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Islam and attempt to bring new instability into the region. It is in America's best interests to support the current religious climate that exists in Ethiopia, while lending its assistance to prevent potential militant uprisings that might give Jihadi sentiments a new foothold for the spread of terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia Joins the United States in the War on Terror

In spite of documented evidence of terrorist tactics used against its neighboring countries of Awassa, Kenya, and Somalia, Zenawi claims that he is justified in his military tactics because his focus is to eradicate Jihadists that threaten the stability of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Social activists decry many of the atrocities that are highlighted in the media that reports excessive loss of civilian life and even torture tactics in order to gain information. It would appear, however, that Zenawi's real agenda is the advancement of democracy, regardless of his tyrannical and sometimes brutal methods. His motivation makes Ethiopia a reasonably good bedfellow even while the United States turns a blind eye to his uncivilized tactics.

A number of intelligence reports that have been leaked to international press, suggest that Ethiopia is a somewhat "silent," even "clandestine" partner in the war on terror. She has participated in a joint exchange of military intelligence, and provided information as to the whereabouts of known terrorist cells. The United States has also been granted use of her airstrips from which to launch missile attacks against bands of Al Qaeda supposedly hiding out in the regions of Somalia. The use of Ethiopia's resources coupled with her cooperation in joint-strike forces against Al Qaeda has further strengthened the United States' alliance with her.

Ethiopia's Fledgling Democracy

From 1974 until 1991 Ethiopia was a Marxist military state. During this time, civil unrest and famine grew rampantly within the country. In 1991 her people, organized under the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, overthrew the existing government and established a provisional government to pave the way toward the development of a democratic federation. In May of 1995 Ethiopia elected Meles Zenawi as Prime Minister. In 2000 a second election filled positions in the countries' two governing houses. Accusations of unfair ballot practices to prevent opposing party members from gaining seats in parliament prompted unrest and massive protest. A few months later,

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