The Bureaucratic Empire Serving Emperor Haile Selassie Red Sea Press For over a century, successive regimes in the Horn of Africa, have served their respective populace the Tantalus cup of freedom and prosperity. It has become a vicious cycle; a never-ending season of conflicts which has rendered many much worse … more
A review of a new Book by Dr. Habtu Gebreab (Aka, Fr. Athanasius) Some events are destined to be part of the collective psyche of a nation. No time or healing can blot out the indelible imprints they leave behind. They remain an integral part of a society either in … more
Nothing sours the mood of dictators like the appearance of not being in control. A total loss of control is preferable just as a quick death is to a slow death. According to the logic of dictators the fear of government is the beginning of security. History amply attests that … more
Where is my anchor? For some inexplicable reasons, I was inspired to go to church last Saturday evening. Glad I did; it was an awesome experience and like to believe that I came back home, at least, a little bit more spiritually and morally uplifted. The few times I had … more
Unlike his predecessor who was widely condemned for his failure, brutality and poor governance, the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia has a mixed review of his legacy and that is, frankly, an achievement we cannot ignore. Meles Zenawi has been praised for his economic and educational policies by almost everybody … more
If you’ve lived in the US as long as I’ve, then, you would remember the old milk commercial. Two simple words followed by a question mark: Got Milk? The commercial is credited for increasing milk sales in the US. The dairy industry later came with an equally catchy message: Milk: … more
This morning I read an eulogy of Naizghi Kflu’s published at Meskerem.net in Tigrinya and it moved me so much and overwhelmed me with sorrow and indignation. I applaud the people who prepared the eulogy; they succeeded in capturing the true sentiments of the overwhelming majority of us. There are … more
The Devil in God’s Land: Paperback, $19.95, 130 pages, 229×152 mm, Mkuki na Nyota Pulblishers, Tanzania, 2011. ISBN 9789987081615, “Have you forgotten your vows to the martyrs? Can you honor your vows while in the cruel embrace of the powerful?” Zegonfo II asking Senai in Act One, Scene One, Page 3.) Who … more
Not fit to lead Isaias is mentally unstable and unfit to lead. He is stuck in a cemetery of dead ideas and it’s foolish to expect him to change. His arrogance and ignorance knows no boundary. Who among us could have imagined any head of state to openly boast: “I … more
* No human creation lasts forever; and, surely, the tyrannical regime in Eritrea will come to an end. But it is naïve to think time alone will put a dagger in the tyrant’s throat. A proactive, action-oriented and results driven struggle is way over-due. A future does not come with … more
What guides us to be on the right path and how do we know we are on the right path? Is it our history, our religions, our philosophies, our prevailing realities or a mix of all? Where are the sign-posts on the road and the light-houses on the harbor? These … more
Last Thursday, a panel of 19 eminent people of the Global Commission on Drug Policy issued a report on the global war on drugs. The report concluded “the war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world.” It further recommended to the Secretary General, … more
Abraham Lincoln towers in American history because, among many other accomplishments, he appealed to “the better angels of our nature.” Although he came to prominence almost a century after the Founding Fathers, he was, indeed, the last one of them. He steered the nation amid the worst violence and brought … more
Oh, old Pharaoh Moses asked you, “let my people go.” But, you turned a deaf ear, Ten plagues fell on every house and borough. The people found out That you were neither god nor savior And your power was far from thorough. Oh, new Pharaoh … more