It won't be long before oil hits $200 / barrel if the current trend continues. The spiraling cost of oil will be a collpase of the Ethiopian economy, as we know it. According to recently published reports the amount the Nation spends on oil imports equals tht of its total exports. This figure reflects price of this valuable commodity at a buck and change. Anyway one looks at it, it will be disasterous for Ethiopia.

This trend can be reveresed. A Nation spedning a billion plus on oil imports while sitting on known reserves of oil and gaz in Ogaden has to be misallocating its priorities. The barren lands of the Ogaden hold the clue to our salvation. We cannt allow the insurgency, numbering in the thousands, to hold us hostage.

If the oil and gaz deposits of the Ogaden were to make us self sufficient, given peace and tranquillity, we have to maximize our efforts to achieve it.

However, due to insurgents in the region, Addis isn't in the position to guarantee the exploitation of this valued resource.

It bewilders me! A Nation of 80 million besieged by a couple of thousand insurgents whose basic modus apparandus is 'hit and run'. No wonder, the Chinese contractors refuse to return to the oil wells of the Ogaden.

Ethiopia has hundreds of thousands of troops along its northern border with 'arch foe Eritrea' guarding nothing but barren lands of Badme ( comparatively speaking)while it is allocating a divison or a brigade trying to quell the insurgency in Ogaden. Am I missing something?

Is there anyone who really thinks Eritrea will try to recoupe ' Badme' at the cost of possible inahillation? Why not let them try it? If will be a good excuse for Ethiopia to rid of its flamboyant nemesis to the North.

I think it is long overdue for Ethiopia to take another look at its strategic interest. It should send the bulk of its forces to secure the Ogaden oil fields. if need be, the Nation can call to arms millions of people to secure them. By no means, am I advocating an ethnic cleansing of the million or two ogadenis. Au contraire, the Nation will have to pamper them so long as they aren't abating the ONLF. A ' carrot and stick' approach will go a long way in securing the loyalty of the ever ostracized residents of Kilil 5. If memnory serves me well a genuine reconcilaition with the Ogadeni indigenous inhabitants to be medated by third parties like the Norwegians will go a long way in not only stablising the region but also benefing everyone involved. The Ogadenis, if pampered and attended to, their basic needs is minimal. What does a basic nomadic person needs in life, afterall? Basic respect, genuine effort to have his herds tended and some serious money to make his life a lot more bearable. And aboveall, total amnesty( even money) to those willing to disarm.

What is sensible is to try to mend fences at all costs with elders in Ogaden. If they refute such efforts, the consequence will be disasterous for all as the oil is vital for 80 million Ethiopians and there is no way that a couple of thousand insurgents will be able to impede the legitmate insterest of the Country to secure the exploitation of its reources.

In conclusion, I am advocating for a ' Surge' in the Ogadeni Campaign. Redeploy most of the forces along Badme to Ogaden and History will prove me right. Eritrea will dare not try to retake any land without negotiated settlemnt. If it were to attempt such a futile step it will be its demise. The ' surge' in Ogaden, to be augmented by 'friendly militias' will secure the energy needs of the Nation while addressing the genuine griefs of the so far neglected nomadic Ogaden Tribes.

History has proven 'Surges' and show of force do actually work! Remember Bagdad before 'The Surge' ?