As one who was there with you in Berkeley when we were supporting the EPLF, I have always liked seeing your perspective and the photos you took in Asmara. One little detail: the CIA once had its East African “listening post” in Asmara when Selassie was still emperor. You are exactly right to bring up the superpower conflict as perpetuating the long war of independence and the isolation of Eritrea today. Your suggestions that the West do something to end the conflict and help Eritrea develop its economy is also a good idea. But I fear the only way the US would get involved is if oil companies discover oil in the Red Sea coast of Eritrea.