The human dimension is very serious, because we have a big number of people, perhaps on the level of 200-thousand, who have been displaced. Some are being dislocated for a second time. I think that will have consequences for them and of course for the entire nation. The extended family system, or the support system here is very solid, but I think the coping mechanism for the population is being overextended. So these people, although they will get the support of their compatriots who are not threatened by Ethiopian invasion, I think we still face a very serious problem.
Political analysts say the latest developments have changed the scope of the conflict.
They explain it is no longer a border war with each side pushing against the other in order to gain advantage of disputed territory. Ethiopia has now invaded deep inside uncontested Eritrean sovereign territory. Eritrea has complained bitterly that the U-N Security Council resolution imposing an arms embargo on the two countries is grossly unfair. Officials in Asmara say it is Ethiopia that has invaded Eritrean land, and the United Nations must differentiate between the two countries. Asmara says the United Nations has an obligation to protect Eritrea's right of self-defense and to impose sanctions against Ethiopia as the aggressor party.