Now I have renewed hope. There is no begging, little crime, streets are clean and safe. Religious aid is accepted only if it's secular. The law now gives women full equality with rights of land ownership, choosing mates and making their own decisions on divorce. There is national service for everyone between 18 and 45, men and women.
Today hairstyles vary and all wear camouflage uniforms.
Last spring Ethiopia's parliament in essence declared war and bombed Asmara, while Eritrea retaliated without formally declaring war. Through it all, Eritrea has so far remained something of a paragon of patience, resolve and even democracy, while bloodying Ethiopia's nose. Unlike other African countries, Eritrea spends little on the trappings of power. President Isaias is informal, preferring open-neck shirts and occasionally having a drink in a local bar across the street from his modest presidential offices. All over Eritrea roads are being repaired, new roads and houses built.