Anderson,
As with all tyrants their power goes to their heads and they think that what ever they say goes. Obviously Mugabe feels that same power and is trying to do what ever he can to keep it. No matter if the people want him in power or not.

I hope that the run off elections can be dealt with fairly and that the people really will get to choose who they want to run their government. Hopefully he can be run out and someone less fanatical can get the win.

Glad to see ya blogging!! C-Ya Tonight!!

Cindy…Ga.

Anderson, it is really hard to believe that such modernized nations as Canada and the US are, they really seem not to be giving enough importance to this story! Many people are dieing there and we just seem to wanting to know what is happening in Hollywood. Not all people are like that but I do hope that this crisis can be resolved and a fair election emerges from the ashes of terror.

Hi Anderson,
You’re right, all we do is sit and watch. What does it take to finally get a problem like this resolved? Perhaps the world community is incapable of solving problems, incapable of doing the right thing, unable and unwilling to help. I just refuse to believe that, but it does feel like cotton candy logic. A lot of hot air, spinning and spinning fluff. No changes year after year. I guess all that can be done is report it and report it. Maybe, someday soon, the world will say enough is enough and really mean it. One hopes.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Anderson, I was wondering when 360 was going to highlight this situation.

I must applaud CNN for highlighting the situation in Zimbabwe daily. Unfortunately as is said ‘power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely’.

Mugabe has been in power for too many years and thinks he is invincible, what really made me sit up and take note of this problem is when his wife stated they will remain in power no matter what.

The british are speaking out about it but hopefully very soon the United Nations Security Council will take action and send in armed troops before genocide occurs.

I agree. I have been following the UN daily reports and this is just sickening.

A book needs to be written on how to deal with tyrants…if we can.

Just as Lincoln reminded us, if you want to know the true nature of a man, give him power.

Anderson,

I too traveled to this beautiful country years ago and the people there were so kind to me. It is outrageous how often things like this happen in Africa, and all over the world, and little to nothing is done about it. Expressing outrage is not enough, the UN needs to do something. How often do travisties like this have to happen before the world learns that tyrants can’t be allowed to murder an entire population, just for wanting freedom and democracy? I agree, enough is enough.

Sheri V
Albuquerque, NM

The transition to majority rule was followed by the descent into chaos that marks most of post-colonial Africa. “Big Man” rule is a recurring political theme on that sad continent.

What’s truly tragic is the media blackout on the fate of the whites of Zimbabwe. Murder, rape, dispossession — hardly a word. The population is now a tenth of what it was at its height.

A similar situation is taking shape in South Africa. Thousands of attacks against white farmers in the hinterlands are a forgotten part of the massive crime wave washing across that country. It was only when black immigrants from Zimbabwe were attacked that “xenophobia” came to be seen as a problem there.

Beyond these concerns, what happens in Zimbabwe is a matter of utter indifference to me.

Anderson, what is it about sub-Sahara Africa? It seems that there are no stable democracies. Congo, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Rwanda have all recently been or are now basket cases. Why does so much of Africa seem unable to govern itself?

I’ve been watching on the news about the chaos in Zimbabwe for quite sometime now. Just like many other people; I, too, am motivated to help but it’s true when you said all what seems what we can do is sit and watch. Even though it seems like we can’t do anything, we can at least pray for Zimbabwe and all of Africa and hope that the people will get what they want, a better ruler.

-Lexi, from Ca

Of course this topic needs attention as well as many other international issues, but the pitiful American education system is ignored on this program. The effects of NCLB and the state of impoverished inner city and rural school districts should be investigated and brought to the public’s attention.

Have to agree with you Anderson, and got to thinking last night, that there are so many stories exposing corruption and abuse of power, but nothing seems to change. Trying to remain hopeful that evenutally things will change, but as time moves on, people are continuing to suffer cruely. In the past, leaders might have cared about being exposed, or embarrassed that the world knew what was happening, but, nowadays, not so much. Leaders like Mugabe, are like school-yard bullies who have grown up, have scarier ‘enforcers”, and many bystanders don’t speak up or take action. Even when the people there have voted and expressed their will — no change, and they are powerless to ensure that election results are respected. Similar to the situation in Sudan, Burma (prefer not to use Myanmar)…. those who abuse power seem to be quite aware that they can continue to do so, with no real penalty.

Hey Anderson,

It’s great to hear about the world outside of my own - so thank you for the information.

Waiting is hard enough - waiting on God is ten times harder.

Dear Anderson: Thank you for your article and your comments about the dreadful tragic situation in Zimbabwe. Until the United Nations has the power and the right to send troops into a country with a situation like this, we will, I am sad to say, see other situations in the future similar to this. How do we awake the people of the world to grapple with this weak United Nations? I know this is a huge undertaking but I have felt for a long time this is a very important and necessary move that should be started as soon as possible. I am a fan of your reporting and your daily broadcast and follow it devotedly from my home here in Vienna, Austria. I am an American who has lived abroad most of his life and cherish fine, honest reporting. You are a fine Reporter. Keep up the fine work and thank you. F.A.Modica

Hi Anderson,
All that unnecessary violence and suffering in Zimbabwe is messed up!
What do we have to do as the stewards of this planet to live in peace and harmony?
How many prayers do we have to pray for the secret to peace?
Can’t we find the words, actions, acceptance and forgiveness to live together and love each other?
When will greed stop being the motivator?
Thanks for the blog even if it is depressing. Being informed is the first step to peace.
Thanks!
XXOO
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. .”

I went to Zimbabwe in 1987 and stayed in Harare. The people were friendly and the artists were amazing. I also saw Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacularly beautiful sights in nature. It saddens me that these beautiful people have had to live so long under this monster’s rule.

When I saw this in the news this week, I wondered how much attention will be paid to it. It is very frustrating to me that the U.N. and powerful countries in the world are not doing much about it. You said we sit and watch, and that’s all it seems we’re able to do. My question is: Really? If so, why can’t we do more? What’s holding us back?

While some of my U.S. compatriots think that we should take care of our own problems first before helping others, I can see their point, but the truth is, we will always have problems. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore and forget the suffering of other people in the world, human beings just like us who deserve freedom from oppression, poverty, and abuse. This may sound idealistic and naïve, but just think…if we were in the shoes of these people, how would we feel? Wouldn’t we want other countries to help us? For the people of Zimbabwe, help can’t come soon enough. In fact, they needed help a long time ago.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Sorry Anderson, but I’m still alarmed at what is going on in Darfur to add the tyrant Mugabe to my dialog.

Anderson, I completely agree, enough is enough. But I’m going to have to note that I’ve seen very little coverage of this situation on your own show. You say, “we sit and watch,” but I’m guessing the majority of Americans know more about that pregnancy pact than what’s happening in Zimbabwe.

Let’s hope the UN Security Council and other African counties get their act together and finally take a stand against Mugabe’s thuggery. Sadly, I’m not holding my breath.

Anderson, I would say we should do something as America to help. I hate saying that because we as America always go in and do things in other countries. And in some countries I think we do not belong and doing things that we may have a right to do. And now we are spread so thin God forbid something would happen here to us that we would need our men here. It just makes me sick to my stomach and pisses me off that something like this is going on to these innocent people and there is nothing in hell we as Americans and anyone can do about this. Enough is enough, but sorry to say there is nothing Americans can do to stop the cries of the innocent because we have all our ducks in one lake, so to speak. And our priorities wrong.

Hi Anderson, What a mess over there. It does seem like all we can do is sit and watch. Very disheartening, the people deserve better like you say. One day, in my lifetime, I hope to see Africa for myself as well. I’m looking forward to the next segment of Planet in Peril. I especially want to see more pictures and footage from Africa. Have a good day, see you later.

As hard as it is to watch the footage, see the photos, and read the stories, we know we should, because if we are to get anything out of it, we need to realize that these people are being punished for something they can’t help: where they were born. We on the other hand, as Americans, have the freedom to be against McCain, Clinton, or Obama, knowing that the only consequences we may “suffer” might be a little friendly banter or heated debates amongst friends, family, or co-workers. It’s hard to hear people jokingly say that if McCain wins, they’ll move to another country. They don’t know the luxuries they have til they look outside the US. If there’s nothing we can do, at least we can be thankful for what we don’t have to go through. Maybe it’ll make us that much more aware of how lucky we are when we go to the polls in November.

“Power corrupts absolutely, and absolute power infinitely.” That is a saying my father used to say all the time when things like this happened. I think it is a well known saying but not sure who the author is…who ever said it first, it was a good observation on his part.

The Queen also striped him of his title today.

You know with everything going on in Zimbabwe you think people here would see how good we have it when it comes to elections.
We may not like the candidates but we don’t have people literally attacking us if we don’t vote for a certin candidate. My heart goes out to the people in Zimbabwe. All they want is to vote for the person they think will help bring Zimbabwe back to being a prosperous nation once again

Does this mean a certain silver haired anchor may go to cover this story???

I don’t get our world today. Once upon a time when our brothers and sisters in the world were in trouble, other nations and people with more power helped them to be free when they could. They didn’t say “uh huh” and turn their heads in blindness until it was all over like they are doing in this case (and others while I’m on the soapbox). Today we are so self-righteous or self-centered or self-absorbed or maybe a little of all three–not sure which best describes the state of world affairs. And those who do try to help are chastised, snubbed, or worse. I just don’t comprehend when we became such isolationists and forgot that we are completely interdependent upon each other as a race for survival. You’re right. Enough is enough. But apparently the people who need to feel that way don’t, and until they do I think all we can do is hope and pray for all concerned (for those who can make a difference to have a change of heart and for those suffering that it somehow stops). Still a Pollyanna believer in miracles.

Anderson,

Politics is a dirty business and power can be addictive as we are seeing here in our own elections so it isn’t surprising to hear that this is happening in a place like Zimbabwe.

It is incredible that it took so long for the UNSC to condemn the violence and intimidation waged against the opposition party there.

Queen Elizabeth has finally stripped Mugabe of this knighthood, but instead of making pointless gestures and idle threats, when is the international community going to step up and take action against the likes of tyrants like Mugabe and the Burmese Junta? Where is the International Court in all of this?

South Africa’s president is not the only one failing to condemn Mugabe, not surprisingly China is another of his allies who has decided to choose “stability over human rights.”

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is right when he says that Mugabe has “declared war” not an election in Zimbabwe.

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

When have “sitting” and “watching” been the only thing Americans can do??

Mugabe has essentially been given free reign to continue terrorizing his own people by the inaction of the UNSC and the shameful decision of other African countries to ignore what’s taking place in Zimbabwe. I’ve seen some of the reports showing the beatings and they are horrible to watch–Mugabe is a perfect example of how too much power can corrupt. I hope that there will be continued coverage of the violence in Zimbabwe.

Thankyou for speaking up on the plight of my country. The Zimbabwean people do not deserve this! Its almost as if this man is pushing for civil war. The international community has to intervene before we have another Rwanda on our hands.

Of course it’s enough. What do you suggest we do? Seems to me other countries just sit back and make noise until the US and one or two others finally take the lead. The UN has pretty much been just a name and of little use for quite sometime.

How many countries have been freed from these heinous acts only to become victims of their “saviors”? Once upon a time Castro was the hero, even by our country.

i had the chance to live in zimbabwe for a year, 10 years ago, when my parents taught at africa university in mutare. i can remember some local independent papers’ reporters getting tortured even back then for writing against the government. seriously– enough is enough. it’s downright sad to see how bad things have gotten recently. isn’t there anything the international community can do?! please, anderson, keep this story in the headlines!!!

Earlier this month, I had the great honor to travel to Zimbabwe as part of a mission team. The people of Zimbabwe are so kind and generous. More importantly, they are people of great hope! It is my prayer that peace will come soon!

well, I am glad AC has taken this up. And I am happy he puts it succintly, Mugabe terrorizes everyone and not just white farmers as some would suggest.
He has been at it since 1980, and it it suprising that many called him a hero in 1980. Unlike Mugabe Mandela came out of jail and apologized by some illegal tactics used by the ANC in their struggle against minority. Mugabe should have done the same thing instead of paroding reconciliation, what reconciliation when he was busy murdering people in atebeland who opposed him.
I am an alumni of Michigan State Uni and I am ashamed to say the college of law at Michigan State gave Mugabe an honorary Juris Doctrate…what for ? a reward for murdering his “comrades” and citizens of Zimbabwe

Sickening is the word.

We are all high and mighty when deposing one tyrant (Saddam Hussein) but where is our equivalent outrage and action against Mugabe?

Follow the oil, I guess…

Sorry Anderson but as we see with Darfur, Haiti, Zimbabwe… wherever the majority is BLACK, America doesn’t really care (neither does the UN or any other Western nation for that matter). If it were the Middle East, Bush might be all over it (or making up some excuse that they were apart of 9/11 so he could get his foot in the door of those oil rich nations and bring “democracy”) but as such, it’s just a bunch of Blacks killing Blacks, why should America care (when they won’t even clean up the same thugs doing it within their own country).

I agree with you Anderson. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe does not export terrorists and does not have oil. As a result, all the world can do is condemn Mugabe without acting militarily. My belief is Mugabe will die in power and the people of Zimbabwe will suffer because one man has control of the army and police and they have no-one in their corner.

Where is the CIA when you really need them???!!!??

Anderson,
Hi! It’s great to see your writing this late afternoon.
I agree that the circumstances in Zimbabwe highlight another contrast between Africa’s beauty and its suffering. The people are commendable for voting in strength the first time. When violence against them is the last resort, they should know they’ve done all they can, and continue in that strength. Hopefully, calling attention to their situation will lead to more action in their favor.
I look forward to your program later.

We wasted our time and resources on Iraq when countries like this one in Africa really needed our help. Shame on us for thinking of oil and not preventing the tragedy that is happening across many African nations.

Joe

Anderson:
First and foremost, thank you for being a watchman (for Africa to America). It seems that many in the world want to forget about Africa and her people. Africa has birth so many generous, smart, giving and loving people. My concern is that if America just sits and watches, what does it say about us a a nation and a world leader? Just how soon until the world watches the same situation within our own borders? Drug lords, pedophiles and the likes slowly eat away at the strong fabric of our country. The strong are supposed to bear the infirmities of the weak. Africa is weak from fighting hate, murder, genocide, (the list goes on and on).

Anderson - I share your outrage and, I imagine, your disappointment that a beautiful, prosperous and proud African nation has been reduced to its current state. I am also outraged that the world seems to pay nothing but lip service to the crisis. This violence and intimidation, as you know, has been taking place since at least the 2000 elections. It’s taken us at least 8 years to wake up.

When will our political leaders attempt serious UN reform? Time after time the UN has failed the citizens of the world, both the victims of natural and mad-made disasters and the rest of us who wish to help via our collective national capabilities. But we continue to tread softly for some reasons. Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Burma, North Vietnam, Yugoslavia…to name a few…and now Zimbabwe. All have had documented cases of systematic and state-sponsored violence, criminal negligence and crimes against humanity and all the UN does is pass toothless resolutions.

We may soon see an end to this crisis in Zimbabwe; at the very least, Mugabe cannot live forever. But no matter when it ends, how it ends, and why it ends, another nation of innocent people suffering at the hands of its intolerable leaders will soon need the help of the international community and, guaranteed, the UN (and us by extension) will undoubtedly fail to protect, help and save them.

How much suffering and brutality must be inflicted on a nation by its leaders before the UN feels it has the right to intervene?

Icannot imagine what we are witnessing in Zimbabwe. We sat still like this and watched a million people butchered in Rwanda. We have not learned anything from that horrific experience. My only question is why a lone man single handedly kills and intimidates people like this. I understand Thabo Mbeki is his best friend and so that explains the silence from him.
But it’s high time we all acknowledged that all the so called “African statesmen” are silent because that is exactly what they normally do themselves. They are all like Mugabe. They get into power and do not want to pass on the baton to someone else. Greedy African presidents. The same thing happened in my country Kenya and I lost relatives and friends. Just because someone has lost an election hands down but refuses to surrender power.
Let’s all make enough noise to remove this animal called Mugabe from power. If “only God can remove him” then why is he going for an election?.
This is unacceptable. Children, women, and innocent men are suffering just because we cannot stand up an in strong terms condemn what this group of sick people are doing to a nation.
I am sick with rage!

You are absolutely right, I left Zimbabwe in 2006 after noting that Mugabe was continuing his campaign of violence against his citizens, with tacit approval from Southern African leaders such as Thabo Mbeki. Unfortunately what I have realised is we just get more rhetoric from world leaders and a call for more sanctions, which only helps the dictator to use food deprival and such other things against political enemies. The opposition leader has said it correctly, the people there have done everything democratically possible to change the leadership. I would guess if cars would run on platinum instead gas may be action would be taken against this dictator. For now we wait and see. Hopefully this story continues to hit the headlines so that the world does not just sweep it under the carpet. Did you also know that Mugabe supports Iran on getting nuclear technology.

What are suppose to do? Vietnam?Korea?Iraq? Are we the world’s police? I agree it is inhumane to watch others die and have their freedoms stripped, but you will always look back after a few years and wonder why we are fighting there. The U.N. is a joke that should be disbanded. They get together and suggest a few things then let America look like the jerk, because we actually take the initiative to resolve the problems. If we go in we need to wipe the slate clean like we should had done in Iraq. Let the bleeding heart liberals put a sock in it and take a back seat so we can get it done. If not, what are we suppose to do?

If they only had oil then Bush would do something. That’s why we went to Iraq to spread democracy. That’s what I thought.

Finally, someone gives this the viewpoint and attention that it needs. The situaiton is just sickening and to believe that we as a country and as citizens of this world would sit back and let this happen is disturbing. Unfortunately, the U.S. is in a no-win situation. When convenient, the world wants/expects us to be play cop but chastises us when it does not fit their agenda. I am not commending Iraq but what seems to get lost in the mess that has become that country, is the freedom that has been attained from a tyrant. The same needs to happen for the largely ignored citizens of Zimbabwe. Enough is enough and was enough about 20 years ago. We can no longer sit idle and watch the self-promoting leaders that inhabit parts of the African continent to rule. Please continue to bring light and coverage to this situation until actions are taken because the media has the opportunity to flame this fire among the people which will be the only persuasion that will work in Washington and throughout the world.

Anderson,

I am an African who has lived in a continent were tyrants seem to find a home. The one big problem is greed - these so call “leaders” make entrance into peoples homes as “saviour’ and in turn become wolves. Many children die recklessly because of one man need to rule and be served.
Africa is a great continent with people who have been robed sometime of their dignity and yet still have a sense of joy and hope- the Africa I know is a place where young people and old are looking for a better tommorrow grounded in the simple things of life and yet been shoved to the side by tyrants and so called public servants serving their own needs.
Keep reporting!

This man is a monster. He has paved his murderous path for years and the world is just now “waking up?” How many lessons in history, specifically in Africa, do we need? Additionally, yet another example of how useless the UN truly is. The UN does nothing for the citizens of the world…this is beyond a desperate situation. This is shameful.

What is happening in Zimbabwe is an outrage. The unfortunate motto of Africa has often been “One man,one vote, one time! Who ever the dictator is, often times stays in power forever, and destoys whatever prosperity and legitimacy the country might have had when they got independence. What I find most ironic of all is how vocal the world and American communities, especially the African American community were, (and rightfully so) about the injustices of the colonial governments of Africa of the 60’s - 80’s, but they are relatively silent about how these dictators have plundered and pillaged from the poor people they were supposed to have liberated. Shame on them and shame on the world for not doing anything to help these innocent folks

There’s no oil there, so nobody cares how tyrannical he is. Sad, but true.

Too bad the country doesn’t have any oil.

Well as always the UN is useless. Send UN troops and send this guy to the international justice court.

This started when Mugabe went after the white owned farms. These are people who built these farms where none existed before.

Why would you expect anything from South Africa when they have stated their admiration of that process of redistribution of land (and tacit approval corresponding killing of whites)? Why would you expect any thing else from Zimbabwe, when the U.S. and other western countries have stood by and watched whites being dragged from their home and killed in imaginable ways in front of their families. We not only stood by, but many in this country (for example former President Carter) have actually approved of this “redistribution” of land.

Yes, it is sickening. Well let them suffer. There is nothing you can do except perhaps accept into this country some of the few whites that are left. Just don’t accept any refugees, black or white, into this country who any time supported Mugabe. Their culture is incaptible with ours and they would never assimulate. If that makes a difference anymore.

I can only shake my head in amazement every day this goes on. How can Thabo Mbeki simply stand aside and say that Zimbabwe can handle this on its own? Now we know exactly what was happening all those weeks that the vote results were not made public: Mugabe was rigging it for the MDC to not make it to 50% so he could figure out how to keep himself in power. It’s a travesty when inflation is so high it has no meaning anymore.
I thought the free elections would bring change. What a disappointment for the world, for Africa, and, most importantly, for Zimbabwe.

Let me guess No Oil!
We go to the rescue for people when their country has oil …………….. Iraq

Order is going to have to come from within the country, not from outside. Honestly, I think we should stop 100% of external funds to the country, then start over. When the brutality stops, they get more aid. We are basically financing this, as well as many other countries in Europe.

Please excuse the typos in earlier entry… my typing skills deteriorate toward the end of the day.

We’re able to do a lot, but prefer to do nothing.

In the 1970s it was Kampuchea - but no once cared enough to do anything about it.

In the early 90s it was Rwanda - but no one cared enough to do anything about it.

Now it is Darfur. Zimbabwe. Myanmar… Oh, remember Somalia? The terror and atrocities continue.

We step in when oil is involved (Iraq). Or when we are directly attacked (Afghanistan).

But if the countries are poor and we don’t need their resources, we stand on the sidelines, talk about diplomacy and sanctions - and don’t care enough to do anything about it.

Not the U.S. Not Europe. Not China. Not the countries bordering the affected regions.

No one cares.

And the suffering continues…

Its a shame the world only watches while Mugabe continues his thug-like tactics against his own people. The UN seems to be nothing more than a paper tiger. Did someone hear that? A meow!

Personally, I’m completely shocked that the UN isn’t backing up its words with clear, decisive action.

I’m also being incredibly sarcastic. I certainly hope Cooper isn’t surprised that the UN isn’t doing anything about this, other than yelling about it (actually, more like quietly whispering about it).

Thank you for talking about this. I hope that if enough people/government talk about this situation, then something can be done. It is sickening!!

Anderson, it is much nicer to see you do a regular blog! Your blogs are so much more informative than what you can give us on the live blog. Thanks.

I hope that the people of Zimbabwe will be able to elect the leader of their choice.

Thanks for everything you do, Anderson to make us
AWARE of what’s going on in the rest of the world.
Your desire and your efforts to do this are worthy of
high recognition.
Your stories always educate us , inform us, and make
us think. The world is not a bowl of roses ..
I can only hope your efforts will not be for nothing.

As an american, these types of stories always make me ashamed. The rights of people all around the globe are being violated and in some cases, people are being killed over them. What do we do about it? We condemn it in a speech.

If Africa were rich in resources that America needed, I’m willing to bet we’d have troops there to defend their right to vote.

As is the case with most of Africa, they turn a blind ear/eye towards almost everything going on - Mugabe should have been gone long time ago - he thought he was helping Black Africans by taking the white farms - but it flew up in his face and sent the country into a free fall - so he threw the baby out with the bath water.

Any leader with common sense should know when its’ time to leave office and basically live the rest of your life out kissing babies and playing golf but not Mugabe - he has fought to the bitter end and what started out in his legacy was meant for good, as most of Africa was under white rule but greed, and corruption like most world leaders has tainted his office and left his country in tatters - what an awful shame for a once thriving country

Thank you for your last comment, Mr. Cooper. Its just sad that the world seems to watch Africa like we cannot help!! How many times do we have to sit back till this becomes like the Rwanda Genocide or Darfur? Its just sickening and sad

What has occurred in African nations is that European and American countries went in and stripped these lands of resources, leaving the people without education, starving and frustrated. When the people of Iraq see us coming to take their oil, I can only imagine what they are thinking. They are not dumb. They have seen it happen to Africa. We call them insurgents in Iraq, and maybe some are. But many also simply believe they are protecting their country. It is sickening what is happening in Zimbabwe. It is also sickening what is happening elsewhere.

Hey Anderson. Thanks for speaking out on the plight of Africans and the evil nature of African dictators like Mugabe. This man, who originally was a source of pride and hope for the future of Zimbabwe, is not like a cancer whose growth has gone unchecked. Unfortunately, many people will do nothing more than simply lament on the injustices of people such as Mugabe, then move on with their lives. Hopefully, people in the media like yourself who continue to shine a light of shame upon Mr. Mugabe change will come to the people of Zimbabwe.

Thanks for your fantastic reporting on issues affecting people around the world.

It’s a positive step for you to write this hard hitting piece on the deplorable situation in Zimbabwe. We hope you will devote sometime on your A360 program to focus on this crisis!

If there was ever a convincing arguement for “regime change” this is it. If the UN won’t do something about this, the UK should as the former colonial power. And if the UK won’t or can’t, then what’s the use of being the world’s only superpower if we don’t intervene?

Call him a terrorist and say he has oil. The U.S. will then get involved.

Thabo Mbeki has an obligation to support the citizens of Zim. South Africa has turned a blind eye to the Mugabe debacle for over a decade and now the consequences are affecting the citizens of South Africa. It is time for the nations of Southern Africa to come together and get rid of Mugabe - even if it means by force.

Anderson,
The sad truth is that nothing will be done. Certainly not by the world community that can but won’t do anything to stop this tryant. I can’t believe what is going on over there. One would think that after Rwanda and Myanmar, that we would be fed up allowing helpless people to suffer tryants and oppressive rulers. But the usual alwats happens, we sit and watch.

Sadly if Zimbabwe had oil or other natural resources in abundance that the US needed then and only then would you see any kind of action from us. Seeing as they do not - nothing is heard nor any action taken. It’s the sad reality of the world we live in right now.

Mr. Cooper,
I totally agree with you. It seems like the world just sits back and watch while innocent lives are teken oway for no reason. I am from the former Zaire and I am sure you the story there. I get sickened by the African tyrants’s selfishness. Mugabe will sacrifice hundrends of lives just to ramain in power. Very sad. What even more disturbing to me is that a lot of the young African generations want nothing to do with politics.

I also have traveled to Zimbabwa and loved the people and the land. Zimbabwa people have a class about them, they are good kind people, but they all will tell you how corrupt the government is. This distrust and poverty are the only thing that stand between them and the freedom they fought for at the beginning of Mugabe’s rule. Un fortionatly these are the same things they had before standing between them and freedom. I mugabe dies soon. Sad huh?

If the Zimbabwe had oil or nukes, the US would toss Mugabe out within a month. I doubt if Bush could find Zimbabwe on a map.

As sickening and unbearable as the situation in Zimbabwe is, it still remains a very delicate situation. Those that understand Afican politics (especially Zimbabwe’s situation) know that even force will not make the situation any better. We all agree that Mugabe’s power has gone to his head but we all need to ask ourselves the simple question of “Who then after Mugabe?” Zimbabwe needs a very powerful person to keep it from crumbling. There are many sectors in the country (military for example) that would probably not let peace prevail should a person of lesser power take reigns. I am no supporter of the situation there but do we really have a solution?

Anderson,

Could you please explain to me and other Americans why we cannot do anything about this. We went into Iraq the first time (Desert Storm) because Iraq’s leader, supposedly killed over 100 people and started to bully at least one of his neighbors. We sit and look and Africans being beaten and killed on television as if it’s entertainment, not just in Zimbabwe but other areas of the continent as well. Why does it seem so much more palitable to watch these atrocities than those done to other races. I just do not understand. Although I appreciate you (the media) keeping us informed, I feel that most people have become numb to seeing blacks suffering just as a lot of them did during slavery.

Dear Coop.

i think you are the cat’s pajama’s!
i love it when you blog!

xo
angie

enough is apparently NOT enough…as far as the United Nations is concerned. one fo two things should happen; either the UN brings in a force to restore domcracy and security to this country or the people he is repressing take up arms and take control by violent force. Unfortunately it will most likely be course of action number two and will not happen unitl many more inocent people are murdered.

It’s strange that he has gotten away with this game for so long.
Especially now when communication is so immediate.
I feel so sorry for those people there. They must think no one cares
They’ve been hostages all this time, and you’re right Anderson,
enough is enough!!

Collin Thompson

How are U.S. relation’s with this regime, Yes Regime nothing more than a communist rule mascarading as a fair democracy, Sanction won’t hurt this guy, in fact it will only hurt the Zimbawean people, Mugabe said himself, “How can a pen have more power than gun?”

I wouldn’t doubt that the Taliban would like to open up with direct negotiations with this president for trade and most effective ways to oppress a nation, kill the hope in the name of their corrupt theology, My prayers go out to the AU, and the only people that can stop this tirad,

Thank you Mr. Cooper…
Our government and others should be ashamed of themselves, how do they look at themselves in the mirror?
This is the second Holocaust………….I pray to God to give us the sight and wisdom to act appropriately and immediately.

Anderson,

What is truly sickening is the fact that the US has stood by, only occasionally shaking a big stick while idly watching all the humaniarian crises that have afflicted the African continent, yet we went into war in Iraq, and why? We have nothing to gain by protecting the innocent people of these African countries, if they had large oil fields beneath them I am sure we would sit up, take notice and action.

I am sincerely hoping for better things from our governement in 2009!

We are witnessing the death of democracy in a country which was once the bread basket of Southern Africa.

I have been fearing the present situation facing Zimbabwe for years now. I have been able to travel and volunteer in Africa and the people of Zimbabwe deserve democracy. Article 2.7 of the United Nations Charter is very clear in stating that the sovereign states have a responsibility to their citizens.

Mugabe was once a hero, but now he is nothing but a tyrant who has bankrupted his country and his citizens of democratic representation. It is time for the international community and the UN to get involved and use force if necessary. Mugabe is no longer a legitimate leader.

I find Anderson Cooper sickening. The west needs to stay out of African business, try addressing some of the millions of mentally sick people in North America. Americans are still killing thousands in Iraq and all over the world.

MG forever

The Bush administration seems to be hands off when it comes to corrupt elections. I wonder why? Mr. Mugabe is lost in the delusions of his identity as a great leader. Just another egomaniac, narcissistic nut job who thinks it’s all about them. In the eyes of GOD we are all equal and Mr. Mugabe has as much relevance as an ant in your yard.

It’s too bad Zimbabwe doesn’t have oil; if it did, our troops would be there in a heartbeat.

Anderson, it seems that there are many people who are aware of the vicious tactics of this man and those who follow him but all they can do is shake their heads in disgust- that is it. The runoff election is in two days and the MDC has backed out as far as I can tell- so what can we do now? How can we, who are not able to go to Zimbabwe and do something about this mess, how can we help? There has to be something. We pray for them and that something good can come out of June 27th.

From Idaho

The state of affairs in the world are very sad. This situation is yet another example of the fall from grace for human beings. I truly believe that most people have a simple wish to live their life in peace. To go about their life. To provide for themselves and their family. To enjoy life and explore the world around them. It seems as though the world is missing people of character in positions of power. Integrity and character. Missing from governments all around the world. I hope the time comes soon where people unite together and fight injustice and cruelty. It is up to the citizens of the world. If we wait for government intervention, all will be lost.

The entire situation should serve as a reminder of how fortunate “we the people” really are.

How hard it really is to sit back and watch these horrible events unfold - and yet it could be so easy for the rest of humanity to speak up and say enough IS enough. This small and poor country may not be our homeland but as humans we must do something to stop all of the suffering caused for the want of such a basic right - to vote!

Mike,

Of course the governments are unstable there. The borders were drawn without regard to the traditional clans and tribes. What we call nationalities. So the British drew borders and the Belgians drew borders and… but no one paid attention to the existing social structure.

Imagine if the borders of Europe were such that “france” contained parts of Belgium and the Netherlands and Portugal and Spain, while Italy included Paris and Athens but not Rome or Venice. Such borders would be stupid, and lead to all sorts of strife. Yugoslavia comes to mind.

Look at “Iraq.” It has three major people-groups, none of whom get along. Shia, Sunni and Kurd: all are fiercely independent and have no ties to each other - except a border drawn by Europeans to break up the Ottoman Empire after WWI.

“Africa” consists of many, many nations. But those nations don’t exist politically, they exist historically. My son-in-law, for example, is from Uganda. He tells me there are two main tribes there: the dominant tribe runs the country and the other tribe makes trouble because they are excluded from everything.

Zimbabwe is just a former colony whose borders make no sense. They were imposed from without, not derived from within. Remember when independence came, Mugabe partnered with Nkomo - until he could dominate Nkomo. Shouldv’e been at least two countries - or maybe none.

I find it hilarious that some of you who are complaining about us being in Iraq are suggesting that the US should get involved militarily in Zimbabwe. If you don’t like us trying to be the world’s police, at least be consistent about it. Saddam did at least as many terrible things as Mugabe has done. You think that if we just came in and took down Mugabe that the rest of Zimbabwe would just gather around and sing campfire songs for the next 50 years? No. The next thug in line would step in and start doing the same thing. The more things change…

AC - Nothing will be done by the USA government to help Zimbabwe. because there’s nothing to gain for USA big business in Zimbabwe. It’s that simple.

Where was the outrage when this butcher kicked the white farm owners off of their properties, killing scores of them when they failed to obey his command? This sucker now rules by death and starvation of his people. Does anybody see a link here?

With any luck someone will push the guy in front of a train. Unbelievable (well, no, alas, NOT unbelievable) that this administration in the U.S. - and many before it - got their britches in such a wad over Castro but turn a blind eye to Mugabe and his ilk. Is it possible to declare a genocide based on political persuasion, or does it have to be ethnic or tribal for the world to intervene?

This is the country that the US should have invaded, not Iraq. This is barbaric and should be stopped, but since it would be of no advantage to the US to invade,( no infrastructure to rebuild, no oil to claim) nothing will ever be done on our part. All the news reports and Hollywood fund raisers will do nothing if the government doesn’t stand up and demand action.

The world has turned a blind eye to this tragedy. As has the media. Anderson, I have watched your show many nights and have enjoyed it. But sadly over the last few months with CNN’s relentless coverage of the primaries to the point of no other news actually exists in the world, you yourself did not report frequently enough or as indepth on any serious issue only once in a while.

You stood on camera and refused to mention PARIS HILTON’s name because she was not worthy of the attention and rigthfully so. BUT, Mr Anderson, where were you standing during the primaries while this story was continuing to unfold.

Great respect for your talent but not for your stance. You need to not only write the occasional story to feel better about yourself but YOU of all people should be making a stand on reporting worthy news all over the channel. You are the star and the power (next to Larry of course) over there … USE IT and report.

Oh, and enough on the primaries. Allow us a summer of rest.

Anderson, a bullet in the back of the head (Mugabe’s) should solve the problem!

Oh, Anderson…….

“We sit and watch, that’s all it seems we are able to do’?

Wow, that is a stunning remark. Not because you made it, but because it seems all too factual and that makes me nauseous. So I will ask this………WHY???? Why is this seemiingly all we can do? Hello……Washington……you still out there????

First of all I want to commend you for covering this and having the guts to write about it honestly; providing us with the facts, yet I can tell how insensed you are by this. Thank God!!!

Getting these stories out there will hopefully enrage more people. Why can’t we do something? Am I that naive? Maybe so. I feel there has to be something that the UN, or other govermment agency can do? Whatever happened to running to the aid of your neighbor? Let’s face it, the world is a much smaller place with technology and travel options. I just don’t get it. Infuriating does not even begin to touch the emotion of how issues such as this make me feel. Aargh!

Seemingly one would think that the days of demigods were dead and gone. Sorry folks, apparently not.

Pleae keep us updated in this Anderson. I pray that you get to deliver the good news that someting is being done to HELP these people. All they are asking for is justice and a fair election. Imagine that?

Anderson - I just don’t understand why the UN cannot do anything to help. Whenever it comes to Africa, they condemn the atrocities and spew empty threats, only to do nothing. Is it they can’t do anything or won’t do anything? Are there lots of political ramifications if they help? It’s so frustrating.

Well we all agree it’s bad and something should be done. So now what, send in the troops? no.. that doesn’t work, stop trading with them? no they have nothing we need.. Lets have the UN do something? no.. the UN is a joke and will always be a joke.

When the rest of Africa sits and watches and does nothing why should the US or Canada or any other country outside of Africa do one damn thing? Lets fix the Midwest from the floods, the coast areas from the storms. Lets spend our effort and $ on ourselves for awhile!!!!!

Hie Anderson
What is happening in Zimbabwe is a hidden African satanical type of leadership which is getting exposed by the new generation. Thabo Mbeki is not an exception to this. Also, the so called African solidarity is just an example of sadistic mechanism of corruption. The majority of Africa’s current leaders are just cabals who speak democracy in front of cameras, but when cameras disappear they quench their thirsty by drinking human blood. I urge you Anderson to keep talking about these political issues. Mugabe has been killing people since 1980. I am a Zimbabwean who left Zimbabwe because of Mugabe and Emmerson Mungagwa’s brutal and murderous behavior.

Dictators like these make me wonder whether the President should rescind the Executive Order forbidding the assassination of world leaders by U.S. operatives. It’s so clear that Mugabe’s people want him out, and it’s also clear that he’ll never willingly let go of power. How many lives could be saved by the right bullet at the right time?

Great job AC! Mugabe is a tyrant just like most African Leaders who think they and only they can govern. Infact, when some of these leaders die their offsprings take over the helm of their respective countries. The world must not sit back and watch as innocent civilians are brutalized by this maniac.
Well said Anderson!

Have no fear Anderson, there is a plan. When Obama becomes president, he will just call Mugabe and tell him to play nice. Isn’t that Obama’s plan for all foreign tyrants?

I agree with you Anderson. What does it take for the international community to act? Is there a set number of MDC supporters who need to be beaten, raped or killed before sending in ARMED election monitors? It does seem that even if they were sent in, nothing short of a military regime change would oust Mugabe and his criminal accomplices. The US is kind of busy at the moment…Europe, do you mind helping with this one?

“enough is enough” repeated over and over is neither news nor effective polemic. Your inchoate rage aside (and make no mistake, I share your distaste for mugabe), what exactly are you calling for here? The same effective UN security forces as made such a difference in Rwanda? A low-key US intervention like that which served us so well in Somalia? A more strident US intervention along the lines of oh I don’t know Iraq? They had a dictator there who held laugable mock elections and mistreated his people, but the US intervention has not exactly won the hearts and minds or improved the lot of the Iraqi people.

I didn’t hear CNN crying and tearing at its clothes over Mugabe’s ill-fated (and transparently misguided) land reforms or any of a number of iterative steps toward dictorship since the fall of Ian Smith’s government, but now that the country is a total ungovernable mess, the UN Security Counsel is anointed as a deus ex machina? The country has been run by a dictator in retarded fashion for at least a decade and is now circling the toilet, where is the great mystery here and why is it so clear that the West can or should do anything about it in an environment where the sovereignty of any distinct group claims it is entertained as reasonable (kurds, palestinians, tibetans, etc.) and anti-interventionist iraq backlash is the order of the day?

Jesse … peek-a-boo where are you…Andrew Young…can’t hear you, speak up…Is that Al Sharpton I see getting involved….nope…he’s on or over at Freddies Fashion Mart doing more important things…

Yikes Anderson,
That photo of Mugabe has an erie resemblance to Ray Charles!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I suppose if there was oil there the US might do something, or the world might change their minds and stop turning a blind eye. It is such a tragedy that so many people lose their lives and as you mentioned its beauty as a country. I have not had the fortune to venture there but having been to my fair share of places it always amazes me how resilient the people can be. I hope this is true about Zimbabwe but at what cost? The UN, what a joke, they sit back and basically do nothing, the scandals that plagued the Iraq oil for food, the situation in Sudan, need I go on. Shame on the neighbors of Zimbabwe for letting this go but I suspect there is much money being passed around to keep the other nations quiet. I love your reporting and the places you go that most news organizations shy away from. Thanks for keeping this in the limelight and look forward to more of your reporting from around the world!

Yeah…………the USA says they are in Iraq to help the people, and deliver them from the tyrant ruler Saddam Hussein. Well, Saddam is dead……….. now what? We have a real problem with this Mugabe guy destroying entire groups of people in his own country and we do nothing. He lost the last election and now they are having another? Why, so now he can beat people that try to vote for the other guy? The USA does nothing. I guess there isn’t oil in Zimbabwe. There must be nothing the USA wants to steal from Zimbabwe………………….

It’s a shame that we will go to war over oil, but will not help a country that is actually in need of the help. I guess its because they have no resources for us to fight over.
If countries like the US and Britian were truly trying to make the world a better place for all, then this would not be going on. They would have stopped the murding rampage of the Mugabe. This is also a lesson to the people of the US.
ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS

it is NOT a election is the ONLY opponent drops out from FEAR of his LIFE!!~~…..it is NOT an election when someone is forced to VOTE…and if they talk too much they fear they will be HUNTED down!!~~…..i am flabbergasted by the ANC stating NOT to intervene yet criticized that his power is “abitrary and capricious”!!~~…..i am glad the UK is speaking out about sanctions…and Striping him of his knighthood!!~~….it is absolutely appalling….Mugabe n his hubristic statement….it is the Shouts of his people that he SHOULD be concerned with…instead his is the Reason why they shouting!!~~….he is a tyrant…he will not negotiate….not much will come from the Troika meeting…w/out the backing force of such like the UN…..or from our own State Dept…..

Anderson…….you should do an in depth piece….on AC360…or 60 mins….the more exposure of the Truth…..hopefully the more voices that will Shout back!!~~

All true, but what can be done? Invade? I don’t think so. The African nations will never condone it, and the US and Europe do not want another war. Sanctions? That punishes the people but not the leaders.

Forget the UN, they have no real power, particularly in Africa. The AU and SADC need to be convinced to act, but will they? Mugabe is a famous revolutionary who took back his contry from the colonialists. Tough to tell him he is now wrong.

It is never right, but these things have always happened, we just never knew because of the lack of reporting and access to news. Can we do anything other than simply acknowledge them now?

This situation bears no meaning to persons’ pocket books, therefore we turn a blind eye. Most view this as out of sight out of mind. This is what makes Africa the ” Dark Continent”. Mugabe is nothing more than a bully with guns. With just a little force he would disappear. If this country had oil this problem would have been solved long ago. It also shows the lack of substance that the UN has.

One must ask, what can the UN really do? The UN was created to deal with country to country issues. Zimbabwe, as sick as it is, is an internal issue. The question for debate is, should the UN expand its humanitarian role to include forced intervention? Consider Burma as another example for possible forced intervention

Sadly, not only does Robert Mugabe think he is invincible, he has the domestic muscle to back up his claim. The violence and malevolence displayed by his supporters (and there are many of them) against the fractured and ineffective MDC reveal the extent of his power. The situation is reminiscent in some ways of DR Congo, formerly Zaire, where another unpopular but unstoppable strongman, Mobutu Sese Seko, was unseated after a long and brutal reign, marked by failed opposition. When Mobutu died, the worst carnage since World War II ensued. Zimbabwe is heading down a similar path, and while Mr. Tsvangirai may be the most likely successor to Mugabe’s despotism, he is also weak, and judging from his failed lobbying of neighbors and the West, he is also ineffectual. The West is tied down with problems of its own creation in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and elsewhere. Zimbabwe doesn’t offer any strategic advantage to anyone, except perhaps a resource-thirsty China. Any intervention would have to be on purely humanitarian laurels. Unfortunately, Darfur, Liberia, Sierra Leonoe, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Biafra (anyone remember that one?!) all offer a blueprint of how Western nations respond to African crises. May God help those Zimbabweans who dare to challenge Mugabe’s quest for political immortality.

Thank you for reporting on this, and please continue to cover this story.

I am with the Mike’s in NYC and Syracuse. No mention of the whites that are slaughtered and raped there. Not one country there has been able to stabilize itself. They rape, pilfer (sp?) and kill their own; and often we (whites) here in the USA are considered racist and mean. It amazes me how African Americans and African Europeans turn a blind eye to what “their own” are doing to each other in African countries.

It is really sad to see so much struggle in these African countries which are blessed with natural resources. I still remember the picture that came on CNN which shows people in Zim eating rats due to lack of food.

How come most of the African countries are in such a dire state. Do all these African-Americans or any black colored people ever think where they came from. America has so much of rich black athletes, big move stars, money rich professionals and my question to all the Africans (blacks) around the world. Are u fellows ever thinking about the pity state in continent Africa.

Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources, people are genetically supposed to be stronger, most of the countries should have access to good rain/water for agriculture. Basically what i am trying to convey, this continent has everything to be the powerful continent on earth and yet so much struggle. It pains in the heart even though i am no way related to African continent. Is it all because of lack of education or religion (maybe).
I hope this entire continent gets into a religion which promotes peace to the core(maybe Buddhism, i am not one )

May the Super Power (God) bless this continent.

Anderson, “just” missed you in 1985. Backpacking in Africa, I met an Austrian, and Brit in Harare in 82-84 and started a Hostel in a house at 3 King George Street. Word got out and our house became a central destination. For people who do not know this was right after the war. But, the people were kind and great, inviting us in there homes, socializing over drinks and meals, and picking us up hitchhiking. UB40 played a few concerts, and there was optimism all around. It is an incredible tragedy to read what has been occurring these last 15 years, especially South Africa’s blind eye, when they have MAJOR powers to influence as Zimbabwe is landlocked and needs SA ports, and trade. I am old enough to realize the UN is a Dog with Bark but no teeth. So many countries with personal agendas to do anything. But what of the Hero’s of the region? Mandela and Bishop Tutu are all but silent. A shame.

Truly amzing what is happening over there but what I find even more amazing is to listen to and to read are the cries of anguish and pitiful hand wringing going on here in the U.S..

This is not a U.S. problem and is not of our making or our responsibility to fix.

As far as the U.N. is concerned, that is an impotent organization and needs to go. Oh they condemned the violence, so do I but what good is that.

Anderson correctly pointed out that without the threat of force there is little harm that can befall Mugabe. You folks cannot have it both ways. Ruthless and brutal dictators need to be dealt with swiftly and with extreme prejudice and that means KILLING people.

Do you have the stomach for that? Do you have the stomach to kill someone? Do you have the stomach to make some child an orphan because their daddy was a thug who chopped off peoples arms with a machete? Do you have the stones to pull the trigger when it is your life or his?

If you do maybe their is a future for you over their liberating a country from a brutal and ruthless dictator.

But be careful cause then you just might find yourself accused of war crimes by the very U.N. that you folks hold so dear.

Hi Mr. Cooper,
I can not begin to tell you how grateful and happy I am to see CNN addressing the issue in Zimbabwe. I am a Zimbabwean who had been forced to leave her country and seek refuge in the USA because of what is going on and because my family and I wanted change and justice. It is a shame for many who have not had the same opportunity and chance. I saw many people die including my mother and brother and it broke my heart that i could not do more. I wonder what will take the world to realize that Mugabe has gone too far and genocide is happening in Zimbabwe. I had expected the UN to have done something my now, but like you said. we just sit back and watch. There is really nothing anyone can do. Mugabe is determined to hang on to power until he takes his last breath. I pray everyday for my people that peace will come soon. I wish more people would tell the world what is going on. Thank you for keep us updated with what is going on back home.

Why hasn’t others in that region/hemisphere done anything to assist the people of Zimbabwe. When you are dealing with a MAD man, there is no quick, simple, nor easy fix/solution, We, the United States has our owe issues and problems to be concern about. Yes, I will concur with the majority, Zimbabwe is in very bad condition. I only know this, if it was my backyard, front yard or anywhere near that may create an uncomfortable situation, I would resolve this matter, peacefully and quickly as possible. My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to the ones who are suffering dearly in Zimbabwe. President Mugabe, in the end, we all receive what is due us.

As a Zimbabwen living in the USA and watching what’s happening back home, well, you can’t even start to imagine how much it hurts. Zimbabweans are a generally peaceful people whose only mistake was to have Mugabe as its leader in the fiirst place.

That man has been brutal from day one. His hands drip with the blood of his own people - starting with his murder of over 20,000 Zimbabweans in the 1980’s. He continues to murder and trash our economy just so he hangs on to power.

But one fact is clear: his party lost the general election in March - Mugabe is merely the head of the opposition. The storm he is trying to brew in Zimbabwe right now is called “The-last-kicks-of-a-dying-horse”, and those kicks are usually fatal, especally to the horse itself…

Mugabe is a disgrace to humanity itself!

Anderson,
what can we do? i will be praying. is there any action we can take? this is terrible, and these people need our help. could we fly over there and protest? thank you for spreading awareness.

I get so frustrated when it comes to world events. We go to Iraq, Afganistan and other places and we get hammered. But we don’t go places and the same people criticize. I don’t know what a leader is supposed to do these days.

Unless is given a timetable from the UN, and AU of the steps he has to take otherwise they will take power from him; nthing will happen. More people will be killed and more will be locked up. All these tough talk we have hard it before in Africa, Darfur is a good example. For me South Africa has dissappointed the world because the respect the whole world owes is squandered and people are not stupid. I pray for the common people of Zimbwambe for the night will not be long, the dawn is on the way. Keep your hope alive, and be strong.

Robert Mugabe can’t risk losing power to anyone. He has quite a lot to answer for. He has killed so many people(including his own ministers), he has sheltered a lot of bad people like Mengistu, and he has done so many things since he has been in power. Losing this or any election would mean he would have to answer for everything, face the death penalty if he is actually stupid enough to not seek exile in Cuba, Iran or Malaysia or any other country that will take him. His henchmen would also have to answer for his crimes, like the chief of police and all of his army commanders and generals, as well as the so called ‘war veterans’. Yes he did a good thing by helping liberalize the country in 1980, he did take care of his people once upon a time, but like most African leaders he got greedy and spent most of his time investing in nice cars, houses, jets and not his people or the economy. When he knew that his time was running out he initiated the ‘land reform program’ and turned everything into a racial war when that was never the issue. Most of the people he took the land from actually bought it, and actually invested in the equipment needed to grow crops like tobacco and cotton that brought in a lot of foreign currency. When he was done, he turned on his own people and destroyed housing in low density areas because he claimed the houses were making the town look messy, forgetting that the economy is so bad, people cant get decent jobs that pay them enough to buy nice houses. The only time he acted like he cared about his people was during elections when he would ‘give’ out food in the countryside but even some of those people eventually woke up and wised up to his act.
I am sorry to say that he represents the typical defiant African man. The more you push him the more he stands by his decision and doesn’t back down. But its not all his fault though because some of the people of Zimbabwe still vote for him because they believe they should stick by someone who did right by bringing them independence. Talking and issuing threats will not do anything, but sending troops and kicking him out will. It’s sad that something drastic like that will have to happen inorder for things to change, but he isn’t going to die soon. If he does, then the first lady might become the President and that would be even worse.
Most people want change, most army and government employees want change too, and they would work with whoever takes Mugabe’s place. Right now they are forced to vote for him if they want to stay alive and to get a pay check at the end of the month.
Like I said talking won’t do anything at all. Sending troops will, there won’t be much resistance at all. The question is, will the UN send troops or will they sit and wait until its Rwanda all over again?

Anderson, you’re spot-on: these types of despots should be dealt with immediately and forcefully by the UN and the world community. It’s time for the international community to step up to the plate and fulfill its “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) in cases such as Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Myanmar. There are enough cases of this around the globe that people should not sit idly by. After Rwanda, people said “never again,” that that was empty rhetoric. The truth is that this happens again, and again, and again, repeatedly, over and over, and nothing is done. When will our governments stand up and make this stop?

Americans are too stupid to help. Look at the thugs in the white house. Now if there was oil there I’ll bet people here would wake up…..

I am a zimbabwean living in the US. It is sickening and painful to watch these horrors going on in Zim. Everytime I call home I hear more more more horrific stories. I wish other countries would step in and help. This diplomacy obviously does not help with Mugabe,. He is set in his ways. He has got to be removed. Also shame on Thabo Mbeki. Even Nelson Mandella has condemned this. If you look at BBC, the Queen on England has stripped him of his knighthood…That should tell the world something.

Maybe if Zimbabwe had oil the leaders of the industrialized countries would feel obligated to “liberate” the Zimbabwe people and setup a democracy.

Mugabe has lost his bearings. And what pity considering this man was so instrumental in guiding Zimbabwe from the clutches of colonialism to became one of Africa’s “jewels”. But I honestly think the country is being run by military despots. There are documented cases of human right abuses and outright murderous crimes committed by some of Mugabe’s henchmen who include, war veterans, his colonels and generals and government officials. These people are concerned about being put on trial for crimes against humanity. They have seen what has happened in Yugoslavia & Serbia, Rwanda, Iraq, etc. They will do whatever is necessary to remain in power to protect their ill gotten wealth (many were rewarded with land taken away from white farmers) and save their necks from the gallows.

Only African countries as a single force can resolve its own problems. Their leaders have to step up to the plate and completely isolate Mugabe and his cronies. My prayers are with the people of this country. Stand up and fight this tyrant!

Of course the world will do nothing but go tsk, tsk, tsk. There’s no oil there nor is Zimbabwe of strategic interest of the major powers. Until and unless the U.N. decides to establish a ‘Tyrant Disposal Squad’ situations and tyrants such as Mugabe will continue to exist.

L’etat c’est moi, eh Robert?

It is ironic that this is taking place now, only months after many of us have probably seen The Last King of Scotland which is somewhat similar (supposed liberator turned tyrant). The White House has made such a big deal about the “freeing of the Iraqi people” as an after-the-act justification for the war. If freedom, liberty and human rights are so important, why are we not intervening in places like Zimbabwe? Why not bring democracy there? It’s simp