Hello Abraham, Rahwa T, and Wolde Ab

Here is my late response to some of your questions. By the way, please
keep in mind that this is the human me rather than the politician me answering.
Welde ab: thank you for introducing me to Pollyanna. I can’t wait to read her
book.

They insult us (agame etc.)

Yes they do. I don’t know if you have noticed but we insult them too.
This is neither a new behavior nor is it an exclusive Tigrean or Eritrean
one. It is a worldwide phenomenon which is attributed to nothing but
backwardness. Everywhere in this world any group of people or tribe with
similar identity do have derogatory terms for others. Even in the same tribe
there are always derogatory terms given to those who are from across the river
or behind some mountain.

Some of the effective ways to combat this kind of behavior is:

1. To fight backwardness at all times.

2. To correct anyone who uses derogatory terms to an entire tribe or
nationality.

3. To remember that whoever uses derogatory term does not represent his
or her entire nation or tribe.

4. Most importantly, avoid the idea of “getting even,” because that only
multiplies it.

5. If you really want to go the extra mile you can also try to be extra
nice to a person who insults you. Trust me, you won't lose anything.

You can also try the following technique which does wonders.
Whenever you meet a nice person you simply tell yourself
“people from that person’s country are very nice,” but when you meet a not so
nice person tell yourself that “I just met a bad person.” For whatever reason
we seem to use these two exact concepts in the opposite direction, but stay on
top of that and you will be surprised how simple and true that is. There is
actually some study on sociology that says most people in the world are nice.
I think it is like 80% of them.

As we try to get closer to them they, Eritreans, try to get farther away
from us, so, what do we do, or why bother?

Regarding why Eritreans amplify our difference while downplaying our
similarity may have to do with creating a new nation and nationality, but,
lucky for me, I will only address the easier part of it which is what the
context implied anyway. The people-to-people relationship between Eritreans and
Ethiopians is unavoidable and unnecessary to try to do so. Let alone as
complicated as Ethio-Eritrean relationship even the least complicated border
societies of Ethiopian neighbors are impossible to completely severe all
relationships with. If we are talking from ‘unity’ perspective however, it is
even easier.

Similarity is not a prerequisite for unity. When Ethiopian nationalities
agreed to unite, their similarity or lack there of was never an issues. What they
believed was that as long as there is a verifiable and pre-agreed upon method
of governance they can work together under a federal system for a common
destiny. Ethiopia is a federated state of nations who understood the inherent advantage in
numbers and who believed on the possibility of greater achievements when united
than they could separately. It has nothing to do with being similar to one
another. For example, the Afar and Gambella are two examples of nations with a
stark difference in their looks, religion, language, history, and geography,
but they equally believe in their “Ethiopiawinet” nonetheless. What makes the
Ethiopian federal system work is not the similarity between tribes or nations
but its inclusiveness and fairness to address all members’ questions equally as
guaranteed by the famous article 39 of Ethiopian constitution.

How many Tigreans should die to win the hearts of Eritreans?

None! We should never do any favors to win anything in exchange. I know
we live in a world where “Hinieu zeyfedi wedi adgi,” “return the favor,” “what
have you done for me lately,” “tit-for-tat,” “get even,” even as ridiculous as,
“be a man,” are acceptable norms, but these are concepts that insure stagnation
and not growth. To grow as an individual or as a society, we need to break away
from these kinds of reactionary concepts and move forward. Be kind to all
people at all times because it is the right thing to do. What will I get in return
should never be a question to ask before you do a favor to anyone. Before you
say “be realistic” let me remind you that what we do everyday is what
constitutes our reality. Pass it on folks!

Badme, EEBC, UN Peace Keepers, and is Ethiopia trying to weaken Eritrea?

When the EEBC ruled without having to visit Badme, Ethiopia should have never
accepted the ruling, or when Isaias kicked the UN peace keepers out of Eritrea,
Ethiopia should have declared all agreements null and void.
That is as far as I could dare to say regarding Badme.
This issue has been a mystery to me from the beginning. From the moment
the war started I had lost all interest on the war and its outcome. To me,
personally, I could only expect one outcome and that was exactly what I got:
The loss of my brothers and sisters. To be fair to you, Abraham, to have a
better understanding of Ethiopia’s position regarding Badme I am the last person to ask.
I know very little, and I don’t like what I know.

I don’t have enough knowledge to say yes or no about Ethiopia trying to weaken Eritrea, but I
would be surprised if it isn’t. Whether we call it proxy war or
no-war-no-peace, in the absence of peace, I would imagine both countries would
be trying to weaken one another.

A special message to Rahwa, but it is okay for the rest of you to cheat.

Here is a story I once heard from a friend who heard it from another
friend. There was a very kind, spiritual, honest, very well respected, and
beautiful young lady. One day, her parents arranged her marriage to a man who
was extremely mean and vile. Almost every resident in that town protested to
her parents about that incredible mismatch. However, when the young woman heard
about her engagement to that man, she knelt down to thank her God for bringing
that man into her life so that she may improve and grow in her ability to love!
The remarkable that she was, she saw that as a gift to her so that her loving
skill may improve. What a fantastic way of looking at life!

Thank you all.

Selam.

Dear Fanti Ghana,

You're a joy and a beautiful person. Thank you for gracing Awate with your warm presence. Again, thank you.

Haft'kha.

Welcome back Papillon, and thank you many times over.
It is twice the pleasure to hear you say that, because you happened to be one of my
top teachers at awate.com.

Selam.

Dear Fanti Ghadi,
This is incredible to believe. If you are practicing what you have discussed here in this post in your daily life, you should be a very rare man. I like your approach, although some of the points look to me as ideal and impractical when it comes to the real life. How many of us are ready to give the right side of our face when our enemy give us a big slap on our left? I have nothing to oppose to any of your arguments. But one minor question is if you have noticed the implication of the reply from Hope on my earlier comment regarding the naming of the twisted Asmara-Keren road? I just stop commenting to him as I was afraid it would take us to unnecessary tit-for-tat exchanges of words. According to him the naming goes as far as a century years back. I wondered if the road was named years before the road was constructed (as I don't think the road was 100 years old). The other question that came to my mind was on the depth of the problem that we have. Anyway, my overall impression on the points you discussed is very positive. Thanks,

Hello again Rahwa T,
I know you had more than enough of me recently, but I find this part to be too important to pass. So, bare with me a little longer; it is almost over.

I see a great potential for greater wisdom and a good heart in your writing, and I am strongly hopeful that you can master my preaching above with little practice. I am not quite there yet myself as I may have lead you to believe, but I am actively aware of the potential and I do apply some of it in my life. I get a few encouraging remarks from friends occasionally. It can seem overwhelming when you think about all of it at once, but you will be amazed how simple it can be if you try it with simpler situations, especially, with people you already know. For example, forget everything else I said for now except the following two:

1. Do someone a favor without expecting any value in exchange:

The next time someone, like a friend or family, asks to borrow 1-5 bucks just give it to them and say: It is okay you can have it; I was going to buy a chewing gum with it any way. The white lie “I was going to buy a chewing gum” is very important to put the person at ease, but if they insist to pay it back it is okay to accept. Just keep training yourself until enough people owe you allover the place.

2. How to practice “giving the other chic” when someone shows an attitude against you.

This needs practice in bits and pieces, and family members are good guinea pigs. Say for example someone insults you, before you insult them back just ask your self “why did he/she insult me?” then go ahead and do what you normally do. I hope it doesn’t involve a baseball bat or a skillet, but go ahead anyway for now. As you do this a few times and it starts to become a habit add one more phrase like so; “why did he/she insult me, is he/she depressed about something?” Keep adding phrases like “did he/she misunderstand what I said earlier,” and so on. The idea here is to create as much time between the moment someone says something nasty to you and the time you respond. Eventually your mind will start to adjust to the new you, who, upon hearing an insult, instead of reaching for a stone tries to evaluate the person instead of the insult. Before you know it, you will be saying “I see you are angry, so, we will talk about this some other time.” Someday, when someone insults you and you find yourself thinking “this person is hurting, so, how can I help him/her,” then you should know that you graduated!

Food for thought: have you ever insulted someone and regretted it later? Now, imagine it the other way arround.
It is a pleasure talking with you Rahwa, and good luck with your homework.
Selam.

I am happy that he is free after such a long time. I am also happy that he survived the war. Life as a soldier is really tough.
One can get killed for abandoning own position or disobeying an order. If you are told to go south and you go north during a war, you can get into trouble. At least that is what I read in some books.

"I will take this country down as I put it up" Issaias Afewrki

Dear SGJ,

This is one of the time my Arabic (non-existent) let's me down and google translate seems to be poor at it. Is this news telling us that the IA regime delegates to Cairo went there yesterday from Khartoum on board Ethiopian Airlines flight?

My observation: If so, why isn't Ethiopian flying to Asmara or is it their politics of hate to Ethiopia that they wish to give the masses and the convenience efficient transport from Ethiopia are kept to themselves?

Regards

Selam Haile TG,

Although difficult to believe, if such miracles do happen in these difficult times, it could mean many things. It could be a sign of change of heart by Eritrea towards Ethiopia, and it may be a
way to meet Ethiopian officials on flight towards Cairo. During the flight, it is possible that some sort of discussions could take place, a sort of “on flight diplomacy”.

One might say that lately, Ethio-Eritrean affairs pass first through Khartoum before they reach Addis or Asmara. Remember, electricity purchase from Khartoum, while Khartoum itself buys electricity from Ethiopia.

Rather flights to Cairo are mixed up, and they do not seem to know where flights are coming from, and who is the government official on board. Any way, it is a good scenario to contemplate upon.

Horizon, Haile

Ethiopian delegates flew to Cairo DIRECTLY from Addis on a chartered plane. Tedros Adhanom was leading the delegation. He actually twitted about it. They did not stop in Khartoum. There may be another ET flight from Khartoum, which the Shabians boarded. But not the same flight that carried Ethiopian delegation...

Eyoba...Lol your "the Shaebians" make it sound like armed men boarded the flight. Also, Ethiopian airlines may find your wording not so good for business potential to service Eritrea. Shaebia is a movement that fought to bring the independent Eritrea and strikes a cord of following with majority (about 98.9999%) of the population. You could say the hgdef stooges and I am all with you. Shaebia is a big No No :-)

The question is why they board flight to Cairo in the Sudan when they could have done it from Asmara which is mostly served by EgyptAir? Why did they board a flight whose final destination was bound to Adis Ababa and with a stop in Cairo? Do you have any insider (even mid level - we're desperate :) news on that?

Selamat Haile the Great,

Shaebia leaders boarding Ethiopian airlines...I have a somali friend who tells me that badme was ignited to serve both leaders. For isaias, to shelve the constitution and eliminate the next generation of leaders and for meles, to wipeout opposition and clean house. The EECC mentioned how shaebia and woyanes were doing business way after the war. You can tell the judges were surprised given the vicious attacks coming from both sides. Who knows, the way woyanes keep in check the opposition and trained soldiers in concentration like camps and the way shaebia melts theirs opposition in eritrea by assigning them giffa duties, I wouldn't be surprised if these two groups have been doing each others bidding.

About using shaebia instead of higdef, unlike this person, I use it to tie the movement to the present misery because both are done by the same people and the exact same organization with a different name. To split shaebia from higdef is to say a person with a hat is different without a hat. Tactically, I use shaebia to draw out shaebias. As long as they let their comrades do this to our people while they watch silently or enjoy their loot, then they own both the "independence" and the horror they ushered. Of course, they can prove us wrong but I doubt it Shabia now is about to surpass the years they spend in medda. Shaebia as an organization stands today very close to spending more time repressing and brutalizing the eritrean people than they did fighting dergi for God knows what.

Selamat Serray,

I must say that the "Dawit Meconnen" theory is something closer to the one you are alluding to. I am not sure, however, if you go as far as giving it ethnicity flavor as a deeper motive (if you did then that is indeed "Dawit Meconnen's theory" :)

Truth be told, I would ask you to stop for one minute and scan in your mind through the entire mass of people, walks of life, sections of society, backgrounds, levels of education and skill....that constituted the shaebial (or the latter part of ghedli) movement. Now do the same to scan through (the eye of your mind) the few, belligerent, beleaguered, ill equipped and ill organized people who are runing the regime and its propaganda arm. Could you honestly say the latter is shaebia? If you look at the tegadelti (mostly high ranking) section of ghedli and and equate them to the entire body of the movement then that is not accurate. Even if you look at the vast number of tegadelti, our problem is their lack of proper skills and some general weakness in their judgement of how their actions could undermine the nation building process. Most were not criminalized and their crimes are no worse than the civilians. It was just that they were trusted more than they could deliver and their reaction to it was trying to impose their failed ways rather than letting the population free. The fewer sections of tegadelti who are instigating all our current problems are actually criminalized persons who don't give a hoot if the country exist or get lost. These were hand picked (coached by the regime) in the move conducted to completely take state control. The G-15 were asking for democratic reform, once democratic process starts it maintains its own momentum and by and large that was what Eritreans expected to eventually get after supporting and raring ghedli. It is hard to pontificate about IA here, there are many theories out there, but what we know is that his group has been priming the rogue elements in the 90s and finally turned savagely upon the Eritrean nation to bring it to its current situation. why? I guess everyone can take a shot on that.

The Eritrean people are disillusioned and insecure at the moment. This was the plan all along and the regime's techniques that it uses to play us are not home grown. Study them closely, there you will find that they are alien techniques (scientific at that) and it is difficult to see we could have gotten hgdef beaten down like this without the massive international support in its isolation and quarantining and now finally incapacitating it from being able to legally defend itself using imported armaments. I am no expert in this but it all has the whole mark of an enemy that was inside shaebia. Other than that we all know shaebia had the hearts and minds of the people and you don't get that as hgdef, not even something better. Shaebia was much too much successful. Hgdef never got off the ground and even the regime never ever use its name in its propaganda. Mind you, all of the dergue members come from the HS state apparatus (defense) but are not the Crown. Those were people who took over and changed course. IA has also took over with his group and changed course. Otherwise, why would G-15 claim that IA was not acting as per the hopes and aspirations of the organization? Many points to ponder but when we equate hgdef to shaebia, something doesn't quite add up. Let's not just focus on the military and security component.

Regards

Selamat Haile TG,

Listen to Berhane Afro, listen to many shaebia tegadelti, and honestly tell me they don't use shaebia to refer to this repulsive regime. In the latest video you posted, Berhane Afro, a tegadalai himself, was asked to make a distinction between higdef and shaebia my someone I am 100 percent sure was not a tegadalai, tried but the honest in him reverted back to referring the people brutalizing eritreans as shaebia.

Haile, I know exactly who these people are. They baptized themselves in 1994 with a new name, transferred all shaebia's powers and properties and continued without even taking a breather. The history of the opposition is a history of missing opportunities. I don't mind if all you are asking me is to simply make a distinction, but you are not. You want me to put on a pedestal an organization every single person committing these crimes came from. There is very little crime in eritrea that is not committed by shaebia tegadelti.

Here is what amazes me about this, in real life I refer to this regime as shaebia and nobody corrects me; including and especially shaebia tegadelti. Only at awate do you see this silly dichotomy. In real life, everybody I know admits things were a million times better before ghedli; only at awate you get called a name for stating the truest of truth. Whether the romantics like it or not, independence is killing eritrea; everyone can see that. This relents effort to separate ghedli from shaebia and shaebia from higdef has to stop. There is only one difference between shaebia in medda and shaebia in asmera; they fought to defeat ethiopia in medda and they are fighting to defeat the eritrean people in asmera. The same people but different target, that's all. And if we go by what is coming out of the country, by what the courageous priests are saying, they are winning.

Shaebia ambassador to israel puts it right when he said, if you want to defeat shaebia, you have to fight shaebia in eritrea. Berhan Afro puts it even more brutally, if you want to defeat shaebia, you have to go to medda. It is that obvious. Let us stop putting lipstick on the pictures of isaias to make him look different that the brute he always had been. Shaebia is higdef as sure as wedi afom is isaias.

What a dumb analogy.
If a person hat different hat he is the same person.
Okay sunshine, if a person had a brain injury is he the same person?
Shaebia ceased to exist when people like Haile Drue , people like General Abraha; keep going all the way to G -15.
Shaebia was Shaebia with those great and brave people. When all those great people made to disappear the great shaebia become the hard to phantom PFDJ.
But knowing you came from school of YG; you are forgiven.
By the way did you read his last Article , lol what is wrong with dude ? He was taking about Zuria. Lol. Something is missing? Oh a job.
I don't know which one is more sever punishment. Dejen's imprisoment or reading yg's entire article.

Why don't you try Dejen's imprisonment and get back to us after 15 years. This place will be more lively.

I could have told you to the brim but then I am the one will pay the price. So let me shout my mouth. And I know this forum will be lively with out me becouse that is your people 's agenda. To get rid of my kind who stand up to you and calls for what you are. Trust I know what you and the rest of you know what wanted. Awate.com will not become Andinet . Com. Trust me.
I know you are offended I mentioned your king YG; I understand why you will get update and talk to me.
I thought you don't talk to dead people? What happened? Oh I get it YG.
Get a life.

Hailesha (Have you ever wondered, why I never use the 'TG' tag that everybody puts on you? Not that I think you're not worthy of that crowning, I just prefer to use other affectionate suffix and prefixes :-) )

On the "Shabians", well, believe it or not I am actually being generous, or else you'd have read me saying "wonbedewochu" :-) The expression has nothing absolutely nothing to do with the people of Eritrea. Ethiopians don't refer Eritreans as 'Shabia', unless they were speaking in jest or jokingly. Usually, we reserve that to those, who rule Eritrea. Not the average Joes. I don't think you are being fair, when you try to impose an alien belief on me to feel the same way as you feel about Shabia. To me Shabia was never the people. Not only to me, but to average Ethiopian Shabia is a group that we really don't like and caused havoc on our country. Hence, we call it derisively and associate it only with those, who lead the group, but not with the everyday Eritrean. Sorry, but that is not only mine, but the thinking of millions of Ethiopian. Let me respectfully ask you one question. Have you ever been to Ethiopia? The reason why I am asking the question is, if you had, you would know instantly, what an Ethiopian mean or what he or she refers to, when they call someone 'Shabia'. It just mean a high ranking Eritrean official, an Eritrean soldier, a cadre of the government or a government supporter. That is it. In Ethiopia that word is exclusively reserved for them. It might mean something in Eritrea. Therefore, Ethiopian Airlines will not find my expression strange. I 'regret' not knowing it's meaning in Eritrea. I just used what I know and I grew up with... :-)

As far as my mid level knowledge informs me about Eritrean delegates boarding ET flight (notice:- I didn't say Shabians :-) ) I had no idea, but I guess it is for convenience. May be Egypt Air was not flying to Cairo from Asmara on the date they wanted to go. The frequency of other flights to Cairo from Khartoum may not coincide with their schedule, and only ET's flight may have been available for them to fly to Cairo from Khartoum, which fitted their schedule. I understand Issu chisu gura bekisu also will travel to Cairo. I am certain that he will not board Ethiopian Airlines. If he did, that will be very much news worthy... :-)

Hey Eyob
nomatter how you slice it, the very fact that they(wenbedewochu) use ethiopian is very encoraging. You never know next time they might stop by Addis(the would be the New York of Atrica)to talk about normalization. (I hope Haile is not reading this:-))

ere ere Eyoba yazliN ehie sewye be Hg efelgewalehu....wenbedewoch blon arefe eko :-)

Good morning Haile TG,
Eyob koynu`mber “ewai Dergi Ede wombede tibleni…” miderfkulu neyre.
gae megae ile gedifeya tmali mishet.

Fanti,

Are you testing me? :-) Sorry. My Tigrigna is very minimal.... :-) In case you haven't noticed, I only understand it, don't speak it fluently, and never tried here in awate to write in Tigrigna and embarrass myself :-)

Haile,

Help!!!!!

Sorry Eyob,
Your name is so misleading...
Any way, there was a song long time ago that goes like this:
ere ante DERG bisbisu wonbede yemitlegn,
tankochun sakatel at`tazebegnem wey!
But I was telling Haile TG that I couldn't possibly say that to you. Although I was tempted.
Selam.

, even though i know being humble is a good thing but [xxxx] kissing dose not solve a problem,

Hi Fanti I remember the song ;-)

Any way let's tell our brother dine we are cultured and when we kiss chicks it is normally the chicks located above the shoulder not below it ;-) what is he on...:-)

I think dine got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but I am not holding that against him.
I know how I sound sometimes.
Selam.

Haile,

don't pay attention to dine's kind of 'gutter talk'. Instead, if you plan to visit Addis in January, let me know. I will be there and volunteer myself to be your full time guide, not only in Addis but all over Ethiopia, including my hometown Shashemene.... :-)

me start the 'gutter talk' , are you trying to be smart or what.

haile TG , I know average eritreans are cultured people but according to your own word above it looks like you know so little about decent culture and it is hard to include you with the decent eritreans.

dine,

what is wrong you, bro? Come on. Don't do that...

hey dine,

here is a deal, I will settle with exclusion from your customized list, provided you firmly stay on your belief that "I know average eritreans are cultured people', that is the truth and would improve your conduct noticeably to exhibit it in your discourses here. If you're writing something that other would hesitate to repeat but x it out, then check yourself again. This is not criticism but a light way of reminding you being courteous would help.

Hello dine,
What part of what I said sounds like “kissing xxx” to you?

Dear brother Fanti Ghana,

After reading some of your recent posts, I am asking myself if you really are Ethiopian. I respect your positions if you are an Eritrean citizen. Being a person of good-heart is fine and very human. But your stand seem to favor our neighbors at the expense of our people. I think this has never helped even to PMMZ. Remember, only very few people from this forum have respect for his policy towards the nation of "Mereb Melash" as Ethiopian leader. He might have different reason, and I guess you might have your own reason as well.

Dear Rahwa,

Only JUSTICE will bring peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. All the rest is wishful-thinking. Even if the two governments reach a certain decision in a miraculous way, unless both people feel vindicated, there will be no peace today or in the future.

Secession of Eritrea was supported by the TPLF government (I would say a right decision), but without putting even a single clause in the agreement (if there was any agreement at all), as to Ethiopia’s guaranteed outlet to sea. EPRDF/TPLF might accept landlocking of Ethiopia for their own reasons, but not the people of Ethiopia. Secondly, I do not know if
it is the first time that a country wins a war at the battlefields, and loses at the negotiation table. Probably this is one of the reasons MZ refused to implement the EEBC decision. He had no doubt in his mind that he would be vindicated, when he accepted negotiations in the first place.

Ethiopia on her part should be ready for some concession: badme, opening her market, electricity and even military cooperation etc.

When we say let’s pack up and leave; this is not the usual way of politics, and it will have no permanent results. Remember, Eritrea is in need of peace much more than Ethiopia. Nevertheless, it does not mean that Ethiopia should continue to exploit the situation; nor should Eritrea remain in its stubborn position. When one discusses Ethio-Eritrean politics, one has to examine both sides of the divide, and bring a working formula and not an idea that would remain only in the sphere of wishful thinking. I think that our friend Fanti Ghana has forgotten the give and take aspect of negotiations.

One final point; however you handle DIA and the PFDJ, either by giving back badme and demarcation or even giving everything else under the sun, they would never move an iota from their position, as to their policy towards Ethiopia, nor would the people of Eritrea see freedom and democracy.

Rahwa Haftey (I am probably old enough to call you gualey),

My reasons are actually simpler than they may appear.
1. I don’t see Eritreans as “them.” I see them as “my people” whether we are in two countries or one it doesn’t matter to me, and it never has. Otherwise my being on this forum as much as I do would be hard to explain.

2. I am not looking at the situation we are in from “sides” point of view. I see it only from what is good for our people as a whole in the long run.

3. EPRDF shouldn’t have accepted the ruling as it started doing in the beginning, or once it says I accept, it must understand that it put itself under the mercy of Isaias, and deal with it accordingly. It is looking like trying to cover one mistake by another.

4. The last 60 or so years, Ethiopian Governments, have been making too may mistakes regarding Eritrea by focusing on what looks good for today instead of what is important in the long run (we could talk about this point some other time).

5. I must uphold what I believe is right regardless of who benefits from it. In my belief the moment I waver from that I would have disgraced myself and my martyred comrades from whom I learned everything good I never had.

I wish it was as simple as supporting my team vs. another, but precious lives are being lost for reasons that should make us cry. Whether you see it socially, politically, or spiritually, it makes no sense to be quiet while your brother/sister die so that you may save yourself from being labeled “xxx kisser,” “soft,” or from being asked “are you Ethiopian?” Remember how you felt when you saw that Australia video the other day? Now imagine watching that and something similar every week for 38 years. That is where I am coming from. Sorry to dump it all on you Rahwa, but, in my mind, I am addressing all of us, Ethiopians.
Selam.

Dear Fanti Ghana,

Thank you very much for your reply and the points you raised. Until very recently I used to share the feeling and still agree with few of the points you raised. Yes, I see the Eritreans as my sisters and brothers, for many reasons that I think is
more else similar to what you experienced. I am not (have never been) good at politics. I sometimes ask if this weakness has been the source of some of the convictions that I shared with you. Somewhere in his reply to your comment, Amde has nicely put it. Let me try to go bit further on some of the points you raised.

1. You don’t see Eritreans as “them. I had the same stand as yours. I know there are few Eritreans who believed the same.
But the history that I and you know is being changed with the emergence of the new nation. “Thanks” to some European expatriates and Eritrean researchers, plenty of archeological and historical evidences are being “invented” that could be used as references by both the present and the coming Eritrean generations that the verify we have never been the same
people as it has been claimed by those of us from south of the Mereb. Dozens of documentary films, dramas, literatures and historical books have been produced that falsify the conviction that I and you naively believed. Recently, I have read a
document that states that the history of the Axumite kingdom was bounded to the current Eritrea and the TIP OF NORTHERN ETHIOPIA and this has led me to have impression that according to this document the southern limits of the Kingdom might have not go few Kilometers south of the present Aksum. My Dear Fabti Ghana, if this is what they believe, there is nothing we can do but respect these findings and agree to disagree.

2. Who was asking here at Awate.com as how many Tigrians should die to win the heart of the heart of Eritreans? To me such questions have a very powerful message for us –The Ethiopians. You have mentioned the political stand TPLF has since its inception as a political organization. Although I believe it was partly for its survival, many thousands have shed
blood for that cause. Remember Amora. But what are most of the Yika’alo said about them. Do you know the road from Asmara to Keren? The Yika’alos have named a portion of that road as Libi Tigray- in honor and memory of them. That is how I understand it if they are still calling that road. Who knows, next time they may add the zig-zig road between Asmara and Massawa as LBTG-2. Sorry, I this always irritated me and I don't expect this from someone who I call a brother.

3. You have raised some political issues. I agree with that many Ethiopians believe that the border issue should have been settled diplomatically and legally. But once the war started it was wrong to go to The Hague after wasting thousands of
precious life. May be that is the bad side of politics and only politicians would know the trick to as to why they
would have different stands at different times. I don’t think that ordinary citizens like me and naive intellectuals such as you would present any acceptable solution for a complicated problem designed by odd politicians. That is why your convictions on the issues of the settling the border conflict sounds to me as if it was coming from a religious individual.

4. I am a good wisher for my brothers and sisters in this new nation. It is my wish that the problem between the two
countries would get a final solution one way or another as soon possible. But as long as we are different nations, we have to be treated each other different citizens as our brother from South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya.

Hello Rahwa T,
Here is a little addition to what I tried to say last week.
http://awate.com/dejen-ande...

My dear sister/daughter Rahwa,
"... coming from a religious individual"?
That made me laugh, because I didn’t see it coming.

You made some fine points too. I was just writing dine about
Eritrean’s grievances, so, I will skip some of that here. The best way to understand
Eritreans is to go as far back in history as possible and try to see the whole story
of how they got here. I know this will sound generalization, but believe me
when I tell you this: you may be seeing them on their angry hour, but Eritreans
are the most generous and good hearted people I have ever known. All the libi-Tigray
and such are just expressions of anger and nothing more. Earlier, when I was
writing dine it occurred to me that this is a subject that needs a serious talk
between all of us Ethiopians. And hopefully I will try to address it in more
detail sometime soon. Stay tuned.

PS: forget about being a politician. It is overrated. You stay
as human as possible for as long as you can. Trust me this is “age” talking.

Are you deliberately playing the role of Polly Anna for the so called Awatistas or are you this naive?
"Good hearted people" ? Go to Tesfa News ans Madote and read the comments. Before you finish reading a paragraph from any comment section, I guarantee you that you would have come across two or three Agame this , Agame that and that favorite word of theirs.....;lementi,
I wonder what kind of rationalization you are going to come up with.
Proud Agame
wolde ab,

Hello wolde ab,
sorry for the delayed response but here it is:
http://awate.com/dejen-ande...

Dear Wolde ab

Let me clarify this for you:

- Tesfa, dehai, madote, raimoq...are controlled media and you can only air that kind of views. Most comments there are written by paid hgdef operatives to stir hate and isolate the Eritrean people (you need to isolate people in order to abuse them)

- Awate, assenna, asmarino... are by free willed Eritreans and you admit that you don't get those abhorrent discourses here. Some of those operatives come here at times but they are ridiculed and hounded by free thinking Eritreans.

Take your shot

haile;
What does take your shot exactly mean? I didn't know that our limited conversation had turned to a pissing contest. There is no shot to be taken at all, just simple observation.
As a matter of fact, even your leader has purportedly said" I know what you call me behind my back........

Sorry, Please read "Sorry, I this always irritated me and I don't expect this from a people who I call a brother.

Rahwa,
Are you in your right mind?
The libi Tigray,bla,bla,things are a centuary old nick names but as Fanti said it eloquently,there was a reason behind it-Anger and remorse-and make NO mistake,legitimately though!
on the same token,eritreans are NOT Angels either and we feel your pain and respect and understand
I do NOT want to go into details as you know it/them.
But does it matter or is it essential again "to pee ni dihrit kem ghimel and tehatsibkas nab chikka"?No---
It reminded me the recent story by Mr Heren Cohen or Mr. Dan Connell about bringing in similar reactions like you did that he believed,unfortunately with some truth in it,where he brought the issue of "Revenge" as one of the major reasons for the "border war."One of the reasons is what you stated,nicks like Libi Tigray,Eritreans considering Tigreyan Inferior,etc-----
But you know the role of some Tigreyans in the old days of Janhoy and mainly during the Dergue Era.
Do I need to mention few examples?
_Acting as the main Terror Agents of the Dergue Regime and decimationg many Eritreans Youth besides going far to the extent of "poisoning our wells and Rivers"....Do you want me to go on?
But we have become "Best Friends" though to the extent of routing out the Black Military Power.
Call it a Tactical or Strategic Friendship,it worked and we,Eritreans forgot and forgave and left behind the PAST and have done our BEST to treat you Tigreyans and the whole Ethiopians as our best and closest friends and Neighbour.
Case in point,I was involved deeply likely most Eritreans did, in Addis and Washington DC area for the BEST interest of the Ethiopians,particularly Tigreyans,in all aspects and events until 1997,of course.I mentioned this to challenge any one who could chalenge me on this issue.
What matters is today and tomorrow,not yesterday.
Let us reconcile by forgeting and forgiving each other and move on,as regurgitation of the past and living in the past does nothing good but BAD!
I believe that is the principle of Fanti Ghana.
Does it hurt or cost any thing to be so like Fanti or ftollow Fanti?Nada,none,zero.But it helps and it heals....the sky will be the limit for the betterment of both Nations and the peoples.
But definitely,it does hurt if we live in the past and say an do what Rahwa is trying to do...
Reconciliation NOW!.
As a human being,have you ever hated some one, or had issues and grudges with some one--a family,friend,father,wife,son,daughter,etc?How does it feel?
Very bad in my experience.
On the same token,when you reconcile with that perosn,how does it feel?
Big time relief and peace .
The choice is yours/ours.
Either to live with hatred,grudges,suspicion,grief,etc--with its/their secondary psychological negative consequences;or to forget and forgive and live in Perpetual Peace,Tranquility,TRUST,progress, prosperity,etc---??
May the Lord enlighten us all.
"Our Father,who art in the Heavens,give us our daily bread and forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us NOT into temptations but deliver us from evil."
Amen

Hopeful

'Acting as the main Terror Agents of the Dergue Regime and decimationg
many Eritreans Youth besides going far to the extent of "poisoning our
wells and Rivers"....Do you want me to go on?"

You can go on and on man. But enough movies and songs are fabricated by your artists and Eri-Tv. We are simply entertaining by the art forgetting the PDFJ insults aside. Yes not only there were pro-dergue Tegarus but pro dergue or HS Eritreans were also many that we could not see in your comments and movies.

Peace

Dear Abreham,
You are talking to the direct victim,without any exaggeration and I brought only to give a "Hint" to Rahwa,who might know the issues even better than me.

We are NoT talking about Pro-dergue eritreans now.We consider those "Eritreans" who committed crimes against humanity and their own citizens more than enemies and they got beyond what they desereved but we let those pro-dergue tegarus go in Luxury Red Cross Buses.
Case closed now--
Eventhough knowing the past history is essential for lots of reasons,we decided this kind of past history to be left behind and move forward.In the evnt,if you decided to live in th epast,good luck to you.
May God enlighten us and have His Mercy on us.

Selam Fanti
I like your take though I have some questions

-Eth governments making mistakes? Do you mean even the latest one? Ok what about the other way? Is Eri gov a saint to Ethiopia and to the region?
-Like you I would be happy if Badme had gone for good if it guarantees peace and other favourable conditions. But, do you ever heard about the 25 kilo meters buffer zone inside Eri and the UN peace keepers? What is your take on that and the Algiers agreement and then the EEBC?
-Do you believe Ethio government is doing this to see a weaker eritrea like Yodita and Mahumud told us?

Thank you

Hello Abraham,
sorry for the delayed response but here it is:
http://awate.com/dejen-ande...

Hello Abraham,
I may have said the same thing over and over all day today in my reply to others, but I will come back to address some of your questions and more soon (may be next weekend).
Selam.

"1. I don’t see Eritreans as “them.” I see them as “my people” whether we are in two countries or one it doesn’t matter to me, and it never has. Otherwise my being on this forum as much as I do would be hard to explain."

The feeling is mutual Fanti. Demarcating the border would solve most of our problems though, so that dialogue between the two governments can resume and people to people diplomacy would heal the wounds quickly. I have never understood those who think dialogue before demarcation is possible. If it was, would we have gone to war in the first place? I appreciate that you have not let hatred occupy a space in your heart.
God bless you!