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Everything posted by Old_Observer
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The picture that fooled the world Photo: ITN archive This image of an emaciated Muslim caged behind Serb barbed wire, filmed by a British news team, became a worldwide symbol of the war in Bosnia. But the picture is not quite what it seems. German journalist Thomas Deichmann reveals the full story. The picture reproduced on these pages is of Fikret Alic, a Bosnian Muslim, emaciated and stripped to the waist, apparently imprisoned behind a barbed wire fence in a Bosnian Serb camp at Trnopolje. It was taken from a videotape shot on 5 August 1992 by an award-winning British television team, led by Penny Marshall (ITN) with her cameraman Jeremy Irvin, accompanied by Ian Williams (Channel 4) and the reporter Ed Vulliamy from the Guardian newspaper. Che, In this picture taken from a film of British journalists, its the journalist who is in the school yard fence not the the Bosnian. The Bosnian was in open field and was curious came to see the British journalists.
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(CNN)Chinese personnel at the country's first overseas military base in Djibouti have been using lasers to interfere with US military aircraft at a nearby American base, activity that has resulted in injuries to US pilots and prompted the US to launch a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing, two military officials told CNN. The US issued a notice to airmen "to exercise caution when flying in certain areas in Djibouti," which "was issued due to lasers being directed at US aircraft on a small number of separate occasions over the last few weeks," according to the notice obtained by CNN. "During one incident, there were two minor eye injuries of aircrew flying in a C-130 that resulted from exposure to military-grade laser beams, which were reported to have originated from the nearby Chinese base," the notice said. US military resumes air operations in Djibouti Two US military officials told CNN that the issue was of major concern as such activity can cause major accidents. The officials said that the State Department had lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing in an effort to get China to stop the activity. Last month the US military was forced to briefly halt air operations in the East African nation of Djibouti, a critical location in the fight against terrorism, following a series of accidents involving aircraft. The halting of air operations was done at the request of Djiboutian government. There are about 4,000 US personnel in Djibouti, based at Camp Lemonnier. The US military places a lot of importance on its ability to base forces in Djibouti given its critically strategic location near countries like Somalia and Yemen, where the US regularly targets terrorists in airstrikes. But US officials have recently expressed concern about the growing influence of China in Djibouti, noting its establishment of its first military base there and its close economic links with the country. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who oversees US Africa Command, acknowledged both challenges during an appearance before Congress in March. "We are taking significant steps on the counterintelligence side so that we have all the defenses that we need there, there is no doubt about that," said Waldhauser, referring to the proximity of the new Chinese base.
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USA visit to Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia
Old_Observer replied to Old_Observer's topic in Politics
true. Its all economic and least politiics. The Ethiopians have advantage in infrastructure building. They have home grown companies that can build roads to high standards. Are working already in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan. They want to dominate this business which is necessary and not optional to all countries, its a must. Berbera is best next to Djibouti for Ethiopians, otherwise in time Kismayo will show up in the radar screen too let alone Bossaso. The Kenyans are offering so many freebies to the Ethiopians. Sudan has on its own built dry port and gifted it to Ethiopia. -
galbeedi, According to my tally, you are 2 down 4 to go in getting rid of every Somali or Ethiopian leader. You have got rid of Speaker Jawari and PM Hailemariam. Ghelleh, Illey, Bixi, Gaas, Madoobe...left to go. You had replacement for Illey, but that didn't work out. Back to strategy table with your "Somali" hero Jawar from Oromia.
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You are being a bit if not more unfair to Ghelleh. His first responsibility is the country and people of Djibouti. On that he has done the best that can be done. Poverty in the slums of the port should not be chain for ever to hold the country. Now the slums can be elevated out of it. The conflict between the forces in Mogadishu is the one to blame. Ghelleh did not have preference and if he had preference, did not act on it. He supported Abdulxasim, supported Sherrifka, supported Abdulahi Yusuf, but except for Abdulahi Yusuf no one even said thank you, as soon as they left Djibouti were all going to Cairo, which was enemy of Djibouti. When he tried to help even more, he was rewarded with terrorism from Somalia. He had no choice, but keep himself, his country, as safe as possible and do what he can for peace in Somalia through Uganda, Ethiopia, Brundi etc. He is a Somali elder, everyone should have shown respect and listening to his advice since he is now most experienced and most prominent Somali statesman.
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Once bitten twice shy. But Oodweyne is just too suspicious of Ghelleh and that is clouding his conclusions. Somaliland has only one way in this to my understanding. Build the highway through ililka. Build the mouse trap and they will come. Since the railroad has pushed a lot of truckers away the Somaliland Addis corridor would just boom overnight. There is more than enough population in both Ethiopia and Somalia that can use this corridor and would prefer it. Somaliland needs to work on Economic methods more than political. The politics will follow the money.
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The Tigreans are deep to their knees in Djibouti themselves and do not want competition from their Tigray brothers in Eritrea for Ethiopian market. In Djibouti they have themselves, they have the Afar and also good friendship with the Somali, cant ask for more. It will take ages for the Oromo to do that, and some of it is historical that is hard to undo. Tigreans have also another comfortable place, Sudan. They will actually be blocking Eritrea and expanding to Somaliland and Somalia.
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Everybody knows what they are doing. There is enough lessons of history in this part of the world. Ethiopia ignored even suppressed the north and tried to deal with Eritrea, look what they got. The people in the middle said no more war. Ghelleh is good at this will not ignore the old empire people. Have you realized that empires don't like people who had empires in the past. Always afraid they will come back.
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I understand, but rest assured how much mafia like relations there is between Djibouti and Somaliland evryone in cluding Ethiopia understands evrything has to be done without guns. That I think is best part of it. Ethiopia has learned from Eritrea, owning a port is really not that much different. You have to pay for the services anyway whether yours or not. If you have gentlemen like Ghelle who wants to squeeze more, you squeeze him on other things too and all balances out.
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Somalia must speed overhaul of fragile army to face militants, say donors
Old_Observer replied to Duufaan's topic in Politics
If by 2020 Somalia still needs outside help, which most likely will not, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan should do it on their own dime. Pure help, will be fast since its expensive, expect some pressure on delaying politicians from Mogadishu and this should be under Somalia full command participation as was planned in 2006. No EU, no US -Somalia requests EGAD signs. SFG chooses areas of deployment and mission SFG Assigns high official at least a colonel on every deployment area Except on tactics and war/fighting when necessary the Somali official has last say and he is liason to civilian population Ethiopia does not want to go further than bordering states, but can cover about 60% territory Djibouti, Sudan and Ethiopia with Yemen out now were to go under one commander who has full authority over forces of any of them. Sudanese was selected at that time and then Djibouti then Yemen then Ethiopia. Dust up plan from 2006 minus Yemen who was to go to Mogadishu the city if necessary. -
I am envious of this super nomad. Professor in deed. Forget that Orwellian names of the Soros Institute graduates like the Sebians, Russians, Ukrainians use. This just cut to cheese no left right or grey area. Oodweyne, Since you know this man, congratulate him on his top of the world. The most outlandish we have had so far is governments in exile. Move over exiles, here comes Mr. President. Bravo.
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Correct again my friend. Its a political union. Ghelleh proposed some form of confederation with Meles time. Meles said that the two countries need to be totally interlinked with life supporting items like water, electricity, food etc. The problem with the ports have always been that if Ghelleh sales any share to Ethiopia the Arabs will come pay twice and even in court you cannot say NO. You have to sell it to them or even European American companies can come and demand that it be sold to them. Same with telecommunication or electricity in Ethiopia where western countries are always pressuring to privatize. This deal kills two birds with one stone for both countries. Come join in, will be even better.
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Ethiopia, Djibouti May Swap Stakes in Airlines, Ports By Nizar Manek Bloomberg Deal politically endorsed while details pending, minister says Landlocked Ethiopia views tiny Red Sea state as key partner Ethiopia and Djibouti agreed to swap stakes in strategic public enterprises including airlines, ports and telecommunications companies, as the Horn of Africa neighbors pursue deeper economic integration. The deal would include exchanges of shares in Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise, Africa’s biggest carrier by revenue, Djiboutian Finance Minister Ilyas Dawaleh said in an interview. Shareholdings in companies such as the Doraleh Container Terminal and in a new oil terminal, Ethiopian Telecommunications Corp. and Djibouti Telecom SA will also be swapped, he said. While the deal has been politically “endorsed,” the two countries will form a committee to work out the details, Dawaleh said by phone April 30. Ethiopian Information Minister Ahmed Shide confirmed the agreement in a text message. The pact came as Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, made his first foreign visit at the weekend to Djibouti, the tiny state located where the Indian Ocean meets the Red Sea and that’s become a strategic hub for the U.S. and China. Landlocked Ethiopia -- which the International Monetary Fund ranks as the fastest-growing economy on the continent -- is trying to boost its export-oriented manufacturing, making it reliant on neighboring nations with ports. Dawaleh said Abiy told Djiboutian officials that both countries should start referring to their state-owned enterprises as belonging to all, rather than one nation. Abiy said in a statement on his Facebook page that officials from both countries “underlined the importance of working towards the realization of complete economic integration of the two economies.” He didn’t elaborate.
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Cairo follows Somali developments with concern
Old_Observer replied to Che -Guevara's topic in Politics
I am not inviting anyone, but to me looks like Egypt is calling Somalia and Qatar terrorism sponsoring ststes. Am I wrong. -
Another tragedy at the Aw Barkhadle creek, just south of Hargeisa.
Old_Observer replied to galbeedi's topic in Politics
That is truth not many people can say. Thank you that is unique for us here. In America they have roads going no where and state of art double lane bridges used by mules cows etc, just built so a congressman of the area can sign some other bill. They call it pork barreling. -
USA visit to Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia
Old_Observer replied to Old_Observer's topic in Politics
My friend, there is no public opinion that can not be manufactured or generated with few false flag and the media in one month at the current culture. As there is no european leader that can say no to Netanyahoo. Macron will be first in line against Iran if told or instructed. Look what he is doing in Syria. -
Not entirely a blow to Berbera port. Berbera port has a lot of advantage to Ethiopia that cannot be covered by Djibouti. The kilil has more benefit from Berbera even Bassaso than from Djibouti. Most of the kilil is south of the Djibouti-Addis Ababa line. Ghelleh also knows this and is more than happy to accomodate. The Oromo also unwittingly showed the Southern that they block the Djibouti line. Everyone is now wanting to diversify roads.
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USA visit to Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia
Old_Observer replied to Old_Observer's topic in Politics
I can see from your analysis here that you are familiar with Mr. MacKinder, thus I said brush up. Iran may not be far from game changer, thus the hurry hurry of Mr. Netanyahoo in addition to the fact that Trump is a president most amenable relatively to Israel. Iran has the delivery capability. That most agree. Turkey actually may trade some Arabs for this delivery toys. -
That is the reason speeded up, but really Ghelleh has been working in Ethiopia having a stake in Djibouti more than just port customer. You see. Ghelleh knows that Eritrea is useless unless Ethiopia uses it and if Ethiopia uses Eritrea Ghelleh will loose a lot. He has worked hard for him to have a stake in Ethiopia and Ethiopia to have a stake in Djibouti. Now is perfect timing. Ethiopia is short of dollars and does not want to pay US$ for anything. Even the Berbera share will be in infrastructure deveopment only roads, uildings etc. Djibouti also wants badly airlines and shipping lines. These are two businesses where Ethiopia excels. The timing maybe what Rahm Emanuel said" Never let a good crisis go to waste", but the plan has been there all along.
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USA visit to Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia
Old_Observer replied to Old_Observer's topic in Politics
Have a quick brush up on a man named MacKinder. America will saround Iran first before attacking her, attack they will since Israel needs it. Armenia is latest hot spot with Khazakistan to follow. Color revolution is going on right now there. Iran will be attacked, the question is if America gets so slow in the set up and in the meantime Iran puls off a game changer. The British are in limbo and the French are hoping America stumbles and they can come in as water boy and get some benefits.
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