Word: shir
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...trial in Addis Ababa). He is, in fact, as close to an absolute ruler as the century will allow. Although he has permitted a Parliament to function for the past twelve years, he alone has the power to choose his Prime Minister. He regularly plays shum-shir-the Ethiopian equivalent of musical chairs-to prevent his top ministers from gaining too much power, and he still serves as his nation's highest court: any subject in the land can appeal his grievances to the Emperor and get a personal hearing. To maintain his authority, he employs...