I have had the extraordinary fortune in my life to have learned from and befriended several Eritrean-Americans, and I write this not out of unique insight but mainly out of concern for a country and a people who I have found more than worthy of that concern. In the past couple weeks the U.S. has conducted some heavy-handed diplomacy that has only carried limited staying power in the press, in light of the accusations being made. The diplomatic pressure demonstrates questionable judgment concerning regional conflicts in East Africa as well as an overbearing implentation of its war against terrorist groups.
-Presented in the most favorable light, the administration's actions seem to constitute a misuse of the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation to a regional conflict.
-Diplomatic pressure exerted in this matter reflects inadequate appreciation of regional background.
I will be defending these two statements below...
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