Congratulations to Warsai, Ykalo, Eritrean diplomats, lobbyists and friends of Eritrea,

This article by Chairman Gilman represents a major triumph for Eritrea. It is the diplomatic equivalent of Tsorona, i.e. just as the world could see Ethiopia's military defeat in Tsorona, it can also see Ethiopia's diplomatic defeat in the article.

Note that this unambiguous article is the assessment and evaluation of one of America's most important policy makers. He is clearly in Eritrea's camp.

In his article US Rep Gilman exposes the motivation and incompetence of the TPLF:

Although those grievances may be real, a developing nation state with a firm place in the international system has no business indulging in vendettas....is that Ethiopia chose to sacrifice economic growth, international goodwill, a growing relationship with the United States and tens of thousands of its own soldiers to exact the pound of flesh demanded by a narrow and frightened domestic constituency.

Gilman's public expression of his view on the conflict raises the stakes for Ethiopia, making it more difficult for Ethiopia to continue to reject the peace plan with international impunity:

By rejecting this plan, however, Meles has dashed hopes for a peaceful resolution to the war. The time has come for the United States and the international community to condemn the Ethiopians' intransigence and urge them not to launch an attack.

The superb way in which President Isaias' government is handling the conflict is becoming increasingly evident. Through well-choreographed military moves, diplomatic maneuvers, and local/global citizen mobilization, Eritrea is winning.

The record shows that presently, Ethiopia finds itself internationally embarrassed, politically trapped, and diplomatically cornered.

Indeed, just like its struggle for independence - which culminated in the 1993 Referendum - Eritrea's handling of the conflict thus far is textbook material.

The record is there; it speaks for itself, it does not need protection.

Aradom Iyob
Virginia
USA