Dear aiga,

I don't understand the logic of the poster Aaron why Ethiopia should not be following suit Shaebia's policy of destabilization. I believe Ethiopia should not follow suit for the following reasons:

1. First and foremost, it is lowering ourselves to Shaebia's standard. Only a mafia-gang type "government" behaves the way Shaebia does. I say "government" because it is the only one in the world that rules without a constitution.

2. Ethiopia does have a legitimate security concern in Somalia. The terrorist within the Islamic Militias in Somalia tried to attack Ethiopia when Shaebia and EPRDF were friends. Recently, BBC Focus on Africa carried out a profile of a jihadist who went to Somalia in the mid-90s to help Somali Jihadists (who are now key players in the Islamic militias) in their fight against Ethiopia. The Islamic militias are terrorists who with any doubt will raise many havoc deep inside Ethiopia using terrirosm.

3. Shaebia has the moral ground in the current situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It was Ethiopia which has refused to implement the decision it was eager to sign on in 2000. We have to remember not only was shaebia was forced to sign the agreement due to the military setbacks it suffered, it was Meles who coined the term "Final and binding". It is the government that made the mistake in signing the agreement. However, Shaebia's ineptness in diplomacy has allowed Ethiopia to exploit the situation and table an alternative that atleast has gotten the ears of the Americans (excluding their UN Ambassador). Therefore, calling for discarding the Algiers agreement is handing an amunition to Shaebia.

Shaebia's current involvement in Somalia (albeit exaggerated) is a clear sign of desperation. Shaebia is clearly frustrated and is getting involved to put pressure on Ethiopia. It's aim in Somalia is analogous to the formation of CUD. Shaebia does not share any ideology with the Islamic militias. Just like what binded the different CUD groups together was hatred for EPRDF, the only thing that binds Shaebia and the Islamic militias together is hatred for Ethiopia. It is an alliance of convenience based on my enemy's enemy is my friend. Shaebia and the Islamic militias may not get on each other's throats like Lidetu and Hailu Shawel but it won't last long.

In light of what I mentioned above, I think Ethiopia is handling the situation (and its mistakes) skillfully. Ethiopia's different approaches to dealing with the problems of Somalia and Eritrea is the right course. They are both completely separate issues and the threat from both sides is different. Also, we have to bear in mind we are not privy to what goes on behind the scenes. Therefore, I don't think it is a good idea for AIGA to give podium to illogical e-mails and articles that are based on emotions. Stick on with the high road. [NewEthiopia, Aiga reader]