Reprinted: Ogaden
Online Published this Article on Dec 08,
2001
The desert plains of the Horn of Africa are
full of instances where nomadic peoples
traveling in long caravans see an oasis in
the distance and rush toward it only to
realize it was a mere desert vision, a trick
on the eyes caused by the interaction of
rising heat from the ground with the cooler
air above.
So real are these visions that from a
distance thinks he can see ripples on the
water surface increasing the anticipation of
cool water just waiting to be leaped into.
The dry lands of politics also has it's own
visions which appear so real from a distance
but disappear upon further inspection. The
difference in politics is that these visions
are not naturally occurring, but man made.
Case in point:
Ethiopia as partner in the War on Terrorism.
From a distance Addis is a staunch ally, a
dependable one. From a distance, Ethiopia is
a front line state in the war on terrorism.
From a distance, Ethiopia has implemented a
crack down on terrorist financial networks.
From a distance, Ethiopia started several
years ago it's own war on terrorism.
But only at a
distance.
Approach the pleasant vision of a genuinely
eager ally and further scrutiny will reveal
some interesting truths.
The war on terrorism could not have come at
a better time for the beleaguered EPRDF/TPLF
regime in Addis Ababa. Like a drowning
swimmer tossed a life preserver, Ethiopia's
Prime Minister did not hesitate to leap
towards this floating ring in the hopes that
it will prevent his regime from going under
and being covered by the waves of history.
But this swimmer is not only concerned with
staying alive. Even as he paddles his feet
towards the raft he sees an opportunity.
Put simply, in one blow, EPRDF/TPLF wishes
not only to survive, but to emerge the
dominant force in the Horn of Africa.
Quick thinking on the part of the ruling
clique in Addis hatches a simple plan in
which the EPRDF/TPLF seeks to do the
following
-
Portray Ethiopia as Indispensable to
counter terrorism efforts in the Horn of
Africa
- Paint
Ethiopia's neighbor's (Somalia most of
all) as zest pools of terrorist
activity.
- Ensure
resulting actions (preferably military)
coincide exactly with Ethiopian
strategic interest's in the region.
- While
this is going on, use additional foreign
military and economic assistance, which
is sure to come, to eliminate internal
dissent within the EPRDF and
systematically crack down on free
political expression.
When we
consider what is at stake for Ethiopia, it
is no surprise that the Zenawi clique has
fallen over themselves trying to recast the
Horn of Africa as the world next battle
front on terrorism (with Ethiopia being the
favorite prize fighter in this match).
In doing so Melez Zenaawi is making the age
old mistake that dictators and tyrants have
made since the beginnings of an organized
state structure. He is relying on the often
tried remedies of focusing the his people's
attention on external events (war with
Eritrea, Military operations against Al-Itihaad
in Somalia) and relying on outside
assistance as a reward for enthusiastically
supporting the war on terrorism.
This formula of directing public attention
outward and relying on external support to
stay in power seems to be what Melez Zenaawi
views as his ticket to longevity.
While some western capitals may be content
with this for now, others will be sure to
realize that their best defense against
evils of terrorism is not by propping up a
secular terrorist to fight religious
zealots, but rather by promoting democracy,
which history has proven, is always the best
option to defeat fascism and extremism of
any sort.
What the Horn of Africa needs is not more
powerful propped up government's in support
of the war on terrorism because those
government's will simply not be sustainable.
What the Horn of Africa needs instead is
more powerful people who by virtue of
democracy, really do have something to lose
if a free society anywhere is threatened by
terrorism.
While the world should seek the fullest
cooperation possible with nation states in
the war on terrorism and the countries in
the Horn of Africa are no exception. We must
realize that at the end of the day, Melez
Zenaawi is still a dictator and his
continued rule guarantees that the Ethiopian
people will continue to worry more about his
security forces knocking on their door, than
they will about Al-Qaeda and their mass
murdering foot soldiers.
Its up to policy makers from democratic
nations to recognize that this picture can
not serve their interest's to spread freedom
and free markets in the Horn of Africa.
In a recent interview with AL-Zaman
newspaper, Prime Minster Melez Zenaawi said
“Terrorism is the ideology of frustration
and a by-product of poverty, repression or
any other similar circumstances”
Assuming we agree wholeheartedly with the
Prime Minister, what is our best tool to
eliminate" poverty, repression and other
similar circumstances” in Ethiopia. The
EPRDF/TPLF or genuine Democracy ???. And if
we choose Democracy, then what logic is
there in embracing partnering with the EPRDF/TPLF.
At the end of the day, the peoples of the
Horn will not just remember that this war on
terrorism was fought, but they will remember
HOW it was fought.
Let those of us who love liberty and are
united in combating terrorism, speak out
against the welcoming to our coalition of
those who, not only do not share our respect
for freedom, but actively seek to stifle
free expression and democratic governance at
every opportunity.
To do less than that, would be to betray the
memory of the victims of terrorism the world
over.
editorial@ogaden.com
Ogaden Online Editorial
Dec 08, 2001 |
