Egyptian analysts are calling Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's declaration that Egypt cannot win a war against his country over Nile sharing an attempt to gain Israeli favor.
With the provocative statement, Zenawi aims to secure Israeli assistance in displacing 10,000 Ethiopian Felasha Jews to Israel, the analysts said, adding that the Ethiopian head of state is carrying out an Israeli agenda to harass Egypt under the pretext of Nile sharing disputes.
Strong domestic opposition stemming from Ethiopia's regional foreign policies also prompted him to challenge Egypt, the analysts continued.
International water resource expert Deya Eddin al-Qausa stressed that Meles Zenawi's remarks were welcomed by Israel, who, according to al-Qausa, is preparing to accept the Felasha Jews. Al-Qausa also said Israel routinely harasses Egypt over Nile sharing, in line with criticism from upstream riparian countries.
Al-Qausa added that Zenawi faces dissent at home because his tribe is losing its footing as the dominant power-broker in the Ethiopia political landscape.
"The Ethiopian prime minister's comments are merely accusations meant to thwart domestic opposition and keep Ethiopian public opinion occupied with the water issue," said former president of Menoufiya University and water expert, Meghawri Shehata Diab.
Hilmy Shaarawi, an expert in African affairs, said the statements indicate Ethiopia's apprehension over Egypt's potential return to it's traditional, dominant role in Africa, and the Horn region specifically.
African affairs expert at the Al-Ahram Center for Strategic and Political Studies, Hany Raslan, said Zenawi wants to play the role of the strong man in the Horn of Africa region with American cover.
Translated from Arabic Edition.
