The government of Ethiopia could easily be engulfed on a major scale by ethnic and religious turmoil just like Sudan. Or radical Sunni Islamic zealots in Somalia could be causing mayhem by exporting their brand of “hatred” to fellow Muslims in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia, despite being multi-ethnic and multi-religious, continues to thrive under the leadership of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
The EPRDF under the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, have managed to galvanize a desperate situation because modern day Ethiopia is developing rapidly. The reason for this development is because the EPRDF have put great emphasis on modernization and stability. This can be seen by the expanding education sector and the continuing growth of new universities and the same applies to developing the road system and infrastructure of Ethiopia.
The legacy of the Mengistu regime which collapsed in 1991 was deplorable and the EPRDF had to virtually start from scratch. This applies to the democratization of Ethiopia, modernization, and creating a system which benefited the people of Ethiopia.
While Ethiopia started on a path of democratization and modernization many neighboring nations remained in chaos. This applies to the ongoing crisis in both Somalia and Sudan. Meanwhile, Eritrea is hardly developing on the right path; on the contrary, this nation is alienating itself because of its role in Somalia and other dubious foreign policy ventures.
If we turn the clock back, it is apparent that many centralized nations which were communist, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious, failed to survive the political environment of the 1990s. This notably applies to the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia; meanwhile, it must be remembered that minorities in China are massively outnumbered by the majority ethnic Han.
Added to this, is the hostile environment because millions have been killed since the 1990s in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and other nations. Despite this, the EPRDF is open to all ethnic and religious groups and this political party clearly understands the need to respect all ethnic and religious groups in Ethiopia. Therefore, ethnic and religious tensions have been contained because of the role of the ruling party and the ongoing democratization of Ethiopia.
Of course, the 1990s and early 21st century for Ethiopia have not been easy. This applies to the war with Eritrea and ethnic and religious tensions which sometimes become ignited because of various factors. Also, the threat from Somalia is real because Sunni Islamists threaten to destabilize Ethiopia and allow global jihadists to spread both internal and global terrorism.
Also, the infrastructure was very weak under Mengistu and at the same time the population continues to grow rapidly. Despite this, the EPRDF is clearly focused on creating a sustainable economy and expanding opportunities for all Ethiopians irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Given this, fresh hope is on the horizon because recent years have seen high economic growth rates and many new sectors are starting to bloom.
In recent weeks, Meles Zenawi hinted that he may leave office and he may or may not do so? Whatever he and the EPRDF decide, it is clear that the EPRDF is a functioning political party and Meles Zenawi, like all politicians, is replaceable despite wisely guiding Ethiopia during difficult times.
After all, the EPRDF functions to serve all Ethiopian people and Meles Zenawi functions within the EPRDF. This once more shows you the democratic nature of the EPRDF and how it sole purpose is to serve the Ethiopian people under the democratic institutions which have been put into place by this political party.
For many Ethiopians and EPRDF members, they are hoping that Meles Zenawi will remain in power and that he will guide the EPRDF in the next general election. However, his vision, and the vision of the EPRDF is based on developing and modernizing Ethiopia and for this reason the majority of Ethiopians supported the EPRDF during the last election. Therefore, while this issue is topical, it pales into insignificance when compared with developing Ethiopia.
Therefore, Meles Zenawi and the EPRDF can be trusted to do what is best for Ethiopia. After all, the foundation stone for a prosperous Ethiopia is being firmly laid by the EPRDF and this “stone” applies to all Ethiopians, irrespective if Christian, Muslim, a follower of traditional beliefs, secular, or whatever.
Lee Jay Walker serves as Tokyo Correspondent of The Seoul Times. He specializes in int'l relations and geopolitics. He is also involved in analyst work and research on business. After finishing BA degree in East European Studies at the University of London, he earned MA degree in Asia Pacific Studies at Nottingham Trent University. Website at http://www.leejaywalker.wordpress.com where work is published.
Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely Fall weather we are having, I know I am! Now that the season is changing, I needed to change my little flag in our front flower bed. I had one all summer I bought at a local nursery that was bright and said "cool off" which was perfect for our blazing summer. I have had this thought about making my own flag for a while. I thought about getting some outdoor fabric to make one, but didn't want to spend the money on MORE fabric. So I decided just to make it out of burlap and some use up fabric scraps I had on hand! And I LOVE how it turned out!
I used the flag I had for the summer as a template to cut the size of burlap, then folded down about 2 inches at the top and glued it to make a pocket for the rod of the flag holder to go through.
I saw this pillow a long time ago and it came to mind when I was thinking of what to do. I knew I had a bunch of fabric scraps I could stand to get rid of, so after rummaging around in my fabric tub, I was so happy to have found some Fall colors I could use as leaves!
After I cut leaf shapes and a trunk, I used fabric glue to glue them onto the burlap in a tree shape. I wasn't sure if that would work very well, but I was too lazy to sew all the way around all of those leaves. ;) Luckily it worked just fine!
Although, I did sew about 1/4 of an inch around the edge and frayed it out. (Do this before you glue the top down.) This is not a weather proof flag, obviously, so I have taken it in a couple times in case it rained. I don't know how well the glue would hold up in the rain. But we have had the most beautiful weather lately so it has gotten to stay the night outside a lot. ;)
This was SO easy!! It didn't take long at all, usually I work on a project off an on for a few days, but this one was easy enough that I just did it all at once. I love it! I love the colors especially against our green shrubs. And my basil too, that thing is taking off like crazy lately. yum.
Projects that use what you already have on hand are the best! I have so much left over stuff piled up in my craft closet, it is nice to get rid of some of that in such a pretty way! :)
This is so so so cute. I love anything with burlap, though :). I'm going to follow your blog as soon as I leave this comment :)
Kimberly, this is beautiful. A lively tree of life. Thank you for sharing the howto with us readers here, and let me invite you too to share your creations and ideas at our linky party at http://www.FineCraftGuild.com/party .
this is super super cute!!! I've got a link party going on now that I would love for you to share this at. I am so inspired!
Found and followed you through Hubby Made Me's link party. I just love your blog! Feel free to stop by mine as well :)
Such a cheerful little tree! I LOVE the scraps you used. Fab job! I'm your newest follower (almost 200- go you!) Can't wait to see more of your creations.
Thank you for linking up at Keep Calm & Link Up again last week...we hope you'll join us again this Friday! :o)
This is too cute! I need something to spruce up my front flower beds and this might just be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration!
That is so cute!! The fabric and colors are so pretty! Thanks so much for sharing at my Throwback Thursday party :) I hope to see you again this week!
Happy Valentines Day! Last night I made these yummy treats for Carter to take to school today. I had made them before for his birthday party, and it is so good I knew I had to make it again!
In a skillet pop the popcorn in the oil and set aside in a large bowl, crush up Oreos into chunks and add to the popcorn.
I'll warn you this stuff is sooo good!! I had to get on to my husband because he kept grabbing spoonfuls. ;)
Cookies and cream popcorn sounds like a delicious combo! Definately keeping this little recipe in mind. Happy Valentine's Day!
Oh wow! This looks so delicious. I am so jealous of all these adorable food related valentines I see. Our school system (regular and daycare) strictly forbids any type of food item :/
YUM! Does this count as a dessert?! I'm thinking no, right? I am not having dessert until my daughter's first birthday, but I want some of this ;)
Oh my goodness- this looks amazing! I would probably eat the whole thing, by myself! I am a new follower!
Just dropping in from Love Laugh Rowe. I would also love to invite you to join Lets Get Social Sunday and link up your blog and all your social sites (Facebook, Twitter etc) to meet new friends and gain more followers!! (Live right now at http://www.myturnforus.com/ ) We have about 150+ blogs link up each week:)
Thanks for linking up at the blog hop!! Love to find new blogs, and that popcorn looks amazing!!!! Happy to be following along :) ~Bre
Newest follower from the Sunday Social. This looks yummy! Made a similar one over Christmas using crushed candy canes and white chocolate. We just called it Crack Corn because it was so addictive.
Cute blog! New follower, found you through the blog hop. Can't wait to read more! Zoe @ Turquoisebohemian.com