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Force majeure

Ethiopia simplifies the military situation but complicates the political game

Ethiopia's war aims have expanded exponentially as its soldiers have advanced. Though still formally committed to no more than forcing Eritrea out of the remaining areas it occupied in May 1998 (AC Vol 41 Nos 7 & 8), Ethiopia, buoyed up by recent victories, also wants to break Eritrea's army 'permanently'. The latest Ethiopian tactics have taken Eritrean forces by surprise: attacking at Barentu when Eritrea expected an assault at Zalembessa. This threatened Mandefera, and gave Ethiopia two military options....

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Force majeure

Ethiopia simplifies the military situation but complicates the political game

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