.
Comment: We "western meddlers" have bailed your pathetic country out of several famines and have recently given your nation a half billion dollars in aid. How quickly you people come begging to the U.S. when you need food or weapons and then curse us when we tell you to behave like civilized human beings. Perhaps we should just have let your people starve, instead of meddling??? Get your pathetic nation in order, or someone else will.
Comment: Shankardada2: Perhaps you have no understanding of the difference between meddling and assisting. Look them up in the dictionary. They have different meanings. The problem with meddling is not even the meddling itself. The problem again is you westerners meddle without any understanding of he real issues. Your arrogant approach does not help my pathetic country. This article by Newsweek is a prime example of that.
Comment: I DON'T THINK YOU ARE ONE OF THE SUPPOSEDLY CIVILIZED PEAPLE OF US.OBVIUOSLY YOU ARE
ONE OF THE SON OF BEGGARS OF ERITREANS WHO DOESN'T LEARN FROM HISTORY.DONT FORGET WHO WE ARE OR ASK YOUR DAD IF YOU ARE NOT FROM THE ENSLAVED SONS OF ITALLY.
WE NEVER EVER BEEN DEPENDENT TO ANY COUNTRY YOURS I DON'T HAVE ANY GRACE WHEN I AM WRITING THIS,BUT SOMEONE VERY POORLY RAISED LIKE YOU SHOULD BE TOLD WHO HE IS.
AS A MATTER OF FACT MY COUNTRY IS VERY BUSY IN BLOOMING ITS ECONOMY IT DOESN'T HAVE TIME FOR YOUR WHININGS.
Comment: So ermias, it seems that when you say the "issue could have been resolved long time ago" that you are saying that your country, Ethiopia, could have finished the war with Eritrea on its own. I'm sorry if you think America and the West are meddling in your country by preventing you barbarians from massacring your neighbors. But if we in the civilized world are going to give food and medicine to your starving, diseased people, then we can demand that you not use those same people we fed to wage a senseless war over a parcel of desert. You are the arrogant one, to insist on a war over such a pointless issue, a war which will wipe out half as many of your people as your last famine. You are self-serving because you would take our money and food on the one hand, and spurn our counsel on the other. Fine beggars you are...
Comment: Yes exactly right Shankardada2, you finally got my point. Ethiopia was invaded by Eritrea and Ethiopia was able to stop the invasion despite the tremendous pressure put on it by your civilized laeaders like Clinton. As an Eritrean yourself, you understand the tension and pressure that was put on Ethiopia at that time. My dear civilized one, what would you suggest Ethiopia do when it was invaded by a lunatic whose intent was not to take Bademe but to destry Ethiopia all together? Perhaps you think that since we are barbarians our pathetic life is not woth defending from maurdeting invaders who happen to be our cousins?
Comment: I THINK YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST MORONEST WRITER I EVER KNOW WHO INSULTS 80 MILLION PEAPLE AS ONE.I DON'T THINK YOUR *** MOTHER HAS THOUGHT YOU WHAT IS TO BE SAID AND WHAT IS NOT.IF YOU ARE LIVING IN US AS ERITREAN MIGRANT,YOU ARE A BIG SHAME TO THE PEOPLE.ADIOUS.
Comment: Oh! Stop this myth that Eritrea invaded Ethiopia. Its Ethiopians who are finding it hard to swallow the independence of Eritrea and are itching for war, again, this after 30 years of war with Eritrea. As far as Badme, the flash point of the war, the village has been ruled by an international court that it belongs to Eritrea. So what you are saying is that Eritrea invaded its own territory. What kind of medieval premitiveness is this...
Comment: Another arrogant article from a westerner "reporter" who understands nothing about the two countries. If the reporter had done his homework, he would have found out that the war has nothing to do with the border of the two countries. It was an invasion by Eritrea to in order to gain access to the Ethiopian economy. Naturally. Ethiopia had to defend itself and that is what happened. If it were not for you Westerners meddling and misshandling the whole situation, it could have been resolved long time ago. Your former president, Clinton had a lot to do with encouraging the Eritrean bully think that he had Americas support.
Comment: Don't bring this Islam Chritian Bullshit. Eritrea is neither Islam nor Christian. It is both so does Ethiopia. Lets make the past History, and not point fingers who is right or wrong. The issue has been resolved by the commission period. Lets move on!!. You don't go to court if you can't live with the decision!
Comment: Don't bring this Islam Chritian Bullshit. Eritrea is neither Islam nor Christian. It is both so does Ethiopia. Lets make the past History, and not point fingers who is right or wrong. The issue has been resolved by the commission period. Lets move on!!. You don't go to court if you cant live with the decision.
Fish, Phoenix
Comment: Don't bring this Islam Chritian Bullshit. Eritrea is neither Islam nor Christian. It is both so does Ethiopia. Lets make the past History, and not point fingers who is right or wrong. The issue has been resolved by the commission period. Lets move on!!. You don't go to court if you cant live with the decision.
Fish, Phoenix
Comment: Why are they at war? Islam (eritrea) v. Christian Ethiopia.
Obviously ERitria no longer believes the quar'an that Ethiopia is to be protected.
What is a peaceful moslem?
Comment: to mr.henock, i fully understand your points. One point you didn't mention why eritrea started the aggression as even the court defined. why did eritrea started the war i( aggression and invasion of sovereign ethiopian territor) in 1998 ? THIS IS THE POINT !
Comment: i cant belive i spent my time readin ur full of crap article ...its amazing when u call ur self a journalist, do a little research about Ethiopia before u call PM Zenawi a dictator ....shame on u!!
Comment: PART-1)
The author of this piece needs to read more and research more before writing a news piece. One thing he forgot in this case is the April 2002 ruling is FINAL and BINDING. If the author of this report has difficulties of understanding it means, both nation governments signed to abide by the outcome no matter what, there is no ifs or buts, just accept and translate the verdict on the ground. Eritrea and Ethiopia confirmed their commitment just prior to the date the announcement was to make, as soon as the ruling announced both nation governments again confirmed their acceptance on April 13 2002. The accord calls for implementing the ruling within six months of the ruling as per FINAL and BINDING. Eritrea was waiting for the claims court to come with their finding, meanwhile Ethiopia requested clarifications to eighteen points in the ruling, although such request was not allowed, but the Eritrean Ethiopian Border Commission entertained the request and gave a thorough clarification, again they asked for clarification of the previous clarification, the commission understood the game was designed to delay, however understanding the destruction that took place during the war they patiently replied second clarification, and told Ethiopia there is no more clarifications can be submitted. Ethiopian prime minister angered by the reply and called the commission as "irresponsible" and "illegal."
As you stated in your report, both nations hired lawyers to argue their point and both nations understand the document they signed is FINAL and BINDING. However, because the verdict did not go according to their expectations, hence they refused to abide by it. From April 2002 until November 2004 Meles Zenawi and his TPLF organization refused to accept the ruling, then Meles comes up with his own "resolution" with five-point precondition attached to it. Mind you this is taking time, making the situation very frustrating to Eritrea as she is unable to use the 25KM land the UN peace keeping contingent is stationed at, meanwhile the UN peace keeping violate the law of the land, some were caught abusing children, others were caught smuggling human cargo, others were caught spying for foreign agencies. Frustrated by do nothing policy by the UN personnel, Eritrean government requested in October 2005 those extra personnel from the UN who are roaming in the capital city leave the country within certain period. Just calculate the amount of time that took for Eritrea to be frustrated by do nothing UN personnel, While the agreement calls for six months time frame to implement the ruling, but the case took more than 3.5 years and nothing has been done. Now the Ethiopians are accusing Eritrea has violated the December 2000 secession of hostilities by bringing 200 military personnel to work on the land, which happens to be in the 25 km TSZ. This would not have happened had Ethiopia allowed the cartographers to come and demarcate the border according to the agreement.
Comment: PART-2)
Simply speaking Ethiopia is creating a vicious cycle to take as much time as possible so Eritrea would be frustrated and give in to their demands. Surprisingly, the plan was to hold Eritrea in no-war no-peace trap and bring the economy to a stand still (stagnant position), their plan was met with a re-arranging of the Eritrean force personnel. The Eritreans are extremely versatile, they changed the formula and used the military to watch from the side of their eyes across the 25 KM TSZ while being productive working on roads and buildings and fixing the cities and small towns Ethiopia bombed during the war. To the surprise of American and British financiers of the TPLF war machine, the Eritreans government re-arranged all the work force according to the need of the country's economic sustainability. Many of began working on the land while others continued to work on construction and roads to rehabilitate the land and keep the economy afloat. In the mean time, Ethiopia continue to receive massive cash injection into its economy and yet they are still dependent on foreign assistance ~ 70% of their economy is on life support while Eritrea is free of any form of support or assistance.
Eritrea has always been advocating remaining within the disputed areas, while Ethiopians marched deep into Eritrean territories and looted everything they can and burned what they cannot take. Some 40 KM deep into Eritrean they looted and burned an evacuated town during the invasion of Eritrean. Ethiopia had never had upper hand during the war, Eritrea signed the agreement when the UN requested both accept secession of hostilities. The notion that Ethiopia won is flawed and for that reason they continue to feed the world that lie, and somehow they deserve to hold onto what they gained during the war including Badme. One more thing, when I got to what the lady in your report said, her son is in the army, and she is afraid of "cannon fodder," ask anyone you want even an Ethiopian, Eritreans do not use cannon-fodder, it is Ethiopia that use their soldiers to get into a fire, because they have more soldiers to spare. Eritrea could eject Ethiopia from Badme by force, but we have the law in the Eritrean side and there is no need to launch another war, but we reserve the right to evict them at anytime of our choosing. With respect to Assab, it is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has more claim to Djibouti than to Assab, for the whole Eritrea only forced to merge with Ethiopia in 1962, and just prior to the merging the Eritreans run to the jungle to fight for independence. European colonizers made the whole of African map during the scramble for Africa meeting in Germany in 1884/85, and Eritrea was a colony of Italy since that time until the ousting of Fascist Italy by the Allied from all its colonies in 1942. So, please be sensitive when writing about historical facts, because, some of us get really offended by sloppy writing, please refrain from doing an incomplete job.
Comment: Thanks Newsweek for a fair assessment and attempt to prevent an impending war.
The one people and two nations of Eritrea and Ethiopia have leaders that are nothing but the Jim Jones (the People's Temple) of the Horn. The fact that NOTHING can stop them from resuming the war is empowering their egos. The US could, but our policy is to protect our interest and not avert human rights violations or human catastrophe. So, we shall wittness another 100K lives to be maimed for nothing again. What a pittiful planet we have made it to be!
Comment: Thanks Newsweek for a fair assessment and attempt to avert the impending war. The people of Ethiopia and Eritrea are one people in two nations. Their two leaders are nothing but the Jim Jones of the Horn of Africa, doomsday cult leaders of the region.
The fact that nothing can stop them from resuming the war, is what empowers their egos.
The US could, but our policy is to keep the US interest more so than human rights or even human lives. Thus, another 100K lives shall perish soon, and we will have more news to read to prevent boredom. What a pitiful planet we have made it to be.
Comment: The problem of the DIA and DMZ is that they both came from Jungle. They became leaders of each country themselve instead of handiing the power to the people that they claim to free. Then they would have had a special pleace and respect in both countries by its own peple. But, they chose to be dictators of both countries sitting in the thorn wearing a crown. They made the law of the jungle to rule the civilize people. That's why, there is another war and rumors of war is going on again. Sad to say but not surprising. Eri. and Ethio. people are fed up with it. They want peace but not with those two cousins ruining each countries.
Comment: Both countries would be well advised to ignore offers of help from the US. Look at what the US has done to Iraq. Monies spent on infrastructure rather than arms benefit the people rather than the arms dealers. Two of the largest arms dealers, the US and Germany, have a lot more to gain from selling arms to the emerging nations, first they loan money, then sell arms, then collct on loans. The emerging nations get the means to kill people, a debt they cannot pay, and no means of self development and independence from the former colonizers. Calling leaders dictators just plays into the hands of those who would like to see these two countries have at it again.
Comment: This article is one of the most balanced on Erit-Ethio conflict. Thanks you Jason. You got it right this time.
Comment: being from Mogadishu,these two leaders are causing alot of problem for us by supporting the two warring parties..the government and the supporters of the Islamic courts.... let them put their house in order and leave we Somalis alone to solve our own difficulties..why don`t they take care of the millions of their fellow country men who are having a great deal of hardship to feed themselves and their families? instead of paying millions to cuse this mayhem
Comment: PART-2)
Simply speaking Ethiopia is creating a vicious cycle to take as much time as possible so Eritrea would be frustrated and give in to their demands. Surprisingly, the plan was to hold Eritrea in no-war no-peace trap and bring the economy to a stand still (stagnant position), their plan was met with a re-arranging of the Eritrean force personnel. The Eritreans are extremely versatile, they changed the formula and used the military to watch from the side of their eyes across the 25 KM TSZ while being productive working on roads and buildings and fixing the cities and small towns Ethiopia bombed during the war. To the surprise of American and British financiers of the TPLF war machine, the Eritreans government re-arranged all the work force according to the need of the country's economic sustainability. Many of began working on the land while others continued to work on construction and roads to rehabilitate the land and keep the economy afloat. In the mean time, Ethiopia continue to receive massive cash injection into its economy and yet they are still dependent on foreign assistance ~ 70% of their economy is on life support while Eritrea is free of any form of support or assistance.
Eritrea has always been advocating remaining within the disputed areas, while Ethiopians marched deep into Eritrean territories and looted everything they can and burned what they cannot take. Some 40 KM deep into Eritrean they looted and burned an evacuated town during the invasion of Eritrean. Ethiopia had never had upper hand during the war, Eritrea signed the agreement when the UN requested both accept secession of hostilities. The notion that Ethiopia won is flawed and for that reason they continue to feed the world that lie, and somehow they deserve to hold onto what they gained during the war including Badme. One more thing, when I got to what the lady in your report said, her son is in the army, and she is afraid of "cannon fodder," ask anyone you want even an Ethiopian, Eritreans do not use cannon-fodder, it is Ethiopia that use their soldiers to get into a fire, because they have more soldiers to spare. Eritrea could eject Ethiopia from Badme by force, but we have the law in the Eritrean side and there is no need to launch another war, but we reserve the right to evict them at anytime of our choosing. With respect to Assab, it is Eritrean territory. Ethiopia has more claim to Djibouti than to Assab, for the whole Eritrea only forced to merge with Ethiopia in 1962, and just prior to the merging the Eritreans run to the jungle to fight for independence. European colonizers made the whole of African map during the scramble for Africa meeting in Germany in 1884/85, and Eritrea was a colony of Italy since that time until the ousting of Fascist Italy by the Allied from all its colonies in 1942. So, please be sensitive when writing about historical facts, because, some of us get really offended by sloppy writing, please refrain from doing an incomplete job.
Comment: I am an Eritrean who was trained to be in the Eritrean Army, but I am now living in the US. I could not help writing after I read Henock's piece which is full of out-of-reality Eritrean ultranationalism. I was especially struck when he wrote," Eritrea could eject Ethiopia from Badme by force, but we have the law in the Eritrean side and there is no need to launch another war." Leaving aside the stupidity and arrogance of assuming that Eritrea could eject Ethiopia just so easily, I would like to ask Henock who he referring to when he is using the pronoun "WE". Henock, are you a soldier in the Eritrean Army who is going to fight with Ethiopian soldiers if war erupts? My guess is that you are one of those diaspora Eritreans who do not care about the lives that are going to be lost if, God forbid, we find ourselves at war with Ethiopia. I know, I know are going to raise lots of money for the Eritrean regime. I also know you are going to post numerous articles in support of the Eritrean Defense Forces. But the one thing I know you are not going to do is fight as a soldier if war erupts. You defend Eritreanism via writng and money, but you want others (who were not luck to go abraod) to defend Eritrea with with their blood, limbs, and lives. The selfishness of the diaspora just amazes me!
Solomon
Comment: PART-1)
The author of this piece needs to read more and research more before writing a news piece. One thing he forgot in this case is the April 2002 ruling is FINAL and BINDING. If the author of this report has difficulties of understanding it means, both nation governments signed to abide by the outcome no matter what, there is no ifs or buts, just accept and translate the verdict on the ground. Eritrea and Ethiopia confirmed their commitment just prior to the date the announcement was to make, as soon as the ruling announced both nation governments again confirmed their acceptance on April 13 2002. The accord calls for implementing the ruling within six months of the ruling as per FINAL and BINDING. Eritrea was waiting for the claims court to come with their finding, meanwhile Ethiopia requested clarifications to eighteen points in the ruling, although such request was not allowed, but the Eritrean Ethiopian Border Commission entertained the request and gave a thorough clarification, again they asked for clarification of the previous clarification, the commission understood the game was designed to delay, however understanding the destruction that took place during the war they patiently replied second clarification, and told Ethiopia there is no more clarifications can be submitted. Ethiopian prime minister angered by the reply and called the commission as "irresponsible" and "illegal."
As you stated in your report, both nations hired lawyers to argue their point and both nations understand the document they signed is FINAL and BINDING. However, because the verdict did not go according to their expectations, hence they refused to abide by it. From April 2002 until November 2004 Meles Zenawi and his TPLF organization refused to accept the ruling, then Meles comes up with his own "resolution" with five-point precondition attached to it. Mind you this is taking time, making the situation very frustrating to Eritrea as she is unable to use the 25KM land the UN peace keeping contingent is stationed at, meanwhile the UN peace keeping violate the law of the land, some were caught abusing children, others were caught smuggling human cargo, others were caught spying for foreign agencies. Frustrated by do nothing policy by the UN personnel, Eritrean government requested in October 2005 those extra personnel from the UN who are roaming in the capital city leave the country within certain period. Just calculate the amount of time that took for Eritrea to be frustrated by do nothing UN personnel, While the agreement calls for six months time frame to implement the ruling, but the case took more than 3.5 years and nothing has been done. Now the Ethiopians are accusing Eritrea has violated the December 2000 secession of hostilities by bringing 200 military personnel to work on the land, which happens to be in the 25 km TSZ. This would not have happened had Ethiopia allowed the cartographers to come and demarcate the border according to the agreement.
Comment: due to the devil BUSH's policy we africans are paying a very high price , Meles can't do nothing with out the devils in the white hous through their Black monkey FRAZER or the hypocratic EURPEANS by supporting him to defy international laws . but nothing will sustain forever there is an end for every thing , and eritreans and the somali people are capable to deal with such abject conspiracies , but a message for ethiopians you are dying for nothing , in expense of your beloved soldiers Meles and his clique are getting dollars for their personal benefits wake up in expense of your lives please prob who owns the big enterprises in tegrai or any where else in ethiopia starting from mega to wegagen this the right time to save your country and to save the rest of africa
Comment: Lilai, whoever you are, your language is racist and unacceptable. Your comment will be removed soon.
Comment: The regime in Ethiopia is in power only for its own (the Tigrai region) and for the US interest. Zenawi jailed opposition leaders, silenced journalists and killed 193 people on the streets of Addis Ababa, invaded and committing war crimes in Somalia and genocide in Ogaden. Now it has refused to accept the UN boundary commission ruling and occupied sovereign Eritrean territories and is preparing for another war. But please don???t blame only the American absurd foreign policy who is behind all this. We all know US government and its amateur state department employees handling African affairs are responsible for all this .However, how about the UK???s double standard policy of continuously bashing Mugabe for human rights violation and ignoring the plight and atrocities in the Horn committed by Meles and co? Mugabe (never killed anyone) is an angel in contrast with the real devil in the horn.
Comment: The regime in Ethiopia is in power only for its own (the Tigrai region) and for the US interest. Zenawi jailed opposition leaders, silenced journalists and killed 193 people on the streets of Addis Ababa, invaded and committing war crimes in Somalia and genocide in Ogaden. Now it has refused to accept the UN boundary commission ruling and occupied sovereign Eritrean territories and is preparing for another war. But please don???t blame only the American absurd foreign policy who is behind all this. We all know US government and its amateur state department employees handling African affairs are responsible for all this .However, how about the UK???s double standard policy of continuously bashing Mugabe for human rights violation and ignoring the plight and atrocities in the Horn committed by Meles and co? Mugabe (never killed anyone) is an angel in contrast with the real devil in the horn.
Comment: The regime in Ethiopia is in power only for its own (the Tigrai region) and for the US interest. Zenawi jailed opposition leaders, silenced journalists and killed 193 people on the streets of Addis Ababa, invaded and committing war crimes in Somalia and genocide in Ogaden. Now it has refused to accept the UN boundary commission ruling and occupied sovereign Eritrean territories and is preparing for another war. But please don???t blame only the American absurd foreign policy who is behind all this. We all know US government and its amateur state department employees handling African affairs are responsible for all this .However, how about the UK???s double standard policy of continuously bashing Mugabe for human rights violation and ignoring the plight and atrocities in the Horn committed by Meles and co? Mugabe (never killed anyone) is an angel in contrast with the real devil in the horn.
Comment: This is the second time you have written negativley knowng that the people who support you and support the Addis Regime must be satisfied. Believe me Eritreans by thousand in every corner of the world along with the large majority in Eritrea stand by their President/Government. I can send you plenty of proof. On the other hand the dying regime in Addis does not have the support of the large (I mean Huge numbers) majority in Ethiopia and will soon realize that it is not in their best interest to meddle in Eritrean affairs.
Jason please stop this madness and tell the story the proper way. By the way Mr. Afwerki who is a person of integrity recently had more that 10 diplomats confirmed to Eritrea and continues to expand the diplomacy of good governance to many other nations. May be the US should consider and build stronger ties with Eritrea, because Eritrea is a nation that will change the entire horn of Africa.
Comment: This is the second time you have written negativley knowng that the people who support you and support the Addis Regime must be satisfied. Believe me Eritreans by thousand in every corner of the world along with the large majority in Eritrea stand by their President/Government. I can send you plenty of proof. On the other hand the dying regime in Addis does not have the support of the large (I mean Huge numbers) majority in Ethiopia and will soon realize that it is not in their best interest to meddle in Eritrean affairs.
Jason please stop this madness and tell the story the proper way. By the way Mr. Afwerki who is a person of integrity recently had more that 10 diplomats confirmed to Eritrea and continues to expand the diplomacy of good governance to many other nations. May be the US should consider and build stronger ties with Eritrea, because Eritrea is a nation that will change the entire horn of Africa.
Comment: I wish if you understand Amharic. Prof. Tesfatsion on ETN described both Melese and Issays as the same dictotar. I read some of the comment written to your article but this it self will tell you how much distractive they are and ignorant. They think you will be intemidated like how they intimidate people in Ethiopia. Thank you for your article.
http://www.ethiomedia.com/atop/ethiopian_video_clips.html
Comment: for nearly 20 years during the cold war the two dictators had been leading two sequally fanatic marxist guerilla grinsurgent groups chasing after one and the same prey--Ethiopia--side by side harmoniously and in a hihgly synchronised military operations. They succeeded in 1991. One reigned in Asmara the other in Addis but still still their eye on one and the same prey--Ethiopia. During the initial years the victim seemed enough to fill the cold war shrunken bellies of the two poor, famished and skinny guerilla leaders and their millitia and ruled in harmony for few years. As the cold war hayenas eat more they needed more and Ethiopia gradually prooved not to be enough to satiate the two guerilla leaders turned dictators with proportionally bigger bellies, wider mothes, and gluttonous appetites.
The Eritrean dictator first looked towards Yemen for more scavenging trash, but didn't succeed. The Ethiopian one looked to Sudanm but was not lucky. Both tried togather in Somalia which turned out to be much more barren after being continuosly disemboweled by its own hayenas. Finally the two dictators learned that the only lucrative venture is still fighting over the same prey--Ethiopia.
Peace can reign in the region when the two psychotic, bloodlusted, mafiosi are dealth with by the combined muscles of the victims-the peoples of both countries.
Comment: I beg to difer with your analysis which seems to me it was spoon-fed to you by people you unscruplousw jornalists like to refer as an anonymos. There is no comparisn between the law abiding Isaias on the service of his people and country and the lawless irresponsible at the service of foreign interest Meles. Eritrea will ferociousley defend its sovereignty come what may. don't you make any mistake about that. The problem probably would have been solved by now if it were not for empty head "Journalists" of the type of Jason that are consciously or unconciously seem to give credance to what the Weyane thugs spew out.
Comment: I beg to difer with your analysis which seems to me it was spoon-fed to you by people you unscruplousw jornalists like to refer as an anonymos. There is no comparisn between the law abiding Isaias on the service of his people and country and the lawless irresponsible at the service of foreign interest Meles. Eritrea will ferociousley defend its sovereignty come what may. don't you make any mistake about that. The problem probably would have been solved by now if it were not for empty head "Journalists" of the type of Jason that are consciously or unconciously seem to give credance to what the Weyane thugs spew out.
Comment: the only problem is there is a multiparty parliament in Ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there are dozens of independent media in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is full freedom for minority religions in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there are private radios and growing free press in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is almost 10% GDP growth in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY. ..all this making your claim that Meles Zenawi is "dictator" a complete joke!!!
Comment: I thought it was a very well researched article and to the point about the reasons for the enmity between the two leaders. Sadly for the people of both countries both Meles and Essayas are cruel dictators.
Meles is the more clever ones and tries to fool the outside world by proclaiming there is Multi Party participation which is only on paper, as it was obvious when he imprisoned an opposition that nearly won the election in 2005. He has produced a Constitution that his Government is the first to disregard when it suits them. I cant understand why the supporters of Meles fail to see this unless they are beneficiaries of this government ! With regards to Badme Meles made the mistake of agreeing to abide by the ruling of the Boundary Commission although the Ethiopian Army had taken back Bademe. He does like to appear reasonalble to the West.. After the ruling for Eritrea Meles started insisting on having discussions with Eritrea on the implementation of the Ruling. Eritrea's position is an admant No ! Although legally Meles is wrong I there is a sensible reason for having a discussion. Reports from that area indicate that the demarcation according to the ruling will separate the inhabitants from their schools, church etc. and inhabitants who consider themselves Ethiopian will find themselves on the Eritrean side of the border.
It is a war about the 2 Leaders Ego rather than consideration for the poor inhabitants of this place. It is true that International pressure on Meles is lookwarm and that sends Essayas even madder ! People of both countries are suffering under these two dictators and a solution can only be agreed if there is change of Government in both countries.
Comment: Abinet, you actually think the reason Ethiopia does not comply with an internationally sanctioned court ruling is because it cares about the few people whose church, cemetary and farm land will be divided.... if you buy that, I have got Brookling Bridge to sell to you. Apparently it does not occur to you Meles does not care about his people after the massacre in Addis and the precarious lives of many of his citizen, but he dearly cares about the people who live in that dusty village called Badme.
Comment: Eritus I believe Meles's main concern is the anger of the Tigrai people ( the backbone of his support )and further concessions to Eritrea would strenghten factions within his party who would have the support of the Tigrean mass.. We all remember the expultion of thousands of Tigreans by Essayas at the time of Independence is one instance of the hostility to Eritrea besides other historical factors.
Comment: You explain very well the difference and similarity of the two leaders and countries people. Moreover, Meles is from Tigrai father and Eritrean mother. Most of Ethiopian ministers are mixed blood (Ethiopian father and Eritrean mother). Specifically, Berket Simoen is completely Eritrean borne in Ethiopia. This is very important if you know the nature and culture of the Eritrean people.
One thing you need to remember is that the last 30 years Ethiopians paid millions of dollars and life that invaded Eritrea to get sea access. This mess was designed by king of Haileslassie without thinking twice. Ethiopians learned that because of this mess they live in poverty for ever. They know there was no reason to fight with Eritrea again! Ethiopian government and people knew to fight with Eritrea is not for their benefit.
In addition, the officials in Ethiopia with Eritrean blood did not want to harm and heart Eritrean people again.
Here is the Question for the editor:
i) If Ethiopians know war with Eritrea is not for their benefit, whose benefit is it?
ii) If Ethiopian officials didn???t want to harm their people (Eritrean) in blood, and if they still alarming war against Eritrean, who is the boss? Whose mouth do they use to beat war drum? Who is behind? Who want to harm Eritrean?
Like other people of the world these people (Eritrean and Ethiopian) deserve to live in peace!
I can???t imagine any benefit by making these two innocent people fight for life!
Comment: what a ridiculous article!! to describe Meles zenawi as "dictator" equal to the one-party eritrean regime is unreasonable if not idiotic.
the "only" problem in your article is there is a multiparty parliament in Ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR HISTORY, there are dozens of independent media in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is full freedom for minority religions in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, opposition PMs vote for and against all government policies in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR HISTORY....there are private radios and growing free press in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is almost 10% GDP growth in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY. ..all this making your claim that Meles Zenawi is "dictator" a complete joke!!!
Comment: You explain very well the difference and similarity of the two leaders and countries people. Moreover, Meles is from Tigrai father and Eritrean mother. Most of Ethiopian ministers are mixed blood (Ethiopian father and Eritrean mother). Specifically, Berket Simoen is completely Eritrean borne in Ethiopia. This is very important if you know the nature and culture of the Eritrean people.
One thing you need to remember is that the last 30 years Ethiopians paid millions of dollars and life that invaded Eritrea to get sea access. This mess was designed by king of Haileslassie without thinking twice. Ethiopians learned that because of this mess they live in poverty for ever. They know there was no reason to fight with Eritrea again! Ethiopian government and people knew to fight with Eritrea is not for their benefit.
In addition, the officials in Ethiopia with Eritrean blood did not want to harm and heart Eritrean people again.
Here is the Question for the editor:
i) If Ethiopians know war with Eritrea is not for their benefit, whose benefit is it?
ii) If Ethiopian officials didn???t want to harm their people (Eritrean) in blood, and if they still alarming war against Eritrean, who is the boss? Whose mouth do they use to beat war drum? Who is behind? Who want to harm Eritrean?
Like other people of the world these people (Eritrean and Ethiopian) deserve to live in peace!
I can???t imagine any benefit by making these two innocent people fight for life!
Comment: You explain very well the difference and similarity of the two leaders and countries people. Moreover, Meles is from Tigrai father and Eritrean mother. Most of Ethiopian ministers are mixed blood (Ethiopian father and Eritrean mother). Specifically, Berket Simoen is completely Eritrean borne in Ethiopia. This is very important if you know the nature and culture of the Eritrean people.
One thing you need to remember is that the last 30 years Ethiopians paid millions of dollars and life that invaded Eritrea to get sea access. This mess was designed by king of Haileslassie without thinking twice. Ethiopians learned that because of this mess they live in poverty for ever. They know there was no reason to fight with Eritrea again! Ethiopian government and people knew to fight with Eritrea is not for their benefit.
In addition, the officials in Ethiopia with Eritrean blood did not want to harm and heart Eritrean people again.
Here is the Question for the editor:
i) If Ethiopians know war with Eritrea is not for their benefit, whose benefit is it?
ii) If Ethiopian officials didn???t want to harm their people (Eritrean) in blood, and if they still alarming war against Eritrean, who is the boss? Whose mouth do they use to beat war drum? Who is behind? Who want to harm Eritrean?
Like other people of the world these people (Eritrean and Ethiopian) deserve to live in peace!
I can???t imagine any benefit by making these two innocent people fight for life!
Comment: the only problem is there is a multiparty parliament in Ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there are dozens of independent media in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is full freedom for minority religions in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there are private radios and growing free press in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, there is almost 10% GDP growth in ethiopia FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY. ..all this making your claim that Meles Zenawi is "dictator" a complete joke!!!
Comment: The regime in Ethiopia is in power only for its own (the Tigrai region) and for the US interest. Zenawi jailed opposition leaders, silenced journalists and killed 193 people on the streets of Addis Ababa, invaded and committing war crimes in Somalia and genocide in Ogaden. Now it has refused to accept the UN boundary commission ruling and occupied sovereign Eritrean territories and is preparing for another war. But please don???t blame only the American absurd foreign policy who is behind all this. We all know US government and its amateur state department employees handling African affairs are responsible for all this .However, how about the UK???s double standard policy of continuously bashing Mugabe for human rights violation and ignoring the plight and atrocities in the Horn committed by Meles and co? Mugabe (never killed anyone) is an angel in contrast with the real devil in the horn.
Comment: Jason,
This is the second time you have written negativley knowng that the people who support you and support the Addis Regime must be satisfied. Believe me Eritreans by thousand in every corner of the world along with the large majority in Eritrea stand by their President/Government. I can send you plenty of proof. On the other hand the dying regime in Addis does not have the support of the large (I mean Huge numbers) majority in Ethiopia and will soon realize that it is not in their best interest to meddle in Eritrean affairs.
Jason please stop this madness and tell the story the proper way. By the way Mr. Afwerki who is a person of integrity recently had more that 10 diplomats confirmed to Eritrea and continues to expand the diplomacy of good governance to many other nations. May be the US should consider and build stronger ties with Eritrea, because Eritrea is a nation that will change the entire horn of Africa.
Comment: Jason, I bet morons like you pass as Journalists. Stop telling fables. Instead tell it how it is.
How is it when african leaders stand for their countries interests, they are called dictators, but when bush set the whole world on fire, he is just bush. We keep harking to Africans about democracy and rule of law. In Eritrea's case what do you want them to do, bend down and take it because bush said so ?
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