open Democracy News Analysis - Ethiopia's hostages to history, Edward Denison - Comments

hghebreab on "Ethiopia's hostages to history"

hghebreab — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:23:24 +0000

I do appreciate Mr. Denison's attempat at explaining the sad state of affairs in this corner of the world. It is an honorable thing, I believe, to know the judicious boundary between an educated-guess and truth based on factual evidences. Mr. Denison seems to have discovered such an art, steering clear of conclusions that are not supported by evidence. At the same time, using history, he explores all the possible explanations for this seemingly inexplicable act. For that, I thank you. For those who have been quick to point accusative fingers in any direction without a shred of evidence, I say, "What is the hurry? Why can't we wait patiently and see?"

H. Ghebre-Ab

eritus on "Ethiopia's hostages to history"

eritus — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:12:30 +0000

Mr. Denison, first thank you for being one of the very few who write fairly accurate articles about Eritrea and the Horn of Africa in the past and now. I wish there were more of you.

Second, this kidnapping case is the most bizarre case I have ever come across. No names and images attached to the kidnapped �tourists�; no praying family remember for fast and safe return of their beloved. I don�t think they are tourists. The number of kidnapped people, their nationality, location kidnapped from, as reported by the major British medias, changes from day to day. Numerous bizarre and highly inconsistent stories as told by the Ethiopians and reported, again, by the usual medias without questioning.

The kidnapping case to me highlights the bizarre behavior of Ethiopia. Not only can Ethiopia not respect a treaty it willingly entered and signed onto, but also, now, its clear the country can�t tell a consistent and accurate story.

PS: can someone explain to me what and who an �Eritrean renagade security services� might be.

someone on "Ethiopia's hostages to history"

someone — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:58:35 +0000

Dear Sir,

your article is as usual accurate in its historical and factual content.

Your analysis however i disagree with.

I disagree with the deduction that the kidnapers have mere sympathy with the Eritrean cause and therefore are high lighting the issue in order to help the eritrean regim.

I would go further and assert that the Eritrean regime has been preparing for this kind of operation for sometime and this operation has been carried out with full support and participation of the Eritrean renagade security services. It just was unluky for the hostages to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Eritrean Regime has been conducting its terrorist activities in somalia, mainland Ethiopia and now the boarders between eritrea and Ethiopia.

That is the fact and as such the British Govrnment must do its at most to secure the freedom of the hostages in Eritrea and pass a clear message to the the so called Eritrean officials that such behaviour will not be tolerated and has seriouse consequences.

But look no further the Hostages are either under the eritrea security officers or they(eritreans) know where they are.

Thank you for your article.

mebrahtudaniel on "Ethiopia's hostages to history"

mebrahtudaniel — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:45:22 +0000

Dear Mr. E. Denison

As an Eritrean usually get disappointed with the

distorted/misleading Western reporting habits

involving 3rd World countries' affairs or issues,

but felt relieved and grateful as I read your truthful & educative article: Ethiopia's hostages

to history. The article seems coming straight from Stoicism, to teach the 'brigands' of the world the right mode of conduct/report, namely: to rely on facts to propagate understanding through constructive information.

Please, keep-up the good work and may your ilk dominate the IT world, who knows correct information may lead to a peaceful world.

Ethiopia's hostages to history, Edward Denison

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The seizure of British diplomats near the unforgiving Ethiopia-Eritrea border has a bloody precedent, says Edward Denison. Read the rest of this post...