The Intelligence from The Economist Tigray area: Ethiopia’s deadly standoff
Nov 25, 2020
Tom Gardner, an Addis Ababa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the escalating conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where federal forces inch closer to Mekele amidst a growing humanitarian crisis and rising civilian casualties. Shashank Joshi, the publication's Defense editor, discusses the impressive capabilities of AI pilots in aerial combat while highlighting the continued necessity of human involvement due to ethical concerns. They also touch on the cultural evolution of mixed martial arts, revealing its deep roots and political implications in both the US and UK.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tigray Conflict Roots
- The Tigray conflict is a culmination of long-standing tensions between the TPLF and the Ethiopian federal government.
- The TPLF, once dominant, hasn't accepted its displacement and believes it's been unfairly targeted by Abiy Ahmed's government.
Maikadra Massacre
- A massacre in Maikadra resulted in the death of many Amhara civilians, allegedly by forces aligned with the TPLF.
- The Amhara militia, fighting alongside the federal government, have territorial claims in Tigray, further escalating tensions.
Eritrea's Involvement
- The TPLF's rocket attack on Asmara risks pulling Eritrea into the conflict, jeopardizing the recent peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
- Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki has his own grievances with the TPLF and may be inclined to support Abiy Ahmed.