What is the point for an average Ethiopian?
Ethiopia has lost its port(s) and some people might be able to campaign for this or that someone- else's- port and make some money or commisions for it. So what the point here, uh?

Bye Bye Aseb.... The Value of Aseb port has been reduced even further now. What we are witnessing is that Eritrea thought Ethiopia would be landlocked begging with no option of sea outlet. But the basic economic theory of supply and demand reduces the value of Aseb even futher. Ethiopia is the only one who needs port, but there are four countries (excluding Eritrea) who are ready to serve. Ethiopia has an option and that is great for Ethiopia.

The Brits promised to give Yohannes IV Massawa port back and then they gave it to the Italians after the Emperor did what the brits wanted him to do-his side of the bargain. Since then 'Ingleez' became a bad word in Ethiopia. "you have a heart of Ingleez" is an insult in Ethiopia. As if that wasn't enough, Wingate's advice wasn't heard in 1941 and the Brits started to behave badly right after and during the defeat of fascist Italy. Though General Wingate is considered a hero in Ethiopia, the Brits weren't. Emperor Hailesselasse had to look in Sweden to find trainers for the Airforce and the Swedes are remembered to this day for their good behavior and lack of arogance. The Swedish trainer in Ethiopia became the greatest Swedish general and was decorated as such just two or three years ago. Hailesselasse had to find the Japanese who sent small arms to the resistance fighters in the 1930s in Ethiopia to help him develop some industries. The Japanese were the favourites among the intellectual Ethiopians since the 19th century because of some similarities in culture and their success without adopting western style in everything. Even the Indians, the Belgians, the Swiss, the Dutch, the French and most of all the Americans were very good friends. The Israelites too were good friends but Ethiopia had to pay the price for that friendship because ELF, EPLF, TPLF and Siad Barre exploited that to the max with some Arabs.

Ethiopia not only lost Mitsiwa port but her own unelected current government doesn't want Assab for some reason. There was never a question about Assab being Ethiopian until 1991. As far as I know all the europeans have left. Ethiopia is still there on the map.

It looks like the next government, which will certainly be full of non-violent spiritualists, won't be interested in Assab either. But Eritreans will be Ethiopians again with their own free will. Economics will dictate that once Meles and Issayas are gone. And true history won't hurt. Eritrea didn't become Arabic, it is more habesha now than it ever was. OLF is having a change of hearts and wants to rule over Ethiopia instead of separating. The south became more patriotic Ethiopian than the rest for TPLF pushed the wrong buttons there before and after year 2000 and Welaitas, Hadiyas and Hararis never felt unEthiopian in the first place. And now Berhanu's book seems to make all Ethiopians re-think the thinking. The book is going to be more popular than FIKIR ISKE MEKABIR for generations to come. Although Dr. Berhanu might have been born by Addis among the Oromo, his ancestors are from the south and that helps Ethiopia more.

Ports? Yes Assab is the natural port. I think Ethiopia will rent Assab port for a while until Eritrea becomes part of Ethiopia once again, with love this time.

its very funny how narrowly some think. Andrew just wanted to point-out the funny ads. Its bizzar to advertize ports in a land lock country. He didn't intend to debate the issue of whether asseb is it or whether OLF is rethinking. Can't one point to unusual fact without associating it to a larger issue? Andrews posting about pets, including the Leopard in the Brits Embassy are irritating. Andrew-just stay away from your Embassy. That leopard understands an oversized Embassy when he sees one, give back his land. However, the ad story is a good observation, for a ferenje-a british one specially. I admit to looking at them and scratching my head. Hey, here is an idea for Afeworki: doing business with Ethiopia is profitable; you should pamper your clients not insult them.

Yes, I have really read your words about the ports in the horn of Africa, This topic really makes a great sence for me and when it comes to Ethiopia the story sounds deaper. The reason is that I am a student in Ethipia and I think every day about what is comming from the ports . My family live in Berbera city so I have to not only look containers and things alone forward but also whether there is some information from my famliy. I usually go to Berbera in holidays and we have great prospectives for Ethiopian transport through Berbera, My little Amharic gives me the opportunity to talk Ethipian drivers from the port and they ussually show that they are very positive to discover this old sea rout.