"The supposed presence in Axum of Christendom's holiest relic helps to explain the country's resolve."
Ummm, this would be the Jews most sacred relic. Other reports say that it is hidden in some catacombs beneath the Temple Mount.
I figured Christendom's holiest relic would be the Grail or Spear of Longinus.
The Ark of the Covenant would be more important to Hebrews.