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Politics: like submerged icebergs |
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By Semere T Habtemariam -
Oct 03, 2002
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Like floating icebergs, politics in Eritrea is mostly submerged. One can hardly know what is truly happening since secrecy and unpredictability are the norm. We can not on assumption basis explain past and current events or plan for the future, for we'll risk running afoul of the invisible nine tenths. The mess we are in literally requires a prophet to foresee the wave of the future that will help us reach our destination. Assumption or not, however, we have to work with what we have, for we can't afford to be helpless. Politics is always about possibilities and we should not shy away from trying. New ideas and ways must be encouraged and tested. Recently, there has been a flurry of activities on the opposition side and the government is increasingly alarmed and concerned. The opposition has finally become a clear and present danger to the ailing and dying regime. For the first time, the regime is realizing that it can't rely on the ineffectiveness of the traditional opposition. It its typical fashion, it is unleashing its mud-slinging and defamation campaign trying to divert the attention of the public and ensure that the opposition remain an insignificant periphery. The opposition must show an extraordinary political innovation and courage if it is going to gain its rightful place amid the Eritrean public and play an important role in the salvation and reconstruction of the country. It is incumbent upon the opposition to walk out of the parameters of our immediate problems and charter a new vision that does justice to our extraordinary problems and challenges. This would mean among other things, that the opposition should not and must not remain a victim of 'higdefite' vicious attacks and propaganda. The opposition must not let anybody to define it. There is a golden opportunity on embarking on the road of 'doing the right thing', which would require unprecedented political courage. Since democracy is the battle cry of the new and born again opposition groups, it is important to approach it from its national, regional and international perspectives. If Eritrea is to embark on a road of durable and sustainable democracy, then, the opposition must cater to the national, regional and international factors. New bridges must be built, and old ones destroyed or rebuilt. Eritrea, under 'higdefite' leadership has become a pariah in world politics. It is a country that has no friendly neighbors. I'm saying a taboo here by repeating what the 'weyane' are fond of pointing out. But, who can dispute the obvious truth that 'higdefite' Eritrea has a belligerent and hostile relationship with Ethiopia, Sudan, Dhijibui and Yemen. The militant and bellicose regional policy of 'higdef' has created unnecessary animosity among neighboring nations, which has placed the opposition in an awkward position. Wherever the opposition goes, it would be subjected to cruel condemnation by the 'higdefite' regime and the public that has become a victim of 'higdefite' brainwashing. The opposition must know that ultimately the truth shall set them free. 'Higdef' has cleverly pre-emptied any possible relationship the G15 might possibly have with Ethiopia, by accusing them of treason. I don't foresee a Mesfin Hagos or Adhanom Geremariam reaching out to Ethiopia in the near future and I understand that. The traditional opposition, however, must not be deterred from reaching out to all neighboring countries irrespective of whether they were militarily or politically at war with us. There is a price to be paid, but there is also a lot to be gained. There is a high risk and serious strategic planning is required, but that is where courage and leadership comes. As far as Eritrea's vital interests are not compromised, political flexibility and strategic alliances are fair game. The regime is fighting the alliance of Eritrean forces by trying to win public opinion at the domestic and international level. 'Higdef' has portrayed itself as a protector of Eritrea against 'jihads' and '5th columnists'. The (un) Honorable Ambassador, Ahmed Tahir Baduri, recently asked the world community to help Eritrea in its war against Islamic terrorism. According to Baduri's infinite wisdom, Eritrea, since its inception has been at the forefront of fighting terror and radical Islamic fundamentalism. Eritrea, modern-day Prester John, is reaching out for the West to fulfill biblical prophecy. Mind you, Baduri is talking about the same Alliance that held a successful peaceful rally in front of the State Department and the White House. Of course, when you've 'higdefite' ambassadors who tell the State department that Semere Taazaz and Milkias Mehreteab are CIA agents, what do you expect? 'Higdef' is an organization that knows no shame. If it could accuse the sherifos, the Petros, the Derus, the Mesfins, the Adhanoms, the Hailes, the Hameds, the Germinos, the Asters, the Berhanes, the Uqbes, the Estifanoses, the Salihs and the Berakis of treason and endangering the country they led to liberation, then, imagine how cruel it will be towards the opposition. By holding their conference in Ethiopia, the opposition groups are effectively retaliating to the baseless charge that they are 'jihads' and 'Muslim radical fundamentalists.' 'Higdef' can not use the jihad's card that effectively and so it has to focus on the second card of branding every dissenting voice as 5th columnist and weyane 'kurkur". The opposition must realize the weight of this charge. A majority of the Eritrean people do not trust the weyane regime and justifiably so. 'Higdef' will exploit this card and it is crucially important that the opposition wage an aggressive public education campaign on what they are doing to assure the Eritrean public that Eritrea's territorial integrity and national sovereignty will never be jeopardized. The opposition must be sensitive to the needs and feelings of the Eritrean people. The opposition must stay abreast of the barometer of public opinion. I was a bit disappointed by the sudden visit of Herui to Ethiopia. We did not get enough time to digest the creation of his party, when, we were shocked by his unexpected visit to Ethiopia. To make matters worse, we've to hear this from Ethiopian media outlets. I think Herui has the responsibility of explaining himself to the Eritrean public. Herui has taken a step that will either make him or destroy him. I hope Herui rises to the occasion and deliver what the Eritrean people expect of him. |
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