Peekaboo: The Ethio–Eritrean Game
The current cycle of this familiar political game began in 2018, when Abiy Ahmed traveled to Asmara to…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar8 min read
Abiy Ahmed
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When War Moves Inside the Mind
Some years ago, Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia agitated the elite and aroused their aggressive behavior. In turn, the elite agitated ordinary Ethiopians. Elsewhere in the region, there was similar agitation for war,…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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The Horn of Africa’s Catch-22: War Without End
This episode is dedicated to the bereaved—to the ordinary people who pay the price for wars they neither start nor control. In the Horn of Africa, bloodshed has become a grim ritual,…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar7 min read
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From center to periphery: Eritrea’s forced disengagement from Ethiopia
Disparate notes on the long and short history of Eritrea Introduction: A great deal is being said and written about Ethiopia’s loud claim of access to the Red Sea. Ever since 2024,…
Tekeste Negash (Prof)37 min read
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Eritrea is Suffering From Shortage of Water
Thirty-Five Years On, Asmara Still Struggles for Water Thirty-five years after independence, residents of Asmara continue to endure an acute water shortage. Many water pipelines and household faucets have remained dry for…
Gedab News6 min read
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From the White House to the Stonehouse
I used to meet an animated, patriotic girl at a neighbor’s house where we gathered on weekends and special occasions. In 1985, just a few days after the September 1 celebrations, we…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar10 min read
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PM Abiy, Teddy Afro, and the Politics of Art
For the past few days, Teddy Afro’s new album has drawn wide attention. A friend told me its…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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Power Needs Compliance
Every power structure requires obedience to survive. Intelligent people question authority; obedient people preserve it.
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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Iska Warran, Somalis; Tread Carefully!
Drawing from Eritrea’s historical experience, the essay analyzes Somalia’s collapse, Somaliland’s resilience, Ethiopia’s controversial push for sea access,…
Awate Team6 min read
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Horn of Africa’s Tom and Jerry Show
Eventful weeks, months, and years have passed, and we will receive 2026 with the same boringly repetitious situation…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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Power, Image, and Machiavellian Survival (7)
Giants and Lilliputians of the HOA: Power, Image, and Machiavellian Survival Part Seven Introduction The central argument of…
Semere T Habtemariam7 min read
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Beware, he has 139 million loyalists!
Dear Eritreans, this is a warning—you are expected to shudder with fear. The Ethiopians are 139 million people;…
Awate Team7 min read
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Blame It on Moses
A young student and her classmate graduated together; she became a geography teacher, while her bright classmate was…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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Penicillin Overdose Killed the Camel
Dr. Abiy Ahmed keeps me thinking these days, though not in the way I wanted to. During the…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar5 min read
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Ethiopia’s Double Standard: Talking Peace on the Nile, Hinting Force on the Red Sea
Assab is not just a port—it’s where Eritrea’s national story began. Calls for Eritrea to cede it ignore…
Semere T Habtemariam4 min read
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The Eritrean Regime and Its Neighbors
On May 24, 1991, Eritreans achieved their long-sought independence, formally recognized on May 24, 1993. Yet, true freedom…
Awate Team6 min read
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The UAE and the Horn of Africa – A Swirl of Interests and Alliances
Last time I said I would cover the UAE… Here it is. Now, this isn’t a comprehensive history.…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar6 min read
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Gaza Asab: A Peace to Start More Wars
“Ports are traditionally built to host ships that encourage trade. But Abiy envisions a port to launch his…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar5 min read
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Hail Ethiopia, Hail Peace!
“Abiy’s provocative declaration has now become a rallying cry for some Ethiopian extremists.” “No claimed ancient bloodline can…
Saleh "Gadi" Johar5 min read
