Reply to: Zimbabwe

[lukemg]

Usual mistake of assigning supposed western social values to an African nation. Without the focus due to previous control by UK this would be just another banana republic story.
African mentality is winner takes all, for thousands of years that was the only way to survive, rival tribes fought almost constantly for land and scarce resources. Just because the fight is for power and money now is irrelevant.
Witness the endless conflicts across the continent, coup and counter attacks. We know that the majority of people were better off when we ran the place and brought some stability and organisation to agriculture etc but the people in charge now rarely care what happens outside their own circle. Propped up by siphoned off money from western aid, the majority are watching carefully and planning their exit strategy.
No sign of that changing, if anything the situation is getting worse. Everyone in the western power base knows this but for obvious reasons won't be seen shouting it from the rooftops.

[Troll]

Although every life is ever so important, we might really need the Uk to act on Darfur.

Why?

[bledubd]

Zimbabwe

You'll have to do better than that.

Although every life is ever so important, we might really need the Uk to act on Darfur.

[Xenophon]

was that a deliberate Zoolander reference or a mistake?

Domo arigato, Mr Mugatu

(I know it is Mr Roboto)

[Moscow Mule]

Isnt this one of the reasons why mugatu is still in power?

was that a deliberate Zoolander reference or a mistake?

[wendigo100]

Not to worry, the 18th constituional ammendment has been made to make his exit a bit smoother.

I don't think the Uk has any moral ground to do anything. if you can explain to me how Libya a couple of months ago was labelled as an axis of evil and then subsequently is now supposedly a Uk friend then we would call for the UK intervention. Besides the Uk is spearheading the genocide that is in Iraq and Afgan. the only reason we don't hear much noise about it, is because its not British nationals being killed.

You'll have to do better than that.

[bledubd]

Zimbabwe

Not to worry, the 18th constituional ammendment has been made to make his exit a bit smoother.

I don't think the Uk has any moral ground to do anything. if you can explain to me how Libya a couple of months ago was labelled as an axis of evil and then subsequently is now supposedly a Uk friend then we would call for the UK intervention. Besides the Uk is spearheading the genocide that is in Iraq and Afgan. the only reason we don't hear much noise about it, is because its not British nationals being killed.

[Old Greg]

IMO, if they wanted to, they could 'persuade' him to go into face-saving retirement South Africa e.g. - 'awfully good chap, liberated his country, great friend to the struggle against Apartheid, time for a well-earned rest, make room for a new generation of leaders etc. etc.'

[oracleslave]

Probably the same thing that the Vietnamese did to Pol Pot in Cambodia

Go to war?

[Hart-floot]

What exactly do you propose they do?

Probably the same thing that the Vietnamese did to Pol Pot in Cambodia

[oracleslave]

Hmm, I expect SA to go the same way once Mandella is dead.

Mandela?

[Bagpuss]

Hmm, I expect SA to go the same way once Mandella is dead.

Let herself go?

[oracleslave]

I agree - it's up to South Africa to sort it out. UK should leave well alone.

SA could destabilise Mugabe within a few weeks on any number of pretexts but refuse to do it.

What exactly do you propose they do?

[wendigo100]

They're in the best position to do something but lack the will.

Hmm, I expect SA to go the same way once Mandella is dead.

[Hart-floot]

Neighbouring regional power, and much more acceptable in African eyes for an African power to intervene than the old colonial power. Historic political links between Mugabe and ANC. South Africa facing mass influx of refugees from Zimbabwe.

They're in the best position to do something but lack the will.

I agree - it's up to South Africa to sort it out. UK should leave well alone.

SA could destabilise Mugabe within a few weeks on any number of pretexts but refuse to do it.