Preemptive Strike as a
Means of Protecting National Security
By Mikre September 27, 2002
Throughout its history, Ethiopia has been a
victim of unprovoked aggression. Such aggression came from far away lands as
well as from nations in a close proximity. Religious, political, economic and
geographic ambitions were behind these ruthless acts of adventurism.
Time and again the heroic people of Ethiopia
paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of their country. Tragically, as late as 1998 the Ethiopian nation was engaged
in a bloody war imposed by the adventurous regime of Eritrea. This latest
aggression, once again brought the whole population from the four corners of the
country in the name of duty and self-defense. By humiliating the enemy, assuring
the ultimate victory, the Ethiopian defense forces, just like their forefathers
demonstrated that they are relentless when it comes to protecting their
land.
It is well recorded in history that almost
every generation, including the current one, was called upon to defend the
nation. What is troubling is (as indicated earlier) all these aggressions are
unprovoked and imposed on Ethiopia despite it’s strong commitment to global
peace and regional stability. Such, aggression costs priceless human life and
results in economic destruction. One of the main causes for the tragic
consequences is the government’s (past and present) inability to act before
the enemy inflicts considerable damage and destruction.
A nations respect to international law should
not be interpreted as a weakness or inability to self-defense. When some nations
are governed by the rule of the jungle and they show no mercy to the
international law, the practicality and vitality of these laws remains
questionable.
Based on these facts, the right to pre-emptive
strike must be considered as a strategic remedy in quelling aggression. Sadly,
Ethiopia is located next to outlaw and failed states lead by adventurers. These
adventurers pose a real threat to the nation.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001
dramatically changed the political thinking and military strategy of the world.
As result, the United States the leading figure in the war against terror has
insisted the urgency of adopting the principles of pre-emptive strike in
protecting national security.
In presence of strong evidence showing present
real and imminent danger every nation must reserve the right to pre-emptive
strike. However, such action should not be reserved only for the rich and
powerful. No national security is bigger than another. No human life is more
precious than another.
In the post September 11, 2001 world no
country should wait for bodies of bombed children in their schools or the murder
of innocent civilians as evidence in order to act. No country should be allowed
in a journey of adventurism and get away with its savage act.
Obviously, a country like Ethiopia needs peace
and stability more than any other nation on this planet. By the same token
however, Ethiopia cannot afford to sit and wait hoping all nations will have the
same understanding and value for international law and the importance of peace.
Sometimes, avoiding conflict is not an option but minimizing the causalities and
the destruction is the only alternative.
Mikre I could be reached at MYOPINIONYG@hotmail.com
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