A Tribute To The Writers of Awate.com Print E-mail
By The Awate Team - Jan 02, 2003   
Happy New Year -- Let's Make 2003 A Year Of Hope, Resilience and Dedication

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***image2:left***Awate.com is what it is because of its writers and readers.  In 2002, PFDJ began the year by telling us that the “chapter is closed” and we can all forget whatever happened in 2001.  It was all a “hiccup,” a trifling little problem that is now taken care of.  Leave the governing to us; you just send your money and attend our meetings and do as you are told.  Our writers had a completely different opinion.  They were going to write, over and over if necessary, about the injustice that the Eritrean people are subjected to.  And they did it beautifully.  In 2002, thanks to their efforts, there isn’t a single government in the world, a single human rights agency, a single NGO, a single international reporter that doesn’t know about the injustice of the PFDJ, which has been reduced to organizing “hzbawi mekhete”, paying professional image-overhauling agencies tens of thousands of dollars  to mask its disfigured face.  

In this issue, we pay tribute to the contributors of Awate.com. From Australia to Eritrea, from South Africa to New England, from Europe to Asia, they lived up to the words of the father of our nation, and the man whose name we carry, Hamed Idris Awate, who told a grateful group of Eritreans: “Kulukum Hamdetat Entum” (You are all Hamed-Heroes.)    

In this issue, you will find excerpts from contributors who submitted articles in English: A. B. Tesemma, A. Barole, Abraham Berhe, Abraham G. Ghiorghis, Adhanom Fitwi, Ahmed Dida, Aida Kidane, Alem Yohannes, Amanuel Hidrat, Aminedab, Asmelash Asgedom, Awet Ghirmay, Berhane Seyoum, Berhe Yeman, Biniam Bekit, Birhan Hawi-zemzem, Birikti "Gual Haleka", Burhan Ali, Correnti, Desbele Kahsai, Dr Lijiam Yohannes, Dr. Berket Habteselassie, Dr. T.A. Taddesse, Emmanuel Haile, Ester, Fessehaye Mebrahtu, Fisseha Nair, G. Shimhalal, Gabriel Guangul, Ghezae H Berhe, Goitom Berhane, Habte Daniel, Habte G., Habtom Yohannes, Hageraweet Yassin, Hagos T/Zion, Haile Tesfay, Haile Tesfazion, Halaw Gedem, Halima Suleiman, Herui, Hussein M Shummay, Ibrahim Tada, Idris Faid, Iyasu Tekle, Jabber Said, Jamal Agdoobai, Jamal Hummed, Keleta Kidane, Kerar Shengeb, Keyh Embaba of Zero, Lemlem Kidane, Marina Rini, Medhanie Estifanos, Mehari Ghebremariam, Mehari Kifle, Melesse Woldselassie, Meriam B, Michael AbuSelaa, Milkias Mihretab, Mohammed Abdu, Mohammed Ahmad, Mohammed Ali, Muktar Kelati, Musie Keflay. Nair Fesseha, Nazareth Yemane, Paulos Natnael, RKPHA, Russom Mesfun, Sami Mehari, Samray, Samson Isaac, Samuel Hadgu, Semere Andom, Semere Kidane, Semere Tazaz, Semon Ghebreyesus, Seyoum Tesfaye, Solomon Sengal, Solomon Seyoum Tsatse, T. Mender, Tagietaresool Kristos, Taher Indoul, Temesgen, Tesfa Berhan, Tesfab Sahle, Tesfaldet Bahlbi, Tewahido Beraki, Tsegay G/Libanos, Tzeggai Yohannes, Walta Hadnet, Wedi Ertra, Weldeyesus Ammar, Yonas Araya, Yonas Haile, Yosief G., Younis Hussein Omer, Zain Mohammed, Zebib Tekle, Zeineb Ali, Zemehret Seare. 

We salute the writers for celebrating Eritreans’ right to express themselves freely—a God-given right that has been warranted by the blood of our martyrs.  We regret that we were unable to include many of the fine and feisty articles written in Eritrea’s two official languages (Tigrigna and Arabic) that have enriched our medium tremendously.   We apologize in advance for any typos or exclusions: our intent was to capture the gist of the messages as presented by the writers.    

There is one message we couldn’t “excerpt” not least because it is written by one of our heroines and because the message deals with our mission statement.  We have included the entire article at the end; it was written by Freweini Ghebresadick, a woman who has much to be bitter about (her brother was abducted by the PFDJ over a decade ago) but she retains her humanity intact and refuses to express hatred towards people who have been hateful to her.  We beg of you to read it and we challenge you to not be moved by it.

We look forward to 2003, and we expect our and readers to march on with a slogan: "The Chapter Will Never Be Closed Until Peace, Freedom, Justice and Democracy Reign in Eritrea.” 

***image3:left***The PRESIDENT & ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN

In the tone and rhythm of his, Christmas and New Years message; he tries to sound as a blend of a high priest and an emperor.  Has he concluded the Eritrean people are stupid? Iyasu Teckle,  - 1/5/02 

Looking at the nature of PIA’s decision to expel the Italian Ambassador from Eritrea in seventy two hours from various angles, I have come to identify nine marks of irrationality stamped all over it. - Yosief G., February 22, 2002

Our patience and trust in one man, our President, has proven to be profoundly misplaced. He has claimed our struggle, our independence as his own. He has stolen the fruits of the victory that belonged to all the Eritrean people, and has led our country into needless tragedy. He has squandered the lives of our young people, the prosperity of our land, and our hope, and he has passed many opportunities for turning back, insisting on following the path of deceit and destruction. - Meriam B. February 25, 2002 

PIA does not believe in meetings. He works alone. The others simply receive instructions irrespective of their position in the organization or government. This was something accepted by all bodies and individuals in the organization including G13, G15 and of course those who are still loyal to the culture of the organization. - Idris Faid, February 28, 2002

I half jokingly asked him [Isaias], “ So what is your answer in 1992?” He began to respond, “You see, operating in a military setting is very efficient. You give out the orders and in a matter of hours you see the whole thing being implemented efficiently.”   He continued, “With civilians, the process is not efficient; we don’t even know what the people want sometimes. So, I have to admit we have failed to meet the demands and needs of the people.” Hearing this, my colleagues almost fell off their chairs. On our way out of his office, my colleagues asked me what I thought was at the core of an American mentality, “If he can’t deliver, why can’t he find someone else to do the job?” Isaias has proven over and over again that he is definitely not a peacetime leader. As Turabi of the Sudan once stated, “Isaias is a corporal who thinks he can rule the world.”  - Dr. T.A. Taddesse, 7/18/02

The presidential advisor [Zemehret Yohannes] who lectured international law experts on the need of homegrown democracy availed, to his credit, the paper he presented. Cursory of his bibliography contained no book or article published in Tigrena, no book or article published in Eritrea, and no book or article published by Eritreans. Yet, his central thesis was a need for home grown democracy so as to develop a sustained democracy. Deep down in his heart, he understands fundamental features of democracy can be summoned up as follows: (A) one person one vote, (B) universal suffrage, (C) an independent right of individuals to avail themselves as candidates in an election (D) unimpeded options (candidates) to choose from and (E) elections should be free and fair, which is not always the case. How these basic features are to be homegrown when it is already accepted as an a priori? - Emmanuel Haile, August 6, 2002

Moreover, we verified with our compatriots who attended the meeting, what was reported by Awate.com was nothing compared to what the freak (Isaias) insinuated. He used some far more divisive language when he talked about Muslims and Islam. Imagine what the scene would have looked like had half of the students were Muslims. This bigotry should have elicited a proper response from the predominantly Christian audience.  At the very least, they should have rejected this bigotry! But they failed the test again. – A Barole, August 17, 2002 

He [Yemane Gebreab] emphatically told the audience [Oakland, August 16-18] nowhere else on earth but in Eritrea that an amnesty has been given with open arms to all Eritreans to enjoy freedom in Eritrea.  Paradoxically, he attributed to the amnesty decree they have put forth yielded fruit the fact many Eritreans who were considered not EPLF-friendly have served working as committee leaders during the war with Weyane.   This author strongly fears that Mr. Yemane’s mention of the decree of amnesty might have sneaked intentionally to mask the idea of national reconciliation using weaseling words such as “Hdget or Mhret.”  Contrary to his alleged smear, it was due the flip side of the coin and that was “Eritrea” not his amnesty decree which brought the many nationals of whom some veteran fighters including I to friend with the unfriendly and do whatever necessary to save the country. If I can be an advisor to the advisor, Yemane, I beg you to advice the president that I see no way out with amnesty justice but with national reconciliation. To that end, I reserve a profound concern that the advisory input the president of Eritrea is being fed with may have skewed his capacity of rational reasoning.    -  Tesfaldet Bahlbi, August 23, 2002

"I am a jealous God," said God to the Israelites… Isayas said to the Eritrean people, "Believe in me I am your savior.  If you do not obey my testaments, my wrath will come upon you.  And my wrath will be delivered to you while you are still alive and kicking here on earth.  I am not like the other God, who will wait to punish sinners till Judgment Day.  I have to be sure that you are punished for your transgressions while you are still breathing.  By the way who said I can find you after your are dead?" – Halaw Gedem, August 28, 2002

These are some of Africa’s most desperate dictators and regimes that spend their people’s wealth in search of a new image. They join the long list of tyrants and authoritarian types like Nicolae Ceausescu, Samuel Doe, Sani Abacha, Mobutu Sese Seko, and Jona Savimbi in squandering the hard-earned wealth of their people in a desperate attempt to hoodwink the international public. The list of those who have tried to use the various lobbying institutions is long. We should not be surprised that the present Eritrean regime has joined this infamous gallery.  – Seyoum Tesfaye, August 26, 2002 

It was so unbearable to hear the words that were flowing out of Dr. Woldeab Isaac’s mouth. For God’s sake he, the president of the university of Asmara, is a PhD with a well-built resume.  He has seen many universities and was a chemistry genius among Nigerian Professors. In a nutshell he knows what a college student needs for school. However, he named the students “Shibu’At”. He should recall the day he sent his son to Sweden right away after the Ethiopian government invaded Eritrea in 1998. He should recall his notebook where he put a ‘tick’ after calling and ordering each and every student to catch the buses leaving for Badme, Alitena, Bada and Senafe. It is not quite clear why he tried to blame the students for forgetting the Warsays when the students, themselves, where the Warsays who participated the three phases of the war. No body cares what the mad and dummy, president of Eritrea would accuse the students of, but Dr. Woldeab should have been the students’ advocate. Had I been him, I would have preferred resignation to letting the regime murder two of my boys in the world’s hottest area, where temperature is 115°F. Wasn’t it a murder? – Semere Tazaz, August 2, 2002 

This absolute authoritarian man, however never have good dreams for the new generation. He never had and will never have in the future. When he watched the marching of the thousands of graduates from Sawa training camp (rape camp) through his sunglass, his warrior mind was ignited. He was not thinking constructive ideas. As far as this leadership continue on power the youth of Eritrea will never get peace. PFDJ and the new generation are `eye anddust’. As long as the dust is in the eye the tears will not stop flowing. Why? – Tsegay G/Libanos, September 22, 2002

Like a wild bull, he [Alamin Mohammed Said] launched an aggressive assault on Eritreans educated in Arabic language universities disqualifying their credentials and dashing their hopes for employment in Eritrea. He said," What we will do with a citizen who knows nothing but Arabic. We neither have room for Arabic language nor for those who educated in it.  The Arabic language graduate will never get hired in any occupation in the government except the marginal ones or works as prayer caller in mosques, something we are not in need in Eritrea." Mr. Alamin Said surprised the attendees when he attacked left and right using vulgar expressions, threatening them and promising tougher measures against what he called "the impolite".  He went mad when asked about the fate of the political prisoners and how long they will be kept in jail without a trial. Alamin responded, "we will jail, I say this to you frankly, anybody who is impolite, we will jail him and there is no forgiveness, we will not make it public and we won’t permit human rights organizations to see them. We will tie up anyone deals with foreign powers. Those we drawn in .. there is nothing called political prisoners, those have committed crimeswe don't have any political prisoners, all of them are criminals".  – Mohammed Abdu, September 23, 2002 

When it comes to the PFDJ in Eritrea, I have taken a complete metamorphosis.  Since the crumble of the Berlin wall, twenty-seven countries plunged into the transition from communism to democracy in Europe and former Soviet Union. Not more than ten to twelve nations with leaders-in-power who have democratic ideals consolidated liberal democracy, while nations with autocratic leaders in power are stuck in transition. Leadership is about experience, ability to adapt, and a desire to learn from variety of sources. At one time I naively believed that the PFDJ would continuously learn and effectively reform itself.  With their cast of mind, the PFDJ leaders are reaching beyond reform.  This is despite the fact that the PFDJ as an Eritrean mass organization and as an Eritrean institution includes as its members some of the best democrats and patriots Eritrea can offer.  These are people who gave so much to Eritrea.  But the top echelon of the PFDJ will not allow such democrats to have any say on the democratization process of Eritrea either through intimidation or other despotic methods.  Nor did the top echelon of the PFDJ live by the spirit and letter of the very Eritrean constitution that was written and ratified under its own guidance. This group views the constitution as its enemy and it brings all kinds of delaying tactics not to implement it.  Talk about paradox, this is it. On the contrary it is regressing to its collectivist and leftist tradition and culture. The more constructive criticisms are leveled against it, the more it retreats to its old and outmoded shell.  – Abraham G. Ghiorgis, October 1, 2002

During it's 11 years of rule, the current government has done nothing but engage us in  conflict and war with our neighboring countries and took our young generation from schools and put them to war. Our economy has never been worse than it is now.  Also, part of its agenda was to divide and rule Eritrea. They brought us the issue of ethnicity: crediting one ethnic group of being "real Eritreans," and others not; to create divisions among our people.   I found the issue of each ethnic group in Eritrea teaching school curriculum in its own language very stupid, backward and anti Eritrea development. – Ahmed Dida, October 12, 2002

I have of course got answers for all my questions from a zombie while discussing what is going on at a Starbucks Coffee shop here in the US. Let me share his answer with you. He said that Isaias was a man who was born at the wrong time in the wrong region. Taking his intelligence into consideration, the minion went to explain, he should have been born a century later in the West. I don't really know when and where PIA should have been born. I don't even want to contemplate on that. But the article of his own “Center for Strategic Studies” tells how much he misfits his power, people, region and the world as far as politics is concerned. I have an advice for President Isaias. If you really believe what one of your shrinking followers are saying, don't burden yourself. Leave everything and go somewhere where you could enjoy the rest of your life before it is too late. After all you have nice kids to take care.   – Samuel Hadgu, October 29, 2002

The idea of puppets is nothing new in history, except that they were never interest-driven, simply because they have always been inanimate. The idea of well-educated and highly prestigious human puppets is, however, not very old. Two such puppets are vowing to repeat the human catastrophe of the Eritrean refugees in Malta, except this time they are trying to do it in a country with a highly respected profile of the fight for African emancipation: the home of Nelson Mandela, South Africa.The first is Dr. Woldeab Isaak, the President of Asmara University who was allegedly responsible for the University student crisis of early this year hence commonly known among the university students in South Africa as "Sergeanti Woldeab" for his enthusiasm to act as a loyal Wetehaderawi Police of Evan the Terrible, President Isaias Afwerki. The second is Ms. Lula Gebreyesus, the Executive Director of the African Institute for Policy Analysis (AIPA), who is doing her best to prove that she is a "good Girl". Both of them well known ethnic fanatics responsible for the unimaginable ethnic bias build into the government's "human resource development program", are actively threatening and harassing students believed to be associated with anti-Isaias sentiments, using the full potential of their professional and administrative clout. – Haile Tesfazion, October 31, 2002

This time he is playing his last card – like (Ziad Beri) of Somalia, when he knew that his hour had come, he gave the top position in the state to members of his tribe – the reaction was civil war that destroyed Somalia. A quick look at the list of appointed ambassadors and ministers show that he did not learn from Ziad Barre's lesson, to mention one example – the appointment of “Naizgi kiflu” as a de-facto vice president. For those who do not know the man, I mention the following…. Jabber Said, November 14, 2002  

To counter the increased political awareness that is being created by privately run websites like Asmarino.com and Awate.com; the Eritrean government is using taxpayer's money to finance Shaebia.com, Alenalki.com and some radio stations in the Diaspora. It is through these outlets that the former "Ethiopian National Soccer Team Player" and now "Eritean Ambassador to the United States", Lij Girma Asmerom disseminates his often arrogant and narcissistic interviews and remarks. Lij Girma is really excelling his soccer mentor, the late Ato Yidnekachew Tessema, in wit and chicanery. Through these communication outlets, the Eritrean government is trying to create captive audience in the Diaspora just as it has done in Eritrea – Halaw Gedam, November 23, 2002 

The “irrational extra” (a phrase that I am coining for lack of a better term) is what you get when you subtract the “shoo!” from the shout, the skip from the jump, the signal from the hollering, the threat from the shooting and the grounding from the spanking. It is that part of our irrational act that has to be avoided – or, short of that, at least minimized as much as possible – in any contemplated political decision. And it is in meeting this requirement, I will argue, that many of GoE's disastrous decisions have come to fail dismally. – Yosief G, December 19, 2002

Just as Eritreans felt that they have closed the chapter of the shiftas for good, and began to celebrate wholeheartedly the beginning of a new dawn, they fell prey to a new gang of crooks - crooks that tell them that they are robbing them for their own good. The only thing worse than a crook’s misdeeds are his justifications for them. – Mohammed Ahmed, December 31, 2002

PUNISHMENT FOR ALLEGED & UNDEFENDED CRIMES

"Gel-Alo " is a prison, but a prison with a difference. In "Gel-Alo" there is virtually no structure built to serve as prison. It is a desolate place with rocky mountains all over. The site selected to serve as a detention place for the youth prisoners is a rocky sea-side location in the eastern out-skirt of  "Gel Alo". The youth prisoners are assembled in five separate areas each cordoned by thorny shrubs and guarded by armed EPLF soldiers. The prisoners are regimented into six battalion-type units with over 700 men in each. Five of these units are encamped in Gel-Alo proper, while one is located in Marsa Fatima about 50 kms farther away along Assab road. - Awet Girmay, March, 17, 2002 

They call it Helicopter. It has many versions. Warsai has a nickname for every version. “Pat Man” “enQurOb” “meEleb hamema”. Are you sure you want to know what “Helicopter” is? Get ready to puke.  Helicopter or Batman: Both arms and legs jointly tied up together behind the back. The victim is hanged on a tree or a pole blindfolded resembling a Bat hanging on a tree. The “Batman” can become a “meEleb hamema” very easily, just apply sugar and coat the victim’s face and head with sweetened water or any thing that attracts flies and insects. The victim may be kept like that for hours if not days. Many become paralysed their arms and legs amputated or go insane as a result of such tormenting experience. If after all this, one is still in control of his sanity and dares to speak out and complain, he probably will face “miSigaE”. Execution in cold blood, another innocent young soul lost for no reason. PFDJ’s officers from Hell never run out of torture methods. Types of punishments inflicted on poor Warsai are endless, for reasons as ridiculous as oversleeping in the morning. Even in Military standards, these punishments can only be described as brutal and barbaric.  – YANA, December 12, 2002

SELF-INDULGENCE, CORRUPTION & ABUSE OF WOMEN

At midnight the place was densely filled with people. About 1 hour later the guy next to me said “Wedi Afeworke has arrived”. I was very surprised and furious to see the man who is holding the highest position, who ought to be a good example and symbol of the country coming very late at night into such a place of. The honoured President Isayas and his companions escorted by many bodyguards took a reserved table not far away from the dance floor. - Asmelash Asgedom, February 26, 2002 

On the other side the PFDJ leaders and their loyalists, are building villas, even in the time of war. Where did they get these all money? Of course they are corrupted of man power and building materials. One day I me told buddy who is member of national service, who came from front. When I asked if he had come for holiday. His answer was no.” I came to work on my boss’s house” he said. ” What are you talking about?” I was surprised. “Yes, but don’t worry it is good opportunity for me. Because at least I can be near my poorly family” Female youngsters appeared to be raped by gunpoint and serve as slaves for the military leaders. They are as privilege for them. Overall they have been forced to have fatherless child and some are victims of sexually transmitted diseases. - Tsegay G/Libanos, September 22, 2002

Midnight had just elapsed. Lula woke with a start following a bossy kick delivered by a rifle butt at her house's door. Thus terrorized, she dashed out of her bed immediately. The soldiers surround a dilapidated two-floor building near the airport of Asmara. The girl quickly inserts a pant and a jacket, and before opening the door she turns a rapid look toward the desperate eyes of her mother. The officer, placed at the main door, snarls some sentence toward the women. Lula hasn't got the "menqesaqesi = military travel permit". A man catches her violently by the arm and drags her to a truck already full of frightened boys and girls. In a few seconds the truck disappears in obscurity. Their destination is Sawa. Sawa is an extremely severe and unapproachable military training camp situated in the red-hot desert near the border with the Sudan. The young Eritrean girls call it more simply "the rapes camp". But they can whisper this only in your ear. – Marina Rini, CCEDI, October 3, 2002

Massive and endemic corruption or profiteering. This is very common in the military. The Defense Minister's official salary is about Nfa. 4500 (approx. $300) and it is obvious that the salaries of the other military officers is obviously lower. However, most of the officers have built villas and apartments, which are beyond their means of income. It is a known fact that pass papers ('menkesakesi') are sold in tens of thousands; shops, clubs and commercial farms have been established in every army unit where the commanders take the proceeds. It is also true that any citizen under the age of 40 cannot pass checkpoints of towns without a pass paper. However, if one can afford to pay, he/she can be given a safe passage from the capital Asmara to the neighboring countries through the network of corrupt officers. Despite the chain of army brigades and divisions lined up along the Sudanese border, tens of thousands of young men and women have crossed through the border. Moreover, some even have gone through Asmara Airport even though they have not fulfilled their military service. This shows the extent and organization of corruption that pervades in the ruling elites - the military officers.  -  Tesfa Berhan, October 7, 2002

We could have lived and endured this cause once we see the way their brain works and what they think of us (a servant the government sent to serve them) all we do is count the days and hours till the day we will go back home. But they did not stop at that they want more out of these defenseless girls. What really amazes me is that there is a women's association in Eritrea (hamate's)who represent those who attack the right of a the Eritrean women than the women themselves.  Then comes there need for there sexual desires. They do not have to go anywhere while they have this girls who have no one to turn to. Many got raped, some especially the real young ones got manipulated  some obeyed after being threatened to be shot if didn't obey and those who refused saw hell while they still live in the free great country of ours.   They were prisoned, ordered to cook for 30-35 people waking up at 3 a.m and working till midnight, going to every front fighting every war at the frontlines and most of the time being the only female in the area.You can differentiate them within a second cause all they look like is a walking corpse, with their hopes and dreams long gone and their life shattered because of this ruthless barbaric military officers. – Aminedab, October 10, 2002 

The masses happen to be the youth, sentenced to an undeterminable time of service to the PFDJ; the students, who are incarcerated and killed without due process; the young girls, who have become the playthings of power-drunk generals; the mothers, who are beaten for daring to cry out when their children are imprisoned; the elderly, who are incarcerated for attempting to mediate under traditional Eritrean practices; veteran fighters, who are locked away for daring to ask for dialogue in order to assess the path on which the government was walking; the disabled, who were mercilessly gunned down just for asking for their basic right, that is to be able to live like any able Eritrean.  The valiant women veteran fighters, who came back to find that they really have no place in “Hadas Eritrea” and who we see giving out parking tickets; farmers, who are unable to farm because those who can labor in the fields have all been enslaved in government projects and/or military; and the list goes on and on.  How IS Eritrea faring these days?  How ARE the masses doing?  - Biniam Bekit, December 19, 2002 

***image1:left***WARSAY-YEKAALO: FOLLOW THE MONEY 

The fact of the matter is, this $60 million dollar LOAN for "Warsay-Yikalo demobilization budget" is not going to be disbursed directly to those people. Firstly, it is going to be given to them on monthly basis as a deposit into their bank account, which they are required to open. Secondly, and this might come as a shock to many but it is not a payment, it is a LOAN. That is right, the "Warsay-Yikalo" project is, in fact, a loan to them and NOT a payment.  How can you expect people who have NOTHING to BORROW and pay back? It is simple, it is a way of financially enslaving them so that they cannot request to leave the country and to systematically stay obligated to the fascist regime. As we all know, debt is a means of slavery and that, dear Eritreans, is what is going on back home. -  Walta Hadnet, May 29, 2002 

What we can do as Eritreans is to boycott those companies owned by the PFDJ and affiliates, inside and outside Eritrea. Don’t buy land in Eritrea if is sold by the regime, how can you buy a land from people they don’t own it anyway? Don’t buy governmental bonds, boycott their festivals and parties outside Eritrea, how can a sane person dance and have fun in the house of the oppressors? – Mohammed Ali, July 12, 2002

The historical explanation of this [Warsai-Yekaalo] campaign starts with the past campaigns, either during the liberation period or the post –liberation period. The Warsai- yikealo is the continuation of the past campaigns. The overall objective of all the campaigns that took place in the past is to raise funds or fill the coffers of the leaders. The former methods of campaigns, during the liberation period were not accompanied by conditions but to help the struggle for liberation. The later campaigns launched after the independence were conditioned with vague instructions that deprive the rights of the citizens. They were campaigns with terror and intimidations. They don’t respect the free will of the Eritrean nationals. – Fisseha Nair, July 19, 2002

The question must be asked, "Since when is it that working for private firms is considered a Tour of Duty based on National service?" Let's not kid ourselves, Private Firms are there to make profits for themselves, and most are only interested in the bottom line " The Almighty Buck". The most confusing and contradictory part of this form of employment is that the youth are not directly hired by the private firms but rather through the national service, with their salaries are paid by the Department of National Service rather than the firm they work for. One might assume that the Department of National Service is abusing their position of power, in the attempt to profit and to promote cheap labor. The inescapable conclusion, "profit through cheap labor." This would seem to be the only explanation or reason for the Department of National Services to round up Eritrean youth in droves.  – Nazareth Yemane, August 7, 2002

***image5:left***ERITREA’S “ENEMIES”: IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU ARE AN ENEMY 

Of course there is a conspiracy. Can you believe it? The CIA and Jihadists working together with foreign forces just to cause problems for our country. All the nations of the world have a meeting everyday, in secret, to discuss what to do with Eritrea. Semon Gebreyesus- January 15, 2002 

The regime cannot differentiate the doable from the undoable given its limited capability. It has an inflated self-esteem; well above its real worth. It strongly believes in its 'uniqueness' to an extent of antagonizing everybody and alienating itself from the international community. Zeineb Ali - January 30, 2002 

He has (G1) used this tactic effectively to hush up a good segment of our population, that is by region and religion. It is effective because since it is a stigma that no one wants to associate with, people will shy away from defending the truth, lest they be named regionalist or jihad by assumption. The accused is stigmatized already, hence no one would dare join the camp, even though the truth is crystal clear. This is called "killing two birds (truth) with one stone''. - Michael (abu_selaa), February 11, 2002 

The man who helped and, in fact, forced our arrogant blood-mongering President to sign a peace deal ending the death and suffering of hundreds of innocent young men and women all along the Eritrean-Ethiopian border is going the extra mile to see his dreams and the dreams of the Eritrean people, of establishing a democratic state, come true. His statement in defense of Minister Haile Woldensae and his colleagues, the prisoners of conscience, is a manifestation of his belief that the end of the border-war was never an end in itself but a means to the establishment of democracy and justice, the only sure way to sustain the hard-won peace deal that he, Professor Anthony Lake, crafted, designed and enforced on the biggest warlords in Africa: President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. – Younis Hossein Omer, October 31, 2002 

The list of the enemies that these zealots have come up with is quite impressive; it ranges from the quite insignificant to the who is who in Eritrea and in the world at large:  elderly mediators, embassy employees, university students, veteran teghadelti, military officials, journalists, "ethnicists", religious fundamentalists, Jehovah Witnesses, Evangelical Christians, NGOs, Red Cross, Amnesty International, Journalists Without Borders, EU, Italy, Denmark, USA, UNO, OAU, the CIA, the Danish parliament, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, Al Qaida, Anthony Lake, Susan Rice, the Clinton Administration, Jimmy Carter, Asmarino.com, Awate.com, foreign diplomats, Ambassador Bandini, etc.  One who has given up on finding the slightest bit of family resemblance among these disparate groups, that could have only been brought together as "enemies" by a schizophrenic mind, is puzzled not by what are include! d by what are excluded.  – Yoseif G, December 6, 2002

***image4:left***FREE YOUR MIND, THE REST WILL FOLLOW

Worth mentioning is that lovely music they dedicated for me - “Weddi Afom Brie, nsu Anbesa Asakru Nebrie”. I cannot tell you how much I like this song and that is why I enjoy presenting myself in any occasion they are hosting. If I make sure I would get their company, I don’t mind inaugurating a mill (Tehanyt) in any part of the country. Do you think I would get such a reception if I preside over a university graduation ceremony?  - Tewahido Beraki,  April 19, 2002 

If you remember Eritreans rejected Ethiopia by a margin of 97 % in 1993 (Slavery or Eritrea vote). Was Ethiopia that horrible and cruel to
Eritreans? I have grown up and went to school with Eritreans. I have never ever witnessed where Eritreans were singled out from the larger Ethiopian family. If there is any place on this planet where Eritreans have felt at home and did very well was in Ethiopia. Believe me in 1991 if Isayyas Afeworki declared the president of Ethiopia he would have won the hearts and minds of the people. - "an Ethiopian kid", April 22, 2002 

The Italians in Asmara kept on living prosperously without feeling a ripple from the defeat of their El Duce. Our former occupiers and de facto masters knew only too well of our psychological handicap vis-à-vis their race. -  Jamal Agdoobai, 7/15/2002

There can be no freedom until there is a freedom of the mind. Therefore an ideology of liberation must find its existence in us. It cannot be external to us, and those cannot impose it other than ourselves. It must derive from our particular historical and cultural experience. Our liberation from the captivity of blame is the first order for all Eritreans, especially those who are sitting at top of the hierarchy. They have to lead by using practical examples rather than words. – Solomon B Sengal, July 15, 2002

We know who the Weyane are, but very few know who or what Weito are. The Weito happen to be a minority ethnic group of Ethiopia who live around the southern coast of Lake Tana. Being called Weito is thus like being called Kunama or Nara. So, my fellow opposition rebels, unless you happen to look down on the Kunama or Nara as "baria" (as some Ethiopians used to do), then you shouldn't mind being called Weito. - Dr. Bereket Habteselassie, 8/1/02

Mr. Isaias has been a plain old warlord from day one. He never experienced the art of give and take, and never understood the experience of reporting to a superior. Isaias joined the Eritrean armed struggle as an irrational man and came out of that 30 years experience doubly irrational and arrogant. – Dr. T.A. Taddesse,  October 7, 2002

There is no real consequence to whatever he [Embaye Melekin] writes and says and those who personally know him will assure us that they are only waiting for him to be carted away in what he would perceive a presidential mantle to what he will perceive as his Nigeria, Exactly like the Russian POPRISHCHIN who was carted to what he perceived as his Spanish court.  – Burhan Ali, October 7, 2002

THE AWAKENING: DISCUSSING CHANGE & TOOLS OF CHANGE

Where my stake in my country is parallel to life, where I am duty bound to loyally serve it and its people indivisible under one God; where it is my right to speak up for the welfare of the people, I kneel down in prayer for the Almighty God to bestow me an agile wisdom for my decision about the PFDJ. Having considered a wide range of possible benefits and risks, it is my conviction to declare that the PFDJ has registered a major dent damaging our aspirations and dreams for democracy, justice, liberty, peace, privacy and security.- Kerar Shengeb, January 21,  2002 

It takes no great analysis to understand the need to weaken and dismantle the G1’s power base as a pre-requisite for ending the rule of the Despotic Cult. No sensible strategist would assume that the current Eritrean crises would end with the demise of one man, if the power base was left intact. Zain Mohammed, February 2, 2002

There are at present many sprouting organisations. The forums, the human rights organisations and other similar associations are the foundlings that emerged from the recognition that something needs to be done. This is a good start and a great deal has already been accomplished through the activities of these formations.- 
Samson Isaac,  - February 12, 2002

The qualitative and quantitative "thought-change" of citizen’s grows inversely proportional with the deterioration of freedom and human rights in our nation.  True citizens are choosing the high road with enormous commitment and genuine national interests most of us love for good reasons. -Amanuel Hidrat, February 19, 2002

What our country is facing is not a minor tremor. The whole political ground is shaking and shifting. As far as political challenges go, this is the equivalent of a 7.5 on the Richter scale. Everything has changed except our old perceptions. We may find comfort in our long held views, but that will only offer us a temporary reprieve from facing the ugly truth. We must catch up with reality and comprehend the magnitude of the challenge and the corresponding transformation needed from each of us to embrace the new reality. - Seyoum Tesfaye, March 27, 2002

Many are exasperated at the mess that liters the Eritrean political landscape. The view is unsightly and the smell foul. Former friends and comrades-in-arm have turned on each other to create a drama and suspense that rivals Shakespearian Hamlet or Othello. - Jamaal Agdoobai, March 29, 2002 

Ten anguished souls who do not know of any other alternative are crying.  Crying right this second.  If we take a silent second, we can hear them.  We can listen to the wail of silence filling the silence.  We can feel the pain they are going though.  To the noble soul that we have, to the thing that we have that says “Ageb”, yes to that, they are imploring to it.  Brothers and sisters, there is no complex political feud involved here. After six months of our silence and ambivalence, our brothers, our parts, are asking shouting unto us.  They are loudly crying unto our ears.  They are knocking the closed doors of our conscience. They are nagging us not to forget them. They are calling us by our very names, Eritreans, that we should not look away. They are literally pulling our ears to pay attention to the sad fact of thier incarceration without charge. With them justice... Ghezae H. Berhe, April 3, 2002 

Our main consolation is that more and more of our people are coming to their senses and   realizing the simple truth that, as had been foreseen by the Kadi and the Pasha and the Naibs as well as Ras Tessemma and Sheikh Kebire among others, and as you had been preaching to us all along, there is no escape for our two cultures from recognizing and accepting each other and living in harmony side by side as Booker T. Washington at The Tuskeegee Institute of Alabama, USA said to the Whites of America that “ in matters social, we can be as separate as the fingers of the hand; but in matters national, we can be (and we should be—emphasis is mine) as one as the hand” - Correnti, April 4, 2002 

The Government of Eritrea is defeating its own purpose and reason of existence and eating and drinking itself to oblivion.  The tragic outcome is that it is taxing and taking the Eritrean People down with it to the pit bottom of a nightmare much worse than the era of Hailesellasie and the Derg of Ethiopia. - Gabriel Guangul, 11 April 2002 

The only remaining and plausible explanation is the regime -the people in power- must have a grudge and hidden enmity against the Eritrean people.  Lust of vengeance so great that it cannot be satisfied easily.  Deep inside their heart they have a burning hatred for children of Eritrea.  This burning hatred and thirst for revenge can be quenched only by more blood!!  - Milkias Mihretab, April 11, 2002 

However, my focus is on the government of Eritrea, which is polishing its loss with high gloss finish. But when it runs of that gloss or sugar coating, sooner or later it will face naked reality of its own blunder. In both countries, the phase of survival began immediately after the Algiers Accord in 2000, which followed by the incarceration of every perceived critique and power contender. - Fessahaye Mebrahtu, April 16, 2002 

Now that the war with Ethiopia is over, I am worried about the warning we are getting from Sudan.  Berhe Yeman,  April 17, 2002 

From the beginning of Ethio-Eritrea war until the cease-fire agreement was signed, I believed all propagandas that came from Eritrea side, and rejected as lies whatever came from Ethiopia side. I even wrote an article in which I have responded to the extremist Ethiopian. That article was written more than a year ago, and as many Eritreans some of my views from that time have been changed, but it still promotes Reconciliation and defends Eritrea from Ethiopian extremists. - Wedi Ertra, April 23, 2002 

Yes, the one whose finger is being grilled cares. Whose limp is amputated and lips interlocked certainly cares.  - Halima Suleiman, April 28, 2002 

The very fashionable depiction of Eritrea and the Eritrean Government and it’ leader as Black hole is not the smartest strategy necessarily for people who hold such noble ideas dear to their heart.  We have to look at our problems and find solution and not seek and destroy so that we can create another monster that in return would do the same thing over and over. - Musie Keflay, May 17, 2002 

The government of Eritrea has been failing in all aspects to fulfill the need of his citizens except of his own needs and the needs of its officials. This is the leadership that failed to protect our country and its citizens from invasion by the enemy, and failed to establish a justice whereby political prisoners including journalists, ministers, students and others would have access to a fair trial. - Nazareth Yemane, May 21, 2002 

I also never thought in my life that I would witness any Eritrean going to any office and demonstrate against them helping our country economicaly. Same even went farther and told us Eritreans not to pay the 2 % or any other help. Do this people want the best for our people and country. - Semere Kidane A , June 3, 2002

We need a leader who speaks the truth even in defeat like Nasser, not a leader who lied many times and ready to sacrifice the entire nation just to conceal his mistakes.  We don’t need a leader who makes a mother to sing and dance because her three sons have been killed!!  We don’t need a leader who gets enjoyment by seeing decimated mothers and malnourished children while he enjoys the amenities of the world.  We don’t need a leader who preaches about self-reliance but wears Italian suits, British neckties, Japanese watches, owns Korean electronics and drinks Finnish vodka!!  We need a messiah a savoir who did what he preaches just like Gandhi who chose to be exemplary by eating local and wearing local clothes thus setting the correct way of self-reliance.  We need a leader who has deep fear of the Almighty and the creator be it Allah, Egziabher, Buddha, Rama, Tao… not a leader who ridicules and taunt the great prophets and messengers of God – Milkias Mehretab, 8/26/2002

The past several years and now my vote is a vote of no confidence towards our government. Like many I searched for like minds and thought have found them in my vicinity. But where does one oppose? Is one considered progressive if one gathers with his like minds a way from what he proposes to change until it withers? What prey then is remaining to be changed for the better? And if one is capable and builds another in its place, will those who were victimized by its death have a place in the new, supposing they wish to? Under what circumstances will the doors be opened to the newly homeless? What of the dignity of those who genuinely without any malice and if you wish perhaps misread and continue to believe they are in the right? Or will there not be a need to utilize that power to be aggregated and be part of that collective strength? There is a dire need to replace our Hubble scope with one that sees even further. Let us not cut our noses to spite our faces.   – Solomon Seyoum TsaTse, August 27, 2002

How all of this will come to pass is up to everyone’s guess since PFDJ seems to hold the most acute card. If they want peaceful ending to this misery, it is up to them. If they want to pass as ordinary African leaders who were victims of their own making, that is up to them as too. If they want a violent end to it, that is up to them as well. But patience and wisdom shall govern the opposition, as PFDJ is desperate for confrontation so as to retain the status quo at all cost. To be sure, it will lose in the end, for the oppressed people are fearless and courageous. But al those who oppose it should exhaust all peaceful means to end this before they embark on what the PFDJ surely wants. – Yonas Haile, October 14, 2002

Those who cannot see the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the national conflict have the responsibility to come down from their ideological and sectarian political ivory tower and clearly elucidate their thesis and make an effort to convince the people that armed struggle or insurrectionary uprising is the best way. Acceptance by demand, bullying, declaration and slogan has been the signature of Stalin and all his ideological descendents. They are always willing to fight to the last peasant and worker to seize power or retain power. They put ideological purity above life. Throwing political tantrums and all sorts of self-serving sophomoric diatribes are no substitute for a line-by-line refutation why the peaceful method will not work in Eritrea. I kindly ask them to make an honest intellectual effort and try convincing us with the strength and clarity of their idea and its applicability to the present Eritrean reality. – Seyoum Tesfaye

I am wondering what kind of a tyrannical act of the regime are we waiting for to unfold that would prompt us to support all means necessary to salvage the nation. The Eritrean People need us now and if not now when, if not us who? – Alem Yohannes, October 15, 2002

This point must be clear: no Eritrean with his/her right mind would wish an armed conflict to resume in war-fatigued Eritrea of today. No one is wishing it now. However, the use of all ways and means possible, including the use of force as a last resort, would have to be pronounced in an exit strategy. The prospect of a good part of the Eritrean Defense Forces deserting the PFDJ regime and joining the ranks of a unified opposition is not a far-fetched dream; it can in fact herald a quick end to the dark Isayas era. - Sami Mehari,  October 15, 2002

If national conference is needed to succeed, the misunderstanding between ELFRC and ENA should be resolved.  An organisation or partnership like that of Alliance that cannot manage its internal conflicts cannot manage conferences at national level.  Nair Fesseha, Nov 30, 2002

Eritrea needs a humble leader. It should not matter from which part of Eritrea the next leader of Eritrea comes from, or to which tribe or religion belongs. Eritrea needs a humble leader.  The forces of change need a leader who should be begged to lead them not one who cries “me, me, me, I really want to be your boss!” Eritrea needs a leader who will step down honorably when his/her term ends. The forces of change  need a leader who will give all Eritreans a reason  to hope, a reason to embrace changes, a reason to ditch Issayas.  – Yonas Araya, November 30, 2002

Violence does not have nor should it have a place in the future of Eritrea, our people are tired of war and destruction and they are well aware that violence has not proven to solve any problems, nor is it needed to conduct affairs of state. Therefore the Alliance, including the government of Eritrea must exhaust all peaceful solution without the destruction of human lives and national resources. – Nazareth (Naz) Yemane, December 2, 2002

Imagine a bleeding woman, from her hideout, facing two unenviable options: to remain still and silent in her hiding spot until the imminent threat is gone, but with a possibility that she might die as a result of her bleeding; or to shout for help, with a full realization that the only response she might get could turn out to be that of her mortal enemy, who is ready to finish her off.  – Yosief G, December 6, 2002

***image6:left***“HOMEGROWN DEMOCRACY”, BUT WHOSE HOME?

My dear Eritrean compatriots, it is official. The Eritrean National Assembly has become a rubber-stamp Parliament for His Excellency, the all powerful strongman Isaias Afewerki, the president of the State of Eritrea, the chairman of the National Council (Assembly), the chairman of the Central Council of the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice(PFDJ), the chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, and the commander in chief of the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF). - Paulos M. Natnael, February 11, 2002 

In a flight of frustration with all this abstract mushiness there are those who would quip hafash don't need theory; or, from the other end, those jailed and suffering don't care about conceptual genealogies.  Both statements are absolutely correct.  But not for the reasons usually offered. - Tesfab Sahle, February 11, 2002 

The problem with the idea of homegrown democracy is that it is essentially self-contradictory…. A Western version of democracy is not that fundamentally different from that of India’s or Japanese version of democracy. They are all based on universal suffrage and one-person one vote. It is not clear how homegrown Eritrean version of democracy will differ and the outlook is not promising if Zimbabwe or Guinea Bissau are to serve as benchmarks for the so-called homegrown democracy…. Emmanuel Haile, August 6, 2002

THE OPPOSITION: PREDICTIBLE AND PREDICTABILITY DISAPPOINTING

The resume of the Reformers is beyond the need of presenting here.  They were in it when even the stones were burning.  They were the makers of the stories told by Hobai (the eagle). Tagietelrasool Kristos,  - 1/7/02 

Not too long ago, Mesfin charged The Alliance Forces of bleeding our people by collaborating with the Weyane.  It was baseless accusation and he should retract his earlier statement as a good gesture towards reconciliation.  At last, I hope he is realizing the negative magnitude of his tone and he is coming to his senses to fully support the coexistence philosophy…….We should abolish the conversion mentality.  Many of us think our idea is the best one available which is logical so we try to convert others to ours.  And if they don’t we consider them as our enemies.  Guess what, this wouldn’t work.  It didn’t work before and it will never work now. - Desbele Kahsai, February 11, 2002 

This is merely an example that the Alliance needs not only an inclusive policy but also a mechanism how to resolve problems among its members and make it desirable for democratic and nationalist elements to congregate around its principles.  - Birhan (Hawi-Zemzem), May 15, 2002 

Challenge to the so-called opposition groups: Iron out your differences for the sake of a nation on the verge of total collapse, NOW.  Basic requirements: Have a desire to see the above mission statement become a reality. Make a decision to commit to a mutually agreed “Social Contract”. Determine to pursue what is good for the people and the country. And above all, have the integrity and discipline to effectively work with all Eritreans regardless of perspectives in order to build an Eritrea after the aspirations of our forefathers, our martyrs, and most reasonable live Eritrean persons. - G. Shimhalal, July 10, 2002

What the alliance seems to have excelled is tell the PFDJ to implement the constitution and rule of law. Too bad, the PFDJ is beyond that threshold and it told them and all of us " over our dead body", the alliance still chants the rule of law the rule of law, while the PFDJ confidently responds the law of the land is the primitive and draconian PFDJ law. It is time to give the PFDJ ultimatum. Alliance change your name to Eritrean Salvation Front (ESF) and rejuvenate your armed forces Stop fighting the enemy with water even he holds Fire, the water will only help him to avoid the heat. – Semere Andom, July 11, 2002 

The very fact that the opposition is divided beyond repair is nurturing the Governments dictatorial stand. The Government has almost convinced people that it’s blunders are far less benign than the major danger that could come if a divided and religion based opposition holds power in Eritrea. The people are at a stage of “kulom Hade” they are all the same, none of them has the peoples’ interest at heart.  – Dr. Ligiam Yohannes, 8/13/02

But Eritreans in the Diaspora and within Eritrea can not afford to wait for individual players, what Eritrea needs is a strong team. A player alone cannot succeed but as part of a team many insurmountable tasks can be accomplished. All parties willing and able must form a United Coalition and coordinate tasks within the coalition to stand united against the PFDJ and with the people of Eritrea. All individual party goals must be kept aside for the salvation of our people. As a United Coalition, presenting your case of the truth and reality in Eritrea to the United Nations, European Members and other countries will force them to stand on the side of the Eritrean people. Gathering political support for your party in the Diaspora whether U.S., Europe, or even Ethiopia is irrelevant and prolongs the suffering of your people. It is the Eritrean people within Eritrea that have the decision and right to choose their form of democracy, governance, and leadership!  - Medhanie Estifanos, October 3, 2002

Transparency and responsibility should be exhibited now, if one is to trust that they will be reflected in the future. Our opposition parties, like the government,  should work to get the public mandate through hard work. They would be gravely mistaken if they are taking the present dissatisfaction with the PFDJ to mean unwavering endorsement of their ideology or means. They should understand that what got PFDJ to this point, was the same callous disregard of the public opinion. I do not think Eritreans need to exchange Earless Party One with Earless Party two. We deserve better!!! – Berhane Seyoum, October 12, 2002

Oppositions, clean up your acts if you want to be taken seriously. As you stand now, you are a mere replica of a power hungry PFDJ. – Yonas Haile, October 14, 2002

I care about the salvation of the state and the people of Eritrea and not about who gets promoted or elected...I hope that the ELF-RC, as one of the founding fronts in the Eritrean struggle, looks at the current misunderstanding within the context of national salvation and, having reviewed and re-examined its stand, explores means to work out the issue in a spirit of love and brotherhood…- Keleta Kidane, Oct 23, 2002

The ELFRC still respects the charter and abide by it as it has stated in its statement. Walking out of meetings is not new in democracy, I remember in 1991, CODESSA walked out from a meeting between ANC and NP of Apartheid, but negotiation has continued later. I urge the ELFRC grass roots to discuss this issue earnestly and return to their former prominent stand of tolerance and mutual respect. – Nair Fesseha, October 25, 2002

The ELF-RC has to stop romanticizing the Eritrean struggle, for the struggle at this time besides its main battle against dictatorship have as well to face and deal with the fall-outs of the war with Ethiopia and the crushing defeat that was imposed on the Eritrean people by the dictator and his monkeys. History and the logic of wars tell us that a war lost is not lost for free there are fallouts and payables to come entailing.  – Burhan Ali, October 26, 2002

I can only think of this:  extremist forces of the right and the left would emerge to prepare the framework for our demise as an entity. The Alliance without the ELF-RC will have no choice other than becoming a fertile ground for the growth of Islamic groups as well as the continued existence of our last species of ‘Marxists’ who would receive encouragement to advance their message of ‘self-determination up to secession’. In other words, this process will lead to pure and uncontrolled warlordism that cannot be an Eritrean agenda.  In other words, if the ELF-RC is pushed out of the Alliance, then the ‘Alliance’ will lose its weight, its substance, and its credibility. It can become a spent force in no time. You will see. – Sami Mehari, Oct 27, 2002

In conclusion I want to ask and hope that the ELF-RC stick it, and hang on to working and standing for unity as they did before one more time for your own principles and who knows, this time people might actually take a note about your sacrifices and your good record. The ELF-RC should continue to reach out to all nationals, stay engaged in every aspect of political and social life of Eritrea.
I also call on Hiruy to take responsibility on the ripple effect any breakdown in the Alliance as we have come to know it over the last couple of years could mean in the opposition in general and in the country as a whole for years to come. – Zemehret Seare, November 8, 2002 

Little did they know or care that this was a vivid indication of their leadership style in the future Eritrea under “their” rule. The official statement of the ELF-RC hinted a sense of bravado in walking out of the conference and spoke volumes on the hatred and disrespect it has towards Hiruy and by extension towards the Alliance.  Hiruy (The Secretariat) in a classic tit-for-tat, did not to waste time and had the audacity to demand an apology (Isayas’ Style), leaving little or no room for dialogue and compromise. In the process all of them acted out the old culture of mistrust and disrespect to each other, and unabashed arrogance. Very, very typical indeed.  – Mehari Kifle,  November 17, 2002 

It has not done favor to ELF/RC either, for presenting its fighters like submissive missionaries, easily out - smarted and detained by every Dick and Harry, overpowered by small and big environment without doing nothing about it, and yet blaming almost every organization in Eritrea with on going nausea of victim syndrome. What a Sad case! – Tzeggai Yohannes, Nov 20, 2002

And now we are being advised by the Alliance supporters to hand over Eritrea to these perennial misfits- one a fabled turncoat and the other a mass murderer.  My reaction?  Let both of them, and the group of mafia organizations that they are supposedly leading, go to hell!  - Yosief G., November 22, 2002

No wonder the Eritrean political process is always on the road to never-never land…. Since the time of independence in 1991, some or all Eritrean opposition parties have been accusing the Government of Eritrea for refusing to come to the table to discuss the political future of the country.  And in the year 2002, the dominant opposition groups refuse or ignore the mediation offer of Awate Team to come to terms with their own differences while claiming the involvement of ‘foreign powers’ in causing these differences. How more absurd can it get?  - Gabriel Guangul, November 29, 2002

I say it is good for every Eritrean patriot to know that Isayas and his PFDJ regime have terribly wronged and humiliated our nation, especially the Moslems, but the solution will not come through polarization of the society with dirty power plays. If what I read in the websites is something to go by, then Herui is not heading to the right direction. In a number of recent public meetings held in Khartoum and Port Sudan, Herui is reported to have said: “ The Isayas regime represents only the Christians. The Christian Eritreans have been supporting the Isayas regime, and are still doing so...” And then he receives a thundering applause for the wrongly addressed message. This is nothing but sowing discord, suspicion and disruption that can finally weaken the potentially big national avalanche that has been gathering to rid us from the divisive dictatorship in Asmara.  The dictatorial PFDJ regime may continue exploiting the weaknesses in the society, but in no way can one categorize the Eritrean Christian as ‘supporter’ of the dictator. I am disgusted.  – T. Mender, November 30, 2002 

Before joining anti Abdalla stampede by remnants of Embaye Hadera and Hirui's sympathizers, readers need to be aware of what is happening in the western lowlands where EPLF has been waging campaign of terror including rape, confiscation of lands, forced conscription of their girls, denial of return of refugees to their homes and resettlement of its sympathizers to alter the demographics of the region. Attempts to scrutinize and analyze Abdalla's actions in the vacuum of the above-mentioned injustices will be nothing more than demagoguery. – A. Barole, December 4, 2002

When Issaias Afwerki sent his death squads, and murdered in cold blood, some of the finest fighters the Eritrean field has known, Abdalla Idriss could have retaliated in kind, but he never did despite the wild accusations by Afwerki’s clones. He could have sunk Eritrea into a tit-for-tat cycle of violence, the likes of which we have never seen. He refused to be baited into gangster style tactics, and chose to target the regime’s policies, rather than being embroiled in the inherent Shifta-style murders of the dictator. A wise move, and perhaps the single most reason why this man survived a vicious onslaught of character & still manages to keep his head high. – Mohammed Ahmed, December 19, 2002

***image7:left***TRUTH:  SAVAGED BUT SURVIVES ASSAULT

Do not forget that it is possible to ban Press Law, close newspapers and jail journalists, but is impossible to ban public opinion regarding the leadership.  Truth is truth. ‘If truth is buried in its head, it will become out in its foot.’ – Hagos T/Zion, August 21, 2002

It is disgraceful the way shaebia.org reported on the demonstration, (Approximately 1,500 Eritrean Americans came out in support of the Government of Eritrea) it said. The total number of participants from both sides was approximately 600 to 700 people. VOA report indicated that total participants from both sides numbered in the hundreds. Misinforming the public and inflating numbers to serve your purpose reflects a genuine lack of journalistic integrity and is an insult to people's intelligence. – Herui, July 31, 2002

We need to have an open and honest debate. At the moment this isn’t possible inside Eritrea, because it is simply impossible for citizens to air their views without fearing that they will be arrested and imprisoned, and accused of “treason”. This isn’t what we fought and paid dear lives for.  We fought for liberation, which means far more than simply the independent sovereign existence of the State of Eritrea: it means the liberation of our people from the shackles of tyranny and repression. – Meriam B, August 9, 2002

Why are you afraid of the truth Mr. President? If you are what your worshipers say you are then have the courage to bring your political opponents and those you accuse of treason to trial, show us the evidence and prove their guilt. Don’t ask me to blindly believe you and trust your judgment, I am not a PFDJ or NUEYS member. It looks like our president will need to build more prisons and camps to accommodate the entire honourable people of Eritrea.  The question is who will be guarding your jails? - Herui K, July 31, 2002

My father is just a family man, for God's sake, well respected in his neighborhood and workplace by all his colleagues. But every thing will come to pass. I just ask Allah to keep him safe and soon let him free and make him rejoin with his family. Ameen! – Hussein M Shummay,  July 19, 2002

Parents in our country have no retirement plan like the 401K plans we have in here. Their retirement plans are their children.  Children take care their aged parents by taking over farming, pasture and other works and guarantee the continuity of society in our country. But you, the government, by taking away every grown child involuntary from their parents to the army and government programs, parents are left hopeless with no one to care for them – how could you build a nation by ruining a family? What do you do to help the families? And finally can you tell us when would be Eritrea to have a legitimate government?   Adding fuel to the fire, the audience roared in support for the questioner. Mr. Yemane [Gebreab] with his unique ability of calm, did not lose direction by these bombshells. In fact no one that I knew in the past from his colleagues could do better than him. He is great. Either by training or from experience, he took his way to exist with what is known  “begging the question.” Begging the question is the 5th in the list of the fallacious reasoning.  In essence, he took the 5th, but not to confuse with the 5th amendment of the USA constitution, which protect citizens from self-incriminating. He tried to hoodwink us as if the issue has been addressed, as it is, so called mom-and-apple-pie rhetoric. – Tesfaldet Bahlbi, August 23, 2002 

My self interest and my proviso lies, 100%, in coddling, and capitulating to, the government in power and Isaias. I was never granted nor developed such like character and habits; and, because I opposed the government of PFDJ, I find myself condemned, isolated and ostracized by my children, my wife, my family, my relatives, my compatriots, my friends and my loved ones.  For I spoke the truth. - Keleta Kidane, Dec 30, 2002

9-11: DESPOTS RENEW LICENSE TO TERRORIZE CITIZENS

When you listen to it for the second time or read it carefully, you will discover that the Eritrean president’s message expresses concealed delight in what has happened in America on 11 September 2001. - Weldeyessus Ammar 1/4/2002 

No sane person can justify terror against innocent civilians, and needless to recount terrorists of all walks and religions from Asia to Latin America, KKK to McVeigh and the WTC suiciders, which are provisional and doomed to fail the goals of its perpetuators.- Halima Suleiman, February 2, 2002

The letter addressed to Secretary of State Colin Powell [by the PFDJ demonstrators in Washington DC] contained the words (terrorism and terrorist) 12 times, al-Qaida 3 times, collaborators 3 times, and Bin laden twice. Democracy was mentioned twice and justice only once, human rights, freedom of the press, the fate of political prisoners and jailed journalists were not mentioned at all. – Herui, July 31, 2002

And now it's Muslim's turn, Islam is associated with Terrorism, that's why the President of Eritrea correlated my simple and clear question with the Taliban and America's war against "Terrorism." But in America, unlike Eritrea, whether you are a Taliban soldier or not, you have always the right for the basic principle of human rights- "Every person is innocent, until proven guilty in the court of Law!" The Bush administration, which is famous for its hatred against 'Muslims' all
over the world these days in the name of fight against terrorism, captured a Muslim American Taliban Soldier with his gun to fight against his own country's people (Americans) but got all the rights that any American marine or LAPD police would get. How ironic to the President's response! – Hussein M Shummay, July 19, 2002

Student:  Regarding those in prison, when will they be presented to a court of law? 
Isaias:   Who was jailed?  When? 
Student:  My father. 
Isaias:  How do you know? 
Student: We have no news of him.  He is missing. 
Isaias: What is his name? 
Student: Dr. (Muslim name)
Isaias:  If there is no news, then he is in jail. Perhaps he had contact with traitors, Talibans or Jihad.
Student:  So, when will he be presented to a court of law?
Isaias:  When we feel like it.  In a closed session of the Special Court.  Do you know Guantanemo, in Cuba?  That is where America is holding Taliban prisoners of war.  Just like that.  They are a national security risk.  (Disruption continues) -  As reported by “Harnet Seb”, President Isaias Afwerki in South Africa, July 8, 2002

We can understand the strategic interest of the United States in countries like Eritrea in these times of global terrorist threat.  The interest of the United States in close military ties as revealed by the reports of General Tommy Frank’s several visits to the area and his meetings with the government officials, and the sentiments expressed by some congressional circles in favor of close military ties with the dictatorial regime needs to be weighed against the irreparable damage the regime has done to the Eritrean people in recent years.  It should be weighed against the cherished values firmly held by the people and government of the United States.  The lessons of past American support of corrupt, dictatorial regimes and the repercussions of such support must not be lost. – Dr. Bereket Habteselassie, July 15, 2002

Nowadays, there is an onslaught on Islam around the world because of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the East Timor uprising, the tension between India and Pakistan and the September Eleven tragedy. Any organized religion invariably attracts wrong-headed believers who lack an understanding of anything beside their faith. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance that recognizes Judaism and Christianity as faiths of Allah. Islam itself is a Judeo-Christian religion that incorporates the teachings of Allah as his prophets Moses and Jesus presented it. But all this is lost in the heads of many Muslim-hating kooks who pander to their base instincts and jump at every opportunity to bash the faith for the actions of a few other wrong-headed Muslims. Suffice to state that it is only the ignorant who hold a faith responsible for the actions of a few misguided faithful.  – Jamal Agdoobai, November 7, 2002

HAILE TESFAY vs PFDJ: THE NAME IS BOND.  ERITREAN BOND.

As you all know, Eritrean Embassies all over the world have collected over 100,000,000 dollars by selling Eritrean Government Bonds in 1999.  Today thousands of bond certificates worth millions of dollars have matured and payment is due.  However, many of us who bought bond certificates in good faith are finding out that the Eritrean Government is again playing games with us by telling us to wait indefinitely without giving any specific time frame. – Haile Tesfay, August 21, 2002

Again, please do not be ashamed to ask for your money.  You should be thanked for being there when the Eritrean Government screamed for help.  You UNSELFISHLEY bought bonds and entered a legal agreement, which the Eritrean Government is not honoring.  Thankfully, we live in the United States, which is a country governed by the rule of law and, therefore, we can take and are taking legal action because a contract has been breached. – Haile Tesfay, December 7, 2002