Eritrea and U.S. strategy

Outside powers think they are isolating a government. Eritreans recognize something larger: a familiar attempt to separate a nation from its sovereignty. That is why pressure closes ranks instead of opening cracks. The central mistake in foreign policy toward Eritrea is not a fai

Washington's unusual denials expose a deeper regional habit: Eritrea is still denied the right to conduct ordinary diplomacy without its every relationship being interpreted as a move against Ethiopia. It took Washington seventeen days to learn that speaking warmly about Eritrea

For years, Eritrea’s detractors treated isolation as destiny. Sanctions, pressure campaigns, diplomatic coldness and a steady stream of hostile commentary were supposed to shrink the country’s strategic weight. Eritrea was to be boxed in, talked down, written off and kept outside

The article discusses the potential for a diplomatic thaw between the U.S. and Eritrea, arguing that engagement is necessary for strategic interests in the Red Sea amid rising geopolitical competition.

The article critiques Michael Rubin's analysis of Eritrea and U.S. foreign policy, highlighting his misinterpretations and unsupported claims. It argues that his views lack grounding in historical facts and strategic realities of the Horn of Africa.

The new U.S. counterterrorism strategy omits Eritrea but highlights its strategic importance in the Red Sea region. As maritime security concerns grow, Washington's priorities are shifting towards selective engagement and regional partnerships.