This is a major problem for the world, or it will be. Zimbabwe was once the 'breadbasket' of Africa, able to feed its own people well, and export plenty to neighbouring countries as a major source of export/income - now it is economically ruined, and cannot feed its own peoples. Mugabe makes a great 'fuss' about 'outsiders trying to meddle' (mainly Britain), but is happy to take our financial assistance as aid (which rarely gets to those for whom it is intended). I think that it is an 'African problem', and best left to those other African Nations to sort it out (but I will not hold my breath - we, as past 'Colonial Masters' will not be able to do right for doing wrong! As for the election - lost the first one, won the second by default, would have kept holding 'elections' until getting the 'right' result. (Hmmm, a little like the EEC when it gets a 'no vote'! But at least the EEC does not commit genocide to get their own way).
A CRISIS in foreign affairs is looming, which could turn out to be one of the worst the Blair government has faced since it came into office. I am talking about Zimbabwe and the twilight days of Robert Mugabe's appalling government. Maybe I am being optimistic in referring to the "twilight" of the man who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence. But I have a strong sense that the Zanu PF government in its present guise will not last the year.
Later this month, the people of Zimbabwe will, in theory, have the chance to vote Mr Mugabe out of office; few believe that the election will be allowed to proceed peacefully if it looks as if the anti- Mugabe vote in the referendum on constitutional change is about to be repeated. Mugabe is a man full of hubris and, like many a megalomaniac before him, he has sought to conflate his persona and the nation. The leader who is the nation cannot possibly harm the nation. So the warped, self-obsessed psychology of this little-league despot would have his people believe. The striking thing is that the developed world has taken so long to cotton on to Mr Mugabe's ambivalent attitude to the democratic process. For a long time he was a darling of the left and feted in the international aid community. The less pleasant aspects of his rule tended to be overlooked as foreign donors poured cash into Zimbabwe.
The fact is that he was never a nice man. He showed his true colours back in 1983 when he sent the North Korean-trained 5th Brigade into Matabeleland to suppress his tribal opponents. The result was a campaign of mass murder and torture of civilians against which the activities of the previous Rhodesian forces looked positively moderate.
I believe that all the countries that surround MUG a be are gutless and just shows that they would safe there own necks rather than help their own Brothers and Sisters. Lest the Western world always puts together a helping hand !
You are an absolutely contemptible creature muffettuffet. What is it with some people, that they believe that they can plagiarise at will? Your 'opinion' is a direct theft of an article published in the London issue of The Independent in April of 2000 by Fergal Keane.
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