Eritrea and Ethiopia

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The relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia has been strained at best, since the end of the Eritrean-Ethiopian Border War. Recent border skirmishes between the two countries have raised concerns with the United Nations (U.N.) that another war could breakout. The United States (U.S.) has had a strong interest in the area for over a century, and more importantly, has close ties with Ethiopia. The recent hostilities have been provoked by Ethiopia and, with Eritrea asking the U.N. for help in the matter, the U.S. needs to step back and assess both sides of the matter in order to aid in the peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two countries.

The history of Eritrea is tied to its location on the Red Sea. Throughout history, especially since the opening of the Suez Canal, Eritrea has been invaded numerous times because of its strategic location on the Red Sea and because of its mineral resources. After the opening of the Suez Canal, many European powers raced to gain territory along the African Red Sea and Indian Ocean coastlines in order to establish ports for their trade routes. Italy officially colonized Eritrea in 1890 and along with Ethiopia and Somalia became known as the Italian East Africa. During World War II, the British expelled the Italians from Africa through the Battle of Keren, and in 1951, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia, which eventually led to its annexation as an Ethiopian province in 1952. Following a 30-year war, Eritrea gained independence and international recognition in 1993.

In May 1998, Eritrea crossed over the Ethiopian border attacking Tigrayan militia and security forces in the Badme region. This hostile act sparked the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. Upon realization that they were going lose...

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...adme: bitter warfare continues along the Eritrea-Ethiopia border. Boundary and Security Bulliten .

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