The other faces of Al Qaeda

Mulu GS

Jan 05, 2007

I have started to ask my self whether the Al Qaeda in the hills of Afghanistan and the slums of Baghdad is more dangerous than the “other faces” of Al Qaeda who comfortably live in the cities of the US , at least in terms of direct threat. The highest command with no sharp teeth could be hiding in Afghanistan and the slums of Baghdad but the dangerous propaganda tools and noisy sympathizers are here in the “freedom land”. I do not think any more evidence better than the unequivocal declaration of alliance of the Eritrean Government coupled with some Ethiopian Diaspora opposition parties and terrorists in Somalia is needed to deal with their threat.

I felt to write this short note after I have heard and read enough of nonsense from Ethiopian Diaspora political parties and their supporters, the Eritrean government and the VOA Amharic service about the current engagement of Ethiopia against the evil forces in Somalia . It is a shame that the US government does not pay attention to what is going on by these other faces of Al Qaeda who are the beneficiaries of western values but spiritually and financially backing the forces of evil in Somalia .

While these forces in daylight declared their clear intentions to destroy Ethiopia and other Western interests and started their flagrant attack considering Ethiopian reservation as weakness, the “other faces” are tacitly showing their alliance with the evil forces. For instance, when the Ethiopian government which was seen as underdog compared to the UIC by many pundits and naïve Diaspora Ethiopians reacted in defense, these “other faces” are crying and making noises as if their noise can save the running terrorist elements of the UIC. Why do they support terrorism? I do not know the answer. But my  simple guess is that, it could be the common factor they possess- the limitless hatred and hostility towards the Ethiopian government. Consider the callers to the C-SPAN TV interview of the Ethiopian Ambassador, they were all despicable. Thank goodness, the Ambassador was eloquent and unemotional.

Did you pay attention to the recent interviews of the good Professor Al Mariam? He used the VOA, a US government institution; to lecture the world that Ethiopia is fighting the war with UIC to distract us from its internal turmoil. According to him there was no threat what so ever that concerns Ethiopia even in the face of Jihad declarations and flagrant attacks by the UIC and its supporters (like the Gov’t of Eritrea and other Arab states). It is a pity that we are represented by this kind of very naïve and ill informed individuals who use what they see in their dream as evidence to support their allegations. I admit I feel ashamed by our educated men that I have heard being interviewed on VOA or other media when they fail to consider the very basic principles of intellectual engagement. They allege they know everything that is happening in Ethiopia when they have never visited it for the last 15 to 20 years.  They prefer sentiments instead of facts which do not have any place in intellectual engagement.

On the other hand look at the media like the VOA? They present opinion which is mostly biased and one sided. They do not try to strike a balance when they deal with even issues that are very fundamental to US interests- while paid by the US government. For example their choice for expert opinion on the current Ethiopian engagement in Somalia has nothing to do with whether the preferred interviewees have expertise about the situation  but rather with their solidarity in attacking and demeaning the Ethiopian government. Consider the recent panelists, Prof. Milkias form Canada , Prof. Al Mariam from California and the Engineer from DC who are laymen in the topic and yet try to tell us that they are the pro bono experts. It would have been very courageous and respectful for them to start with a disclaimer that they are not the experts on the topic. Interestingly, what they know is blame, blame, …., blame. No alternative ideas. Where is then their contribution? They should feel ashamed when their task is to appease the VOA journalists and their cronies.

How about the Ethiopian Diaspora based opposition parties? Their declaration and press release is not anything different from Al Zawihiri’s call to attack Ethiopia . They were cynical and prophesying to the world that Ethiopia would be in Quagmire. Some of them even created alliance with UIC to attack Ethiopia and western interests. At the same time they have offices in the US and have a mouth piece- the VOA. Much worst is that they have the backing of some US senators and Congress men. I fully support the call from www.EthiopiaFirst.com for these parties to withdraw their corroboration with terrorists.

How about the government of Eritrea ?  It has showed clear alliance with these extremists and has declared the US at its “historic” enemy. It has been now some time since it officially joined the alliance of those who support terrorism. What is the response from the US ? I am encouraged that the retired Ambassador to Ethiopia , Vick Huddleston and the top diplomat for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, have clearly expressed their observation of the Eritrean act.

I would finally like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Ethiopian Government for the wise strategy, the gallant Ethiopian forces for their bravery and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi for his intelligent leadership. Ethiopia has added one very important historical achievement on its resume on the eve of the new millennium.