Zmeselo wrote: ↑12 Jan 2022, 13:44
Biden gave Abiy, an ultimatum.
• Threatened to designate his gov't. as genocidal, NATO intervention, economic warfare.
• Threatened to use Executive order to deny Ethiopian Airlines access to US/EU airports
• Ordered him to cut ties with Eritrea
• Ordered him to roll back from China
I refrained from voicing my opinion, until we know more. When confusing circumstances arise, read between the lines before getting emotional. There’s dirty bullying occurring, in real-time. Abiy said
This came as a shock to me as well
Z,
"As a shock", to my understanding is the proposal to release Sebhat & Co. which is an out of the box idea, who ever proposed it; however, if it ends up to face save Biden leading it to change coarse from its wrong trajectory so, be it & Abiy "welcomed" it.
The "threats looming" you mentioned were there all along so nothing new there.
What ties are going to be cut with Eritrea?
Eritrea's participation in the entire conflict besides the respectful handling of Ethiopian troops attacked by TPLF in the beginning is mostly in her own interest. That is going to continue.
There is no other written mutual agreement written we know off to be cut. So, Biden can't make Ethiopia cut a non existence or unwritten ties. The friendship between Abiy and Esu as neighbors is their own; it's non of Biden's business to stick his fingers.
What is gong to be the offer to roll back China's investment etc. is the question? What is the US offer when it comes to FDI etc? If NONE, it's a non starter.
BTW, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China is more or less exhausted during TPLF; so, for the short run it is not much to go fund for Ethiopia; they've cut back funds to some projects; that Addis to Asmara rail idea is likely a far away thing. BRI is probably great for Eritrea as not much development has been done there; but, Ethiopia she should be open to others as well in the short run therefore, it is important to work with the West more than ever for our multi faceted developments.