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 simple. They have nothing we want economically. Today's government equates capitalism with democracy as the justification for its warped and unilateral foreign policy measures.

Anderson,

Isn't it time for the United States to focus on its own problems instead of getting involved in another conflict? The liberal left, yourself included, is quick to point out these problems and call for action, but the second it becomes a political cause and action is taken you will be the first to critisize the means the U.S. took to justify the end goal of removing this tyrant. Zimbabwe's government cannot exist if the majority of the population rises against it. Unless you want another Somalia scenario I think you have a responsibility as a reporter to first call on the people of Zimbabwe to act before the U.S. loses its sons and daughters to a cause that isn't even supported by the majority of Zimbabwe's population. What I don't see in your article is how you propose to solve this issue? Let me guess, you watch from the sidelines and commentate while the real heroes put their lives on the line to solve other countries problems. Bravo. Great plan. Shame on the people of Zimbabwe.

I love the hipocracy. Commentary from hardline Democrats that would suggest the use of force to remove Mugabe and yet criticize others who have used force to remove and even larger menace to freedom and free people in Hussen(not Barack). So, there are some war-mongering Dems after all isnt there!

Mugabe and others only know violence and terror and its the only thing they respect and fear. Fight fire with fire. Hastening the demise of people of that mindset is a just and noble cause.

james

Mugabe was a tyrant and a thug before he came to power in 1980 yet the West welcomed him and encouraged him and helped put him in power.

In the 1980's when he unleashed his North Korean trained 5th Brigade against the Matebele People, killing thousands, he proved that a leopard does not change its spots despite ascending to power and having the privilege of leading a great and beautiful country. The West still did nothing.

When he let loose a barrage of brutality against the white farmers, dispossessing them of land which they had farmed for generations and crippling the economic engine of the country, the west started to recognize that he remains a tyrant and thug. We wrung our hands and did nothing.

Now, that he has devastated the country, destroyed the economy, and tormented the people of Zimbabwe in order to keep the power that the West bestowed upon him, we lament our inability to influence him and do nothing.

The situation in Zimbabwe is tragic. Even more so given the fact that it was a foreseeable tragedy that the west chose not to see.

Are you kidding me? True this situation is disgusting – people cutting off the hands of others and breaking fingers to prevent voting. But it doesn't surprise me, as it should not surprise those of you who are equally socially aware, According to an article on CNN.com a few days ago, almost 100% of women and young girls have been raped in various groups huddling together for safety in the Sudan and likewise, women and young girls have been raped as part of a systematic war tactic in the Congo for YEARS, IN EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS, while the United States and other countries of power turn a blind eye. This will continue to happen across the continent of Africa – not just Zimbabwe. (Type in "Congo rape" in a search engine – be prepared to vomit.)

Why? Because we are more concerned with oil in the middle east, "Dancing with the Stars," and getting to little Timmy's baseball practice on time. It won't change, no matter how many people lose their limbs, no matter how many women and children are raped, and no matter how much we blog.

See you all again after the next article about how jacked up Africa is......because that will continue to be a truth.....because our priorities are screwed up, as usual.

Why is everyone talking about the U.N. like it matters? All the U.N. does is periodically pass resolutions against a thug, and only when all the thug's friends at the U.N. don't have a financial interest. The U.N. would not even enforce its own resolutions against Iraq's chief thug. Every thug in the world watched Iraq and learned an important lesson. Now all these lefties are howling for the U.S. to break "international law" and violate Zimbabwe's "sovereignty".

I am sickened by what I've read about what's happening in Zimbabwe, but I'm also sick of people blaming the US for not stepping in. It's these same people who blame us when we DO step in. How about Zimbabwe's neighbors helping them? How about France or England or Germany or Russia?

Force of arms must be backed up with a willingness to use it otherwise it’s an empty threat. However you must look at the big picture particularly in this case. The reason you don't see many African nations mobilizing their militaries in the name of Democracy is because you have a, "He was has not sinned cast the 1st stone" situation or rather "He who has not been tyrannical".

By potentially invading this strife ridden country you create a precedent that destabilizes the power structures of other African nations with the threat of military action on behalf of the people. In essence by forcing stability in one nation you create instability in many others. Where does it all end?

In one sense Mugabe is right when he claims it would be a return to colonialism as we the nations sending troops would be pigeonholed into maintaining order and providing government leadership until some semblance of political stability is achieved. In another sense this could be an opportunity for the UN to regain some relevance after the Iraq invasion debacle. However this will not be an easy victory. You will have reprisal attacks from pro government forces targeting key figures of the opposition and vice versa. When Mugabe said that their will be war, I don’t doubt it. Furthermore, if western powers try to exert control over the spiraling situation, other elements may take the opportunity to entrench themselves in this area as a counter. Our soldiers setting foot into another sovereign nation could be the impetus for militants to garner support from the soon to be defector government. My biggest concern is, will this be another Somalia?

I agree Anderson.
I have been to Zimbabwe myself, seen the beautiful Victoria Falls and countryside.
Question: what can one old lady do to help?

Anderson:

It is unfortunate that the world has perfected the art of sitting and watching as others suffer. Certainly, the people of Zimbabwe don't deserve to be maimed and killed. Unfortunately as you have put it, there seems to be a lack of interest from world leaders to help restore calm in that country, by sending Mugabe and his cronies into oblivion.

This silence, especially from African leaders plus the African Union itself, is disturbing. Little is beginning to happen however, with the strongest condemnation so far coming from President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, and Kenya's Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

Other African leaders however, seem to care less, since they are themselves not any different from Mugabe. It is indeed very unfortunate that we still have autocrats even as we approach the 22nd century.

In the face of this continuing barbarism from people like Mugabe, I believe it is high time the UN Security Council was given a shot in the arm to make it a little more potent. As it is currently, am afraid many autocratic beasts will continue torture and kill their own people as they cite that one filthy statement, "we are a sovereign state".

Making the UN Security Council stronger will also mean clipping the wings of that evil country, China, which honestly, is becoming a stumbling block to world peace. Certainly, Mugabe wouldn't be that courageous without China's ammunition and yuan! As long as China arms him, what can the helpless citizens? Nothing.

The UN cannot help because South Africa who have a vote currently on the Security Council will not allow it to come forward to debate. It is time for President Mbeki of South Africa to be brought to issue for allowing this nonsense to go unattended in his own neighbourhood. To the contrary Mbeki allowed himself to be lured to Zimbabwe just a few weeks ago to stand side by side with Mugabi on state run TV...can you say endorsement!!!!

Sadly African leaders are more likely to help their continental dictators than side with the West as they are deeply suspicious of the West and its motives.

An op-ed piece in the NY Times yesterday suggested that perhaps FIFA the world governing body for soccer should use the World Cup in 2010 to help South Africa apply pressure and enact financial hardships on Zimbabwe. South Africa looks like it is a willing participant sadly.

I suppose the big irony here is that Ian Smith warned "It will be one man one vote, once."

The US helped Britian sell out the Rhodesians. Yes, everything was not perfect, but you really have to wonder what were the powers that be thinking when they hurried to divest themselves of Africa as fast as they could. This sad story goes all the way back to the days just prior to UDI and what happened after. Had the West not bought into the communist propaganda that it was a black/white issue, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe might stil be hailed as a success story. One fact that is often over looked is that over 80% of the Rhodesian Security Forces were black.

Mugabe was helped into power by his communist buddies in the ANC and the OAU. Now, the fruits of that labor are in full bloom.

If the United States gets involved in the politics of other countries, we're inflicting our icky brand of capitalism/democracy on other nations. If we don't, we're the bad guys for letting these atrocities continue. So, what'll it be?

Perfect example of why it was "right" to send troops into Iraq, because of the tyrannical rule of Saddam, and what he did to his people.
(Never mind how we wound up there, that's another story,)
The people of Iraq deserved deliverance from Saddam, just as the people of Zimbabwe deserve deliverance from Mugabe.
For some reason, this region of the world is more "popular" with the rest of us, and it is in the news on almost a daily basis, so hopefully it won't be too much longer before the rest of the world gets involved, and the people of Mugabe can live in the peace and prosperity they deserve.

Hi Anderson,
Many thanks for highlighting political crisis in Zim. But is it enough for the Western World and UN to just talk with no action . Mugabe is not worried of any sanctions . Whether you freeze all his banks accounts or put travel bans,he is less concerned. This is a case of a dictator who is drunk with power and has no intention of releasing it. My advise to those willing to help Zim ; act now. We do not want to witness another Rwanda.

Sure seems to me that most of the African nations were better off under Colonial rule.

Anderson, just like how the united nations was seen as a toothless bulldog, in the past, this is what is going on again. As far as i can remember, the united nations has been doing little or nothing to solve crises ochestrated by tyrants. From the GENOCIDE in Rwanda, to Iran, North Korea and now Zimbabwe, I am actually sick with this toothless bulldog. The United States is even turning a blind eye cos there is nothing in Zimbabwe that they can gain from.

Lilibeth wrote:

"... human beings just like us who deserve freedom from oppression, poverty, and abuse."

Even if those evils are self-inflicted?

joe wrote:

"We wasted our time and resources on Iraq when countries like this one in Africa really needed our help."

Interventionism by any other name...

Mrs. Charletta Washington-Holbert wrote:

"Africa is weak from fighting hate, murder, genocide, (the list goes on and on)."

Africans hate each other, murder each other, and commit genocide against each other. Whose fault is that?

They wanted independence and majority rule, and they got it. They made their bed, now let them lie in it.

Donna wrote:

"... 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)."

In either case, it's the fault of those doing the killing. Are you implying that someone else is responsible?

Why are most of the people here only outraged when blacks are killed? Anderson and others have been standing by and saying nothing for years when the white farmers have been murdered.

I find that just as sickening as what Magube is doing.

When it is all over in South Africa, the white farms are taken over, and that country is starving too, what will be said?

Probably the same thing that is being said about Zimbabwe I expect.

Mugabe's slogan says it all................Behind the Fist............he is a dictator that is threatening the entire country that they must vote for him and keep him in power. 30 years is long enough. Some of these countries kill off entire groups of people when the leader changes. Maybe Mugabe is afraid he may be killed after the change takes place and he is not the leader. More likely, it is about his greed and his ego............The UN is an ineffective joke. What does Mugabe care what the UN thinks? They won't send in troops to help. Mugabe kills his own people. And, no one does anything about it.

Why expect Americans to respond to Mugabe? We haven't done a thing about Cheney and Bush and their total screw up right here at home.
Complacency deserves its' consequences.

BTW, to those who want US troops to endlessly play policeman for the world...are YOU personally volunteering to join the cause in the field? If not...shut up.

Yes, US foreign policy should be more principled than it has been (especially under the current Administration). Yes, that should include sometimes committing troops to just causes, if all diplomatic efforts fail. Yes, Africa always gets the short end of the stick, not just from the US but more disgustingly from European nations who were once its collective colonial rulers.

We all know why there are US troops in Iraq but not in Rwanda, Darfur, or Harare. It all comes down to oil. I'm deeply critical of the Iraq War but I'm just as deeply critical of bleeding hearts who cry that US troops (who are all volunteers and who should be treated as much more precious resources than they have been) should always be on the ground in every hell hole of the world to intervene on behalf of the innocent victims of their own corrupt governments. Once upon a time our forefathers intervened on their own behalf against tyranny – they spilled their own blood to found this country. People should expect American soldiers to do that for other people's liberty (that's part of what I have against the Iraq War, too).

Anderson;

Had African nations had any spine, and had African nations been democratic, they would have sent in troops to Zimbabwe to arrest and judge Mugabe and his thugs, including his cabinet.

It is amazing that in 2008, we have mediocre human beings who feel entitled to be president for life after turning a beautiful country into the ground, and literally starving his people. However, Anderson, this is happening as you know , in many countries in Africa such as lybya, Tunisia, Morrocco, Algeria, etc etc. Presidents for life, emperors with no clothes. Because of this , the African continent will never be free of tyranny. Africa as a continent is doomed as far as I am concerned.

America only thinks that they are the "worlds policeman" and that i itself is part of the problem

What exactly is the US to do?
Sanctions, which are already in place, only hurt the citizens and make them more oppressed.
Fund NGOs as was done in the Ukraine to promote democracy from within. That takes a long time, and Mugabe is controlling all NGOs already.
The only thing that would work is assasination like the Moussad did to Arafat with some poison that causes a mysterious illness. Then, send in the troops if necessary to restore order and call for new elections. Just hope that the US will accept the outcome, unlike they did when the Palestinians elected Hamas.

Anderson,

We can all sit here, talk about it and report on it. However, neither you nor I nor any other blogger is willing to get on a plane and really go help. So, are we any less responsible for the mess than Mugabe himself or other local regional leaders or people? Pointing the finger at Mugabe's actions also points to fingers at our own inaction. The sad reality is that I am not willing to go help, neither is anyone else.

I am a Zimbabwean living in America now for 9years, i thank you Anderson for bringing this up, people are getting murdered in Zimbabwe and the world is watching, remember what happened to Rwanda? Mugabe has blocked all news media and he is killing people by the hundreds in the rural area without recourse. Mugabe needs to be removed by all means necessary, he is an evil i have relatives who have been killed by this man. Anderson continue to put this issue to the front.

Ok ... so ... what do the liberals want to do to solve the problem? Send in troops to bring democracy?

What does it take to send a lead message to this guy? He's one man and hasn't done one thing positive for his country. They're so wrapped up in this black/white thing, they are sacrificing themselves for nothing. It used to be a nice, productive country when whites were allowed to participate with blacks. Talk about racism.

As an ex – Rhodesian – it goes back to the old African saying – one man, one vote, one time. It's about time the world intervened and took out Mugabe and his thugs. The people of Zimbabwe are amazing people and my prayers go out to them all.

Mugabe will continue to get his way because the West does not care!!! There's no oil there for us to take, so to hell with them is what the West says. Speaking as a white person, I can honestly say I agree that the West, and America so turn a blind eye when the majority of a country is BLACK! And it is disgusting and it sickens me!!! The people of Haiti, Darfur, and Zimbabwe suffer GENOCIDE and we do NOTHING! May God have mercy on our miserable souls!

It is a tragedy. Mugabe is the 2000's version of Idi Amin and just as much of a tyrannical fruitcake. The Southern African nations need to do something or the instability and violence in Zimbabwe could destabilize their nations and thrust sub-Saharan Africa into an unnecessary war. The citizens of Zimbabwe definitely deserve better than this nut...

Where are all of our African-American leaders and spokespeople? Here is the perfect platform for The Revs. Jackson and Sharpton who are on the case on such critical issues such as the Duke lacrosse episode and the Imus controversy. Why don't they cry out for the injustices done by this wicked man?

If Zimbabwe was an oil-rich country, one can be sure that the U.S. of A. would have wanted to move in quite a while ago, to "protect American interests" in the region, and "bring democracy" to the Zimbabwe people. Just an other cake-walk for sure.

I met a young white Zimbabwean last night, who finally fled his country last January. Couldn't speak of his once beautiful country without breaking into tears. He'd be dead if he had stayed on.

Why are such situations as this or Darfur allowed to fester? There's no money in it. Yes, despite the highest ideals and other qualities of humankind, we are collectively as crass as that.

Bottom line: It's always about the money. Mugabe is in it for the money and power, while most of the rest of the world – with such exceptions as yourself – is staying out of it for the lack thereof.

Anderson, Very well said. The UN cannot do anything but threaten sanctions on a country that has already been depleted by Mugabe. The UN is powerless in Zimbabwe. The attrocities by Mugabe and his thugs have been going on for years. How long does the genocide have to continue before Mugabe is forcefully removed?

It is time President Bush sent in the Rangers and Gordon Brown the SAS to Salisbury. Too bad Ian Smith is gone, as Rhodesia was much better off under White rule than under this Black Nazi, this domestic pet* killing thug.

(* that is what his gangs of North Korean (who else, except maybe the Palestinians) trained thugs do to the domestic animals, dogs and ponies of white farmers whose homes they brutally seize, often killing the inhabitants. Of course these white farmers kept the Black population there alive for decades, but Mugabe doesn't care.

There is much moral justification to send troops into Rhodesia than we have in Iraq, but hey, its an election year and Obama would more than likely stick up for Mugabe.

While these travesties are horrifying, the last tyrant situation to be "handled" (Saddam) has yet to be fully resolved.. I have an idea...lets go to war and topple this tyrrant. I'm sure it would be a welcome relief to discuss something other than the Iraqi war... We can't even help our own homeless, poor, hungry, flood/ tornado/ fire/ disaster victims or control the misuse of power by our own government. I do believe that the US of A should never turn its back on those less fortunate, but we the people need to also realize that there will never be a peaceful resolution to these tyrranical governments and holy wars that we so righteously condemn. We cannot guarantee the next ruler will be any better – short of going in and running it ourselves, wouldn't that make us as popular in Zimbabwe as it did in Iraq....God help us all!

Anderson;

Had Zimbabwe had oil, our Government could declare that Zimbabwe is manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, and hence we could invade and occupy the country to free the deserving people of Zimbabwe and put Mugabe and his Junta on a deck of playing cards.

Yeah...it is sad.

Reminds me of another tyrant leader. His name was Saddam.

I think the below from Dr. Weinstein's blog today applies also to the situation in Zimbabwe:

".....the justly famous statement by Pastor Martin Niemöller:

“In Germany, they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then, they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up.”

Um.. let me see here.. Looks like most of your lemmings would be up for an invasion.

I'd like that.

But if this guy gets replaced with another tribal nutwad.. nothing will change.

These are not advanced civilizations we're talking about. I like those snappy shirts with the portraits on them though.. that's classy

This is just another primitive culture doing what they do. Why am I not surprised that there are thugs out cutting hands off.. doesn't surprise me.

In fact.. it doesn't even phase me. I simply do not care. Because.. when I start to care or my President starts to care and we send in the Marines.. the media .. even media that was all for it.. will start calling it a quagmire like Blitzer did 3 days into the Iraq war..

So Partonize all you want. Whine all you want. Show us the graphic images of tribal puke cutting hands off..

I don't care anymore. Unless you want to END it for real .. please shut up.

OH.. And I noticed someone else wanted the U.N. to do something ... well.. I think there are probably enough rapes going on now. Thank you.

Those same people who make comments condemning the US for not doing anything are the same ones who would trash the US if we did something like depose Mugabe. It wouldn't be bloodless and innocent people would be hurt, and that would be the focus of the reporting. Not to mention the 'failed' efforts to establish a working government, wasting tax paying dollars, atrocities, etc. I believe that is why we don't intervene. Who wants to go thru that again?!

I hitch hiked around Zimbabwe in 1999 which was a few months before the land seizures started. Mugabe is feared around the country .knowone was allowed to even speak out against him even tourists for that matter.I stayed all over the country with blacks and whites and everyone was trying to just get by..they wanted to lead normal lives but the greed by Mugabe and his followers transpired into power grabbing and an idealogy that has set a great country back 50 years.You would think that with one of the highest HIV infection rates in africa the least a government could do would be to help its people.The sad part about this is that like Darfur we all watch another slow train wreck.

It seems that's all we do about anything going on elsewhere. Your show highlights it , but what can really be done about it. It would be nice for a change if every story could have a solution. That's why we hold such hope for our presidency, your always hoping they will do what they say they will do. We want the "change", we just don't believe in it. That is the way our world is headed. Politics being what they are, will never change until action is taken. I am just as sad to hear about our men and women being killed, but think of all the change they helped to make. Drastic change needs to happen in all these countries. We can't just keep reporting them and forgetting them. We never heard the out come of Burma. We were sick while watching it happen, but now weeks later we have all forgotten. The UN has to do more to change the way these other countries run.

Again Anderson thank you for your care . i want to say that nothing will be done because Zimbabwe doesn t have oil and doesn t matter . you know it is Africa we talk about it here . till millions peoples dying the UN is not going to act you know that i know that . you know what hurt the most is SOUTH AFRICA attitude in this situation for someone who come from Africa it is shame .!
thank you for your analyse !!!!!!!
Olga In

It's a pity all of our forces are tied up in that mess of Iraq. It puts us in an awful position, because what we need to do is remove him by force, oversee open elections, and then leave.

Well Anderson it was nice to see that media is trying to shine a torch on such a massive issue. We teach our children to learn from history but looks like adults are doing the opposite. Darfur, Iraq, Cambodia, Bosnia, Afghanistan ....and the list is endless. Once the breadbasket of Africa, now lies in ruins and still no one intervenes. A dictator is killing its people and the whole world is watching in silence…………
I believe a question raised by US at the time of Iraq attack regarding relevancy of UN is still relevant today. I believe for all practical purposes, UN is nothing but a bunch of useless diplomats who are involved in sham diplomacy! And in the end, all will turn to US for leadership. African Leadership is nothing but a joke!!! The president of South Africa, who is supposed to help Zimbabwe, authorized by other South African countries is nothing but a pimp of Mugabe!!
I don’t think there is any hope for the people of Zimbabwe as things stand now.

This is why our president only gets two 4 year terms before moving aside and allowing another school of thought to preside over our great nation. If true democracy is ever to prevail over that beautiful African country, the United Nations is going to have to step up to the plate and do something instead of waiting for world opinion to finally persuade them to take action. Enough is Enough!

Well, knowing how concerned they are about democracy and lifting the burden of tyranny from opressed people, I'm sure George Bush, Dick Cheney, and the other Neocon champions of justice will get right on top of this right away.
I mean, they're all about helping those in need. They probably just didn't hear about this yet.
Not to worry, people of Zimbabwe, help is on the way.

Where is Africa's greatest symbol of freedom, Nelson Mandela? Surely Mandela has superstar status that could unite other african nations against Mugabe.

To: Lyle Johnson

I agree that a number of countries would have been better off being split up after independence. But I can't help but notice the retrogression to chaos and pre-technological conditions that seems to be the rule in post-colonial Africa.

Bobby, Arlington, VA. wrote:

"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?"

It was being spent on people deemed more worthy.

Since WWII, the west, mainly the US, has poured trillions of dollars into Africa, and it's been completely wasted. If they all want to kill each other, let them. They're a hopeless case if they won't help themselves.

Sorry, but that's the truth.

Anderson,

I agree this is tragic. I wonder what anyone can do. Sadam was a tyrant and the Taliban were terrible but when the US and over 30 contries took military action we all know the results. This seems like another civil war. If the US or Nato or the UN or the African Union tried to send in troups do you think that Mugabee's people would just lay down arms and welcome them? I wish I knew the answer but I do not know if the world is ready to truly deal with these types of problems.

Anderson:

Couldn't agree more – what's happening in Zimbabwe is digusting.

What's more disgusting is the manifestly criminal indifference the world powers have towards sub-saharan Africa. In the past few decades, the rest of the world has merely watched and shook its head as Africa has been stricken with Idi Amin, massive repeating famines, an uncontrolled AIDS pandemic, the disintegration of Somolia as a functioning country, the genocides of Rwanda and Darfur, the civil wars in Liberia and the Ivory Coast, Apartheid in South Africa (and near civil war), breakouts of doomsday viruses like Ebola, and the systematic, unrecoverable disintegration of Africa's natural resources and wildlife. I'm sure I'm missing many events but you get the idea.

So when is the world going to stop with the lip service and do something to honestly help? I know the Pentagon is spending a bundle to set up the new AFRICOM command – can =they= be asked by the UN or the African Union to provide some sort of strategic support that might validate their existence (and American's tax money)?

As much as the world's attention seems to be on other parts of the world these days, I honestly believe the world will have an enormous price to pay in this century if we all continue to allow Africa to writhe in its chronic agony.

–Craig

Thanks for writing this .... I feel sure there is something we can do, other than sit and wait to see what happens, but I don't know what that is ...... It would be good to hear if anyone has any ideas on how we (the rest of the world) can help Zimbabwe .... and before Friday would be good. I am sure there'll be lots we will be able to do, once Mugabe has gone.

Hi Anderson,

Nice to read your blog after your visit from Africa. I hope the power-hungry Mugabe learns his lesson in good time and the people of Zimbabwe are governed by a true democracy expressing the people's rights.
All I can say is that Mugabe is an anarchist and a power hungry bloke.
Africa seems to be pitted in peril from all quarters. The Kenyen government uses child soldiers against their will to conduct their atrocious military operations. Children are kidnapped and tortured and mentally maimed. I hope this sought of barbaric behaviour doesn't become an infectious cult in Africa.
I think the United Nations needs to receive a booster to actually bring about a visible change in Africa. More focused and concentrated plans instead of endless conventions and meetings that hardly have an effect. Or maybe we just lack a visionary world leadership that used to exist in the decades before. Any more Trumans around??

What a horrifying situation in Zimbabwe. I have been wondering when you were going to cover the story on the show. Mugabe will not let go of power so quickly-he is of the school of thought, "Everyone has a right to my opinion". I don't know if we have the resources to even be able to help the situation, we are stretched so thin as it is. What are other African nations saying or doing to help?

Hey Anderson.. they were cutting hands off in Iraq and Afghanistan too.

So.. what.. time to send in the Marines?

YOU guys always want it both ways. You want to be able to incite action and then decry it when people get hurt.

Unless you REALLY want to STOP this kind of stuff.

Don't waste my time.

I know many former Rhodesians, and they will tell you they saw this coming for 30 years. There was no outcry when whites were raped, murdered and forced of their lands or when southern asians were forced out of their businesses. Many said good riddance to them, the country should belong to blacks, right? Well, now that this has failed, will they allow the farmers to return to their lands? Will they make reparations for the lives they destroyed? They certainly are incapable of governing themselves and choosing sound leaders. Their economy is ruined, and frankly, they are eating a dish they served themselves.

Anderson,

I fully support your message and I am glad that you have good community that agrees with your point. But how long are we going to accept as human race the repetition of the same story in Zimbabwe of what just happened in Darfur and what had already happened Rwanda. Here we are in the safety of our rule of law and conveniences provided by free countries, but what are we doing to liberate countries like Zimbabwe. On a side note but related, personally, I disagree with the Iraq war, however I do agree that the world need ACTIVE LEADERS, and what the world requires to solve serious problems like the current situation is not going to be achieved through the United Nations. Truth be told, Darfur was addressed after more than 5 years, only until it posed a threat to the Olympic Games in China. Before that China blocked any attempt of diplomatic action.

How long are we going to follow PASSIVE LEADER ORGANIZATIONS? Today is Zimbabwe, next year will be Venezuela and the next after that will be Iran.

Bushism is not the answer. SMART, DECISIVE and ACTIONABLE leaders need to gather and tell Mugabe, that they MEAN WHEN THEY SAY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN, with special support of African Nations.

Keep up the fight Anderson!!!

Anderson – I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and still have family there who have no place to go and no money left owing to the astronomical inflation. Less than a year ago visiting my family, one US dollar was worth 400,000 Zimbabwe dollars. Now nine months later, one single egg costs 5 billion Zimbabwe dollars. Nobody can keep pace with inflation of this magnitude; prices increase by the minute, not by the hour or day. It is so very tragic that the world is only now realizing there is a problem in Zimbabwe. The US Ambassador, brave James McGee, had to endure a threatening situation recently which has helped bring some of these issues into the radar of the international press. How come the world didn't notice in the eighties when thousands and thousands of people were killed in the southern region of Zimbabwe (Matabeleland) by Mugabe's North Korean trained 5th Brigade? Sadly, oil matters more than bloodshed. Is it still justifiable to stand by and watch and do nothing? If there were more press on these issues, the world might not have had to wait so long to understand that there is a very real and tragic problem. Wake up world and help! 28 years at the hands of this tyrant is more than any nation should have to bear. Removing Mugabe would cost the US a tiny fraction of what it costs to be in Iraq for one single day and would have the effect of stabilizing the region having a positive effect on interanational investment in Zimbabwe; this is what the Zimbabwean people want and need.........DESPERATELY!

We have the same type of jacka** at the helm of washington, and he is still there, what's the difference.

Anderson. Since the 1990s, the world has witnessed genocide after genocide, ethnic cleansing after ethnic cleansing, one man made disasater after another. For all practical purposes, the UN has sat and helplessly watched as innocent people's lives have been lost. I honestly think the UN in its current form needs to be either disbanded or seriously reformed. It is a toothless organization, which thrives on issuing condemnation after condemination. It is a waste of the worlds financial and human resources. Cases of countries being openinly destroyed by one mindless tyrant, like zimbabwe must be confronted and their leaders dealt with strongly on behalf of the voiceless masses .

MESSAGE TO ROBERT MUGABE

You are a mindless tyrant who has run out of ideas-"even bad ones". You don't care about your people or your country. How do you think your actions will bring good to your country?. You did your part in the first 10 years and you should have left 18 years ago. You are 84 years old for God's sake and you don't have long to live on this earth. The least you can do is to leave your country better than you left it. It is my sincere hope that once you finnish reading this message you will think twice about your people and country. There will be generations after you are gone–don't leave them in another set of 21st century Zimbabwe ruins.

Enough is enough! This is outrageous!

As for South Africa, what do you expect from a country that ever since White rule ended, AIDS and crime have increased dramatically, and only the elitists of the ANC-South Africa Communist Coalition have enriched themselves.

Where the Intel-chief is a self-hating Jew who trained in the old USSR as a Communist, and who sympathizes with Al Qaeda and Hamas.

Mbeki and his cohorts, like the overly loved Mandela, won't lift a finger.

Before you call me a Racist, let me add that I fought against Apartheid for years, but never expected a terrorist ANC to control what was once one of the most prosperous and beautiful countries in the world. It is Rhodesia today, it will be South Africa in less than 10 years.

Anderson

I could not agree with you more. My parents are currently in Zimbabwe on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In my mothers weekly email updates she writes about how the people in the land are just trying to make the most out of what life has given them, and that the current government is destroying any chances that the people might have. She constantly says that she is appalled by the treatment that the government afflicts on the people.

I find it so sad that a man driven by the need for power would cause so much pain and strife for his own people. I find it ironic that this so called “leader” blames the previous “white land owners” for the current state of affairs that his country is in, when in fact under his rule he has done more to suppress his own people then any other “white land owner” could have done. It is sad how people can twist the race card for their own benefit.

Returning to my main reason for writing you, all the accounts that my mother has sent to us state that this is a beautiful land, filled with a generous, humble people, willing to give all they have to support their families, beliefs, and customers. I would implore you to please don’t let this travesty fall by the wayside. Don’t let this abuse go unaddressed. Please use your resources to elevate this story and maybe, just maybe the people of the world will realize that this kind of abuse can not be tolerated.

I thank you for your insights. God bless.

Kent Taylor

We will welcome you with sweets and flowers and as liberators. Please save us from this mad man and his thugs.

If Zimbabwe has oil reserves, Bush's secret energy committee had met a long time ago and decided that America has to restore democracy there.

...and all around the world, hundreds of Rhodesians are reading this article over tea and crumpets and thinking "bloody told you so..."

What exactly did the Indepencence of Zimbabwe fix? There was a time when the angry western world assumed Ian Smith's government of the 70's was the epitome of unfair. Perhaps turning the breatbasket of Africa into a cesspool of poverty, crime, and riches for militant political thugs will widen more eyes than just the American viewers of CNN.

I'm not a Rhodie or a proponent of anglo-only-government, just a disgruntled history major who thinks people keep repeating their mistakes by not learning about the past.

One would say that Mugabe is mostly committing a crime against humanity at this point and a national force could and should intervene. The only issue is that Zimbabwe has nothing to offer, no political gain or main distribution of goods. I know it sounds harsh but for a moment lets look at the reality of the situation.

Factor this in; if Zimbabwe was sitting on the second largest oil reserve in the world, Bush would find a terrorist organization in Zimbabwe, and the issue would be handled.

The truth is that what Mugabe is doing, is a form of terrorism, and the people of Zimbabwe are the "underdog". But we (America) have not the time nor money to intervene. Call me un-patriotic but that sickens me a lot.

We learned our lesson from African involvement in Somalia. That is why we wisely choose to stay out of Somalia. While I think we should stay out of others business and let them govern themselves, I can at least understand why the Republicans want stability and a US presence in the Middle East, to secure a stable flow of oil. As for liberals, what are the benefits of war in Africa? The ability to distribute mosquito netting?

Where is the outrage among the liberals? Where are those that preach moral superiority about our country and show the willingness to go to the defense of the defenseless? Are we going to watch and see more innocents slaughtered like we did in Rwanda, Darfur, Bosnia? Are we willing to go help people in those countries that have oil or gold or platinum? Can anyone specify our national interest to include human rights for everyone – or anyone that seeks such?

Shame on our leaders for not doing what they should. Instead they squabble, seek pork, seek those handouts from lobbyists and a good deal on a mortgage.

I know many former Rhodesians, and they will tell you they saw this coming for 30 years. There was no outcry when whites were raped, murdered and forced of their lands. Many said good riddance to them, the country should belong to blacks, right? Well, now that this has failed, will they allow the farmers to return to their lands? Will they make reparations for the lives they destroyed? They certainly are incapable of governing themselves and choosing sound leaders. Their economy is ruined, and frankly, they are eating a dish they served themselves.

It is very troubling watching this "repeat performance" by Mugabe and the ZANU-PF. I travelled to Zimbabwe in 2003 following the last set of elections and interviewed several of the MDC candidates who were up against their ZANU-PF counterparts in the 2003 Parliamentary elections for a human rights report. I travelled throughout the country with an MDC body guard as a "tourist" in order to be safe. I do not understand why the US and Canada do not take a more hard-line approach with Mugabe.

Mugabe is a hero and will forever be! Americans and British are the worst makers of genocide in this world! Bush kills thousands in Iraq, Somalia and Afganistan but nothing is said about it! The west are just hypocrites and rambo style tacticians! Mugabe will rule and Africans will determine their own destiny! Africans are intelligent people and capable! The evil of colonialism and regime change is what we witness here! Majority of Americans and British are poorly educated and high school drop outs! They live on state grant but they are able to say Africans are lazy! The average Zimbabwean is more intelligent and well educated than the british! The british military is made up of illiterates and schol dropout but the Zimbabwea army is made up of men with degrees and honor! Let the west dare enter Africa and they will be humiliated like the US marines in Somalia! America and Britain do not have any moral right to change a regime in the world! Jebb Bush the brother of president Bush rigged the elections in Florida and his brother became president! But shamefully poorly educated Bush has the capacity to speak against Mugabe! Its a shame that America will allow mediocre person as a president! Mccain and Obama will be ten times better than lame duck president Bush! Gordon Brown and Bush will leave office but Mugabe will still be in power. Bush should ask the Father Bush senior when he lost the elections! He cried togther with Barbara Bush! Its a joke that mass murderers Bush and Brown are making noise about Mugabe! Gordon Brown should subject himself to an election and he will be surprised to see how labour will be trounced by the liberal democrats and conservatives! Its a pity that incompetent people like Bush and Brown are misruling world powers! we need people like Reagan and Margaret Thatcher back into politics! The USA presidency has fallen so low that President Bush can even occupy the whitehouse! The USA has enormous human resources and as such they should think twice before they vote! Its a fact that the average american voter is ill-informed about their choices of presidents! The mental faculty is clearly dominated by what the see on TV! Lets the world get ride of despots like Bush and Poodle Brown! Long live the people of Europe, America and Africa! God Bless us all!

What is mostly hidden in all this tyranny is the complicity of South Africa in a matter that is clearly under their “sphere of influence” as the de-facto power of the SADC. Apparently support for “favors rendered” by Mr. Mugabe’s government during the anti-apartheid campaigns of the ‘80s are still strong enough for the ANC and Thabo Mbeki to turn a blind-eye to the “next African tragedy.” This should be no surprise to those who follow Mr. Mbeki as he has consistently denied the AIDS/HIV epidemic that ravages almost 1 in 4 South Africans. Mr. Mbeki’s failure to intervene should be judged as reprehensible as Mr. Mugabe’s quest to clutch on to power at any cost.

Dear Mr. Cooper,

I have spent most of the last twenty years in Africa. I have witnessed the devastation of war in Congo. I have heard black Zimbabwean pastors preach against the evil of Robert Mugabe. In 2001 I talked at length to a white Zimbabwean who vowed to fight to the death to protect the farm that had been in his family for over 200 years. With in a few days he did just that. On one occasion, an old Congolese man who had earned the respect of all who knew him, in seriousness asked me, ‘when will independence be over?’

My question is not why the U.N. is not taking action. They have failed to take action in Burma for more that a decade, even when the recent inaction of that government probably cost well more than a million lives. To expect more from the Security Council in dealing with Mugabe would be unrealistic.

My question is why has the American press not been more outraged?

Maybe there should be a push to have Mugabe and the Generals of Myanmar added to the list of Weapons of Mass Destruction. They have surly caused more death and suffering than any tactical chemical or nuclear weapon ever could.

Tom
Nampa, Idaho

if only Zimbabwe had oil. We would have gone in to liberate those people!

Zimbabwe is just another country proving that there is no real unity or brotherhood among black people. As in the US many believe that promises are real and will vote with their hand out. The same people who are screaming now about UN intervention will be screaming when American lives are lost trying to bring "democracy" to people who are too backward to realize what they have. I have often said you could give the Israelis 10 acres of desert and enough water and in two years they would have a wine festival.........while in Africa, the most fertile continent on earth people manage to find a way to starve.......

Should it really be a surprise that leaders of other African countries turn a blind eye? It's to be expected. If it's Zimbabwe today, it could be them and their county tomorrow that become the subject of a need for global intervention, on the whims of what the current collective society says is undesirable. I'm not saying this ideology is the right course of action, but it's completely expected.

But enough is enough, so how stop it? Send in troops? From which countries? All? For how long?
We've already seen the popularity of war in this country, and in an election year, do you really expect either party to put on its agenda regarding foreign policy, "send troops into Zimbabwe to stabilize its government"?

Yes, some action needs to actually be taken, but without it being Zimbabwe's surrounding countries, or America, who will do it? I sure hope your money isn't riding on the UN.

Anderson – I think that something sould be done by the UN or other countries in the African Continent to stop this dictater from staying in power til the day he die no matter what it take or as he see it " I will stay in power no matter what the rest of the world think."

Muygabe is indeed a ruthless tyrant. But Zimbabwe was prosperous when it was Rhodesia. And it was the European Rhodesians that brought independence from Britain. Mugabe and his bunch only brought gradual decay.

Finally! I have been following this in print – including the personal account of the NY Times journalist who was actually arrested there for reporting. I had really given up hope that I would hear anything about this here..

to mike from syracuse,

that's a great question... why sub-saharan african nations are having a hard time governing themselves?....and i hope and trust you are trying to figure out the answer to such a question. a question that brings about more questions than answers, and eventually directs the "questioner" towards issues that are way more involved beyond the borders of any single african nation in question...

just because african nations gained their independence (and not so long ago i should mention) which was their right to begin with, doesn't mean that nations abroad aren't still involved, meddling with, and purposely playing roles to assist in the chaos that plays out in so many of these nations....

to anderson, THANK YOU for your consistently sincere reporting. i've followed you since CHANNEL 1 in a high school i attended in michigan. us media would be better with more reporters such as yourself.

one love in the struggle to all.
yoseph

It's extremely sad that civilized society is turning a blind eye to the plight of an entire nation. However, I am not in the least bit surprised. It was not so long ago that a Saddam Hussein intimidated his country into submission. While the current administration certainly made mistakes by distorting facts surrounding the situation, I believe that there was likely a noble intent to give a country a chance at democracy also involved. The negative backlash against the Iraq war both by both the media and the partisan politics has spawned a severe isolationist attitude that I personally find too callous. I find it doubtful that our nation will be undertaking any missions to secure the gifts of democracy for the nameless, faceless masses any time soon, no matter how noble the cause may be. And that may be the unfortunate legacy of these turbulent times in our country.

Now I think this is example of a good peace keeping mission for UN.
Send Troops to insure a fair election.

Herschel Cox
AZ

For those of the “progressive” persuasion, I ask you this: why does the root cause of every world problem have to be Bush’s Fault? Your maniacal obsession with everything being his responsibility and following the strange logic that everything bad is “his fault” is borderline wacky! No wait…there is nothing borderline about it. You all are full-fledged kooks! One day you will wake up from your nightmare of the Bush presidency and have Obama as the President of the United States. You will still see bad things going on in the world and the US not doing anything about it. Will you then turn that omniscience that you think you possess and condemn your messiah in Obama for not getting involved? I think not. You will praise him for being above the fray and letting the world solve its own problems. Hypocrisy and finger pointing is a wonderful thing for you left leaning folk isn’t it? Why not really come up with real solutions and point the finger where it really belongs? But you are too blinded by hatred to really analyze the real root causes.

Yes, but when will we learn to mind our own business? Slick Willy bombed Yugoslavia for 100 days when Bosnia did not concern us. Truman jumped into a civil war in Korea that cost us 59,000 dead, and Johnson killed 3,000,000 Vietnamese. Anderson Cooper should shut up and let Rhodesia solve its own problems.

Anderson, look at what it took to get involved in Darfur, and how little the United States actually is directly involved there. Our government stood idly by as the bread basket of Africa was plundered, yet we give money to fight AIDS cases and terrorists next door. Apparently Zimbabwe does not yet have sufficient amounts of either yet. Maybe an African-American President will display more compassion, diplomacy, and fortitude to address crisises in Africa, a land that has great potential for economic AND democratic growth.

I think the worst part ISN'T that this is happening in Zimbabwe but that the larger, influential countries are closing a blind eye to it. [From what I know,] only the U.N. Security Council and China has condemned such actions, but like all other acts of violence in Africa, this will surely be ignored.
It is truly a tragedy.

I am from Liberia and I have seen the marraige of stupidity and arrogance in tyrants firsthand and from a distance. In the movie Blood Diamond the saying TIA (meaning: This Is Africa) summarizes the perpetual problem with our continent. A minority of cronies and so called leaders want it all for themselves, resulting in the lack of a peaceful and prosperous life for all other citizens. What a shame!

I am outraged that President Bush now maintains one of the main justifications for our country entering into a war was to remove an unjust and murderous leader from power, while we somehow turn a blind eye to all of the other atrocities being committed by similar dictators. Why aren't we just as vigilant in our actions (or at the very least, our words) against all immoral human suffering in every country? As a young citizen, I am deeply saddened and often confused by the hypocritical decisions made by our president – it obviously undermines the notion that the U.S. is a country which seeks out injustices in other lands when we only go to war for one. It makes the U.S. appear disingenuous both to its citizens and to the rest of the world.

Just as there are blow-hards supporting President Bush as if he were divinity, there are also those in Zimbabwe who defend Robert Mogabe; and there are those Iranian residents who support Amedinijad. The fact is most Zimbabweans and Iranians and Burmese – and Americans – are thoughtful, rational people who just want to live in peace. They are as embarrassed and morally compromised by their leaders as any who suffered under Pol Pot, Suharto, Pinochet, Reza Pavlavi and Ceausescu. It’s a shame we separate ourselves with borders and arbitrary divisions when ultimately we are all the same: all powerful majorities being led by the nose and by petty criminals in power. Too bad we all can’t get together and create one democratically elected world leader; one we could hold in distain equally and universally. Sure would be better than having so many embarrassing misfits to remember in so many different bad governments.

Of course Mugabe is slime. Alot of people are here saying he needs to go. He's been voted out one and still is in power. The only way your gonna see him out of power is death. How many of you would support that? Mr. Cooper makes it sound like he would want our government to do something about Mugabe. But, look what happens when our government takes action...Afghanistan, Iraq...farther back Vietnam...oh how your backing of the government changes then.

I'll bet that 90% of the people on this blog who are advocating force against Mugabe are also saying that George Bush is evil for using force against Saddam Hussein. In both cases, they are following the lead of the media. It shows you how screwed up our media is.

I am serious when I suggest we take him out.

S

Is anyone surprised that this is taking place? Decades, if not hundreds of years, of tribal warefare/violence and the mentatlity of the African tribes has not allowed ant truly democratic government to exsist in Africa.

Well – probably the most viable solution is a revolution. If the downtrodden Zimbabwean people were to rise up in armed revolt against Mugabe and his administration/henchmen it would be far more effective than the UN and eveyone else tut-tutting ; besides possibly helping the people of Zimbabwe out with a few trained assasins, what can we do? Our military is stretched way too thin at the moment. The other African nations wouldn't welcome us in any case. They may not be willing to do anything themselves, but if the people of Zimbabwe started a revolution, I doubt if anyone would rush to Mugabe's aid. Of course, this approach risks the establishment of yet another dictator unless the process is done with care. Look at Haiti. I suppose the people could well ask themselves how could anyone possibly be WORSE, but it is theoretically possible.

Andersen,
I have just returned from working the cyclone relief efforts for Myanmar and while I was frustrated at this Juntas lack of care for its own people blocking critical food and aid to their people on many occasions and I wondered why do we stand for it. Likewise in Darfur, N. Korea, Ethiopia, and yes Zimbabwe. I realized that to force a (using term loosely) sovereign nation to comply is a line no nation really wants to cross. Case in point Iraq. Its the you break it you buy it mentality. And by UN Charter unless life and limb is being threatened the UN will not act beyond a stern statement. I think you are working the only venue we have left, highlight attrocities and crisis, bring world pressure to the issue and on their neighbors to influence them to step in as well as supporting NGOs that are comitted to the causes that we support. Thats YOU African Union.

Scott Hawaii

I must say that I am impressed by the way Mugabe has handled the situation and is getting away with it!
You see, just like a spoilt brat in the mall completely ignoring its parents, he knows that the people or groups of people that have the power and ability to confront him will not! Plenty of window dressing and that's about it.
Until the powers that be talk less and act more, there is nothing anyone is going to do to Mugabe and others like him.
And we all know that no one in power is going to throw the proverbial first stone because the majority of them live in glass houses and Mugabe knows that!

Shame! Shame! Shame!

Anderson, thanks for the audacity to care enough and name what's happening in Zimbabwe. As a young African scholar in the US, I continue to wonder what it is about Africa that is so condusive to the rise of such megalomanic despots? Mugabe is a man with serious mental illness, without the necessary ability to experience the humanity of any other human being except as that other serves his own needs. I was sickened last night to hear one his cronies, speak about democracy in Zimbabwe. I was sickened that such cronies are offered a platform to celebrate their own insanity. I want to call upon all media outlets to stop giving platforms to these mad men.
As for you fellow Africans, we have to find a different way of preventing such despots from getting into power. It's going to be a fight that will require the collective effort of every single peace loving individual.

Thanks AC for bring up this important issue for discussion. The world sat by and watched when a similar blunder happened in Ethiopia in mid 2005. The petty dictator and his party there lost to the opposition and what did they do ? They killed hundreds of innocent civilians because they supported the opposition, and imprisoned 10s of thousands of opposition party members including the leadership. So, it does not surprise me if a dictator like Mugabe gets away with similar blunders in Africa while his fellow dictators in Africa keep quiet, it is one big happy club whose members watch out for each other. It is a disgrace !

It seems strange that the world is just now awakening to the reality of the sit-tight African despot. The landscape of Africa is ladden with dictators elevated to the rank of demi-gods,who are convinced that they are indispensable. They rig elections year in and out and plunder the limited resources of their people. The likes of Paul Biya of Cameroon, Bongo of Gabon, Nguesso of Congo, Nguema of E. Guinea, Conte of Guinea would make Mugabe look like a saint. These are all life Presidents who, as Mugabe says, can only be removed from power by God.If the west or the UN must speak against Mugabe, it also has the moral duty to condemn and help unseat these other African dictators who have done worse things than Mugabe.

Like Anderson I viited Zimbabwe when it was thriving in 1997. It is a shame that Mugabe has brought his once beautiful country to economic ruin. What to do? Africa, not united States, must demand he quit, or remove him by force. Or just wait for him to die- but that could take years! Kenyan Prime minister, Raila Odinga, has given the former proposition- that African union troops force him out of office. That is what we should be working on, with UN approval to give it legitimacy.

Hi Anderson where was UN when your President unilaterally send US troops to kill innocent Iraqis as collateral damage. I am sick and tired of this biased media and aggressions always against humanity.

Anderson,

I disagree with you. Zimbabwe is an independent country and whatever goes on within it's borders is it's business. Would you want a mediator in your home "just in case" an argument erupts?

The United States needs to stay in our business and out of other countries. Not only that, the United Nations is just showing the increasing wave of feminimity that they have been exuding as of the past decade. We have enough problems here, and if they continue to worsen then we, as Americans will be in their shoes.

Anderson -
It is sad to hear the way the people in Zimbabwe are treated just for wanting a fair election. Makes you think when you read stories like this how lucky we are to be American and have democracy. We can express our opinions and appreciate our 2008 Election – with all its craziness..

For the sake of Zimbabwe, I hope the United Nations Security Council can propose a resolution to this situation and resolve and help assist the people – so they may experience a government of freedom without a tyrant like Robert Mugabe.

Seems if the UN is doing next to nothing on Dafur they certainly wont do anything in Zimbabwe. The USA had been the policeman of the world until Iraq. Now we have little clout to call out other countries on their behaviour. So we have Mullahs, dictators, and radical fringe extremists operating at will. They know the UN will do nothing especially if a friend on the security council blocks any action. Seems the UN does little if anything to help victimized citizens or secure world peace. What exactly does the UN do for the world? It's hard for them to change behaviour because they have no will to back up their demands.

Anderson,

Did you really expect the UN to do anything? The UN is a useless body of talking heads and diplomatic drivel.

I think it's so funny that we sit and cry about how bad something is in some part of the world, but only seem to do something about it if there's something in it for us (oil, anyone?)

It's hard to assess, because on one hand, the Europeans who colonized Africa used to say that if left to govern themselves, Africa would slip into chaos, and that's exactly what's happened in many cases.
On the other hand, most of Africa has only been free for maybe 30-40 years and, like this country called America I remember reading about, it takes awhile to develop real democracy.

That being said, let's hope Mugabe dies real soon. He's not even a good dictator, for heaven's sake.

I would like to know McCain's, Obama's, and Nader's stance on this issue.

Your namby-pamby article and similar "feel-good" outrage can "pray" and 'hope" and hand-wring all you want. Without a demand from the American People for armed intervention, Tyrant Mugabe wins till he dies. His opposition, which fairly won the first election, has thrown in the towel - to end the constant maiming & killing.

Americans allow the ongoing genocide in Darfur and Burma's Cyclone deaths, just as we allow similar in Zimbabwe, because our personal and national intervention is inconvenient. .Some World Leaders we are!

Weep in your Starbucks, hypocrites! Your weak and self-serving words show you know your good, happy, happy, American life is not threatened by Robert Mugabe.

I am at least appreciative that this is getting some level of visibility. Why do we expect so little of our leaders? Where is the UN? Does Zimbabwe have any representation? Why aren't they stripped of any influence until they get off sanctions and condemned action? Where is our US leadership? We talk about human rights, but put our money on military action? If you want to know where someone's, some countries values lie, watch where they spend their money.

It's sad and all, but who says that it's America's responsibility? Why doesn't someone else do something for once? I'm tired of people stating that thye US should do something about a particular issue, and when we do take action, we get condemned for it. Maybe the rest of the world can lead an effort without the US involved.

Reading about Mugabe, it makes me appreciate our own George Washington much more. After winning our independence, he voluntarily stepped down from power instead of becoming a dictator or a king. Then, after we elected him twice to the Presidency, he stepped down again on his own accord. It kept our republic and our government going and became a model for how our leaders should govern. That doesn't happen in too many countries, as Mugabe's Zimbabwe shows. It's a sad, sad situation over there – one we thankfully avoided.

I think a visionary world leadership is required to down dictators like Mugabe. Any Truman-like heroes around?? At least some new spirit can be infused into the lacklustre UN.

I feel numb. Let's use UN forces and get rid him off and his ZANU-PF cronies.

Thank you Anderson and CNN for bringing this murderous mugabe regime to world attention. People are beaten, murdered and their property destroyed for a simple act of wearing the wrong color of a t-shirt or a hat that resembles the MDC colors. Life has no value in the eyes of mugabe and his henchmen. What the people of Zimbabwe need is to be accorded the right to choose their leaders in an environment that is peaceful. Untold suffering continues, When will the world say enough is enough and take action on Zimbabwe? Forget about Mbeki, all he has brought Zimbabwe is more misery as a mediator. Please continue to hold them HONEST... the powers that be on what they are doing to save Zimbabwe. Please continue to push the issue forward, What is Condi going to do about it.
Anderson zimbabweans have no voice, please be their voice to let the world know of thier suffering and maybe the world can have a conscience to save them.

we can talk as much as we want and feel sorry for the people of zimbabwe. that doesn't help... I BEG YOU ANDERSON and ALL NATIONAL NEWS HELP THIS PEOPLE PLEASE HELP THIS PEOPLE....

I know what it feels like not knowing whats going to happen tomorrow...
I know what it feels like not having anyone who cares about the suffering...
I know what it feels like loosing a brother a son, sister ...it hurts really bad it hurts man...

PLEASE HELP THIS PEOPLE....

Why would the leaders of the US or any other western country with the capability to intervene, ever do so? Not after the beating President Bush and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld took in the media. CNN can thank itself for creating an atmosphere of inability in foreign policy, and can just sit and talk about it, along with the United Nations. In the meantime, a tyrant is free to run a country into the ground. At least Saddam is lying 6 feet deep....

When Zimbabwe discovers oil reserves is when the world will "care" and take action. Apparently, it takes seismic economic turmoil to get "westernized" nations to pay attention or even consider taking responsibility as fellow humans.

You've been there, Anderson; is there any logic to what's happening? Is Zimbabwe still the biggest trading partner of South Africa on that part of the continent? I only know from what I've scanned quickly, but it's very intersting to see how the main crops have significantly declined in production in the last eight years. It's also fascinating that tourism is ranked among the most significant foreign income sources. How can that be (and why is it) with all the strife and unrest? With a notable declline in the literacy rate and a significant population surge OUT of the country in recent years, Mugabe must be losing his mind. Could he have some serious illness we don't know about that affects his judgement?

Mugabe knows he is in much more trouble if he declares Zimbabwe has HUGE RESERVES OF OIL. He knows nobody will touch him with out it.

I believe what is surprising here is the fact most of you are implying a military involvement yet you are too afraid to say it. The hard truth is this type of thing has been happening throughout the continent of Africa and most other countries for years, and will continue as long as people are power hungry, read forever.

P.S. President George W. Bush is to blame for (fill in the blank).

Now it is a CNN post.

You have authored an excellent article on the "insanity" that is going on over in Zimbabwe. I can tell from your article that you are as sickened and upset as I am. Yes ,we sit and watch the innocent suffering, from the beatings, amputations, rapes and murders all condoned and enforced by Mugabe. Thank you for bringing the situaiton out in your own words. So many people admire and respect you. To hear it from your perspective and your position, hopefully more will become aware of the terrible injustices caused by that tyrant . Bringing more awareness to the situation does not mean you are doing nothing. Know that your journalism and the expressions contained in your words are heard by many people in our world. Sincerely, M. Bruneau, Tampa, Florida

What can we do locally to bring attention to this situation. I appreciate the words but ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Let's get moving!

Anderson,

Thank you for writing about the plight of these people. You can tell that you really love the country of Africa and concerned with what is happening to its people.

Anderson, why do the citizen's tolerate this?
Why don't they rise up and take their country away from this old bum?
Can't they fight for their own freedom?
How does he get all these henchmen?
Don't they have mothers to forbid them to do this evil?
I think at least one country needs to show some backbone...

When you look at this travesty in Zimbabwe and the failures in Iraq, remember that we stopped assassinations on purpose, deciding it was easier to send 100,000 troops instead of killing one man quietly.

Anderson, I lived in Zimbabwe for three months back in 2001 and knows first hand what the people are going through. I would graciously offer to deploy on Freedom Zimbabwe mission. Please do a survey of how many people would deploy if US wants to get rid of Mugabe.
Fassil, San Francisco

For once I would like to tell my children we stopped it before it was too late. One day they will hear and see the pictures of Rwanda, Sudan, and now Zimbabwe and I will have to explain to them why we sat back and did nothing.

Rachel G.
Midlothian, VA

Iraq = Get out.
Zimbabwe = Go in.
Not a really consistent message here. Either the US should be applauded for throwing down a tyrant in Iraq and endeavoring under extremely hard conditions to provide the environment for the Iraqis to govern themselves freely (which is consistent with Andersen's opinion in this article), or we should get out of Iraq (as Anderson has also consistently opined) and we should stay out of Zimbabwe too.
Which shall it be, sir?

Anderson,
I hate to sound so cynical but what is happening in Zimbabwe is what us expats refer to as the African Way.
We are always so happy to see people win their right to vote and participate in the governance of a country previously run by Imperialists, only to watch a despot run it into the ground in a last ditch grab at stardom that has long waned.
I am always full of hope for Africa and then always so sad when I see another beautiful country go the way of Zim
Larry

As an AFrican, I am utterly embarassed by the silence of African leaders Across the continent. They refuse to stand up for whats right, that only leads me to believe they are not much different than he is. All are dictators whose time will also come one day. Mugabe has fallen from grace long ago. Another Rewanda could and should be avoided be toppling this man A.S.A.P. Enough is Enough.

Anderson

Everyone is talking about the U.S. or the UN doing something. I read in today's paper that the Organization of African States told the UN and Europeans (I believe the US is included here) that Zimbabwe is none of our business and to stay out. I guess the other African dictators don't want to see a precedent set. American politicians don't want to speak out for fear of being labed colonial racists by people like Jerimiah Wright and Michael Pfleger.

Anderson, I was just wondering why your producer/blog moderator keeps deleting my comments from Anderson's View. If such discrimination exists within the CNN Newsroom, why blame Mugabe.

Anderson,

Tyrants like Mugabe have no soul. They have ruled by inflicting tyranny and fear for so long that stepping down only adds the real fear that they will be brought to justice for their atrocities. Staying in power serves to provide safety from prosecution. Mugabe is a sick and power drunk dinosaur who has now where to go but down.

Hey Anderson,

I think if Obama was in office, he would bounce this guy out with persuassion of U.N. force!

I enjoy Anderson Cooper 360, but wow has CNN and "the news" changed...the actual headline here being what Anderson Cooper thinks...I think it continues an unfortunate trend where the newscaster, reporter, etc. IS the story. Of course, most of cable news delivers no news at all...just a predictable reshash of the headlines all of us have already seen.

Anderson,

If you posted an address of who to write to in the U.N., or which ambassador to write to, I'll bet your viewers would write letters.
(Sadly, I think the U.N. might listen to us more readily than our own government under the Bush regime.)

Anderson,

I watch CNN Int and have seen the footage of how Mugabe treats his people. I have been subscribing to TIME mag since well its been a long time. They have a really interesting section Im sure you know of called Verbatim. This issue the first one reads"We are not going to give up our country for a mere X on a ballot. How can a ballpoint pen fight with a gun?" -Robert Mugabe,President of Zimbabwe, refusing to cede power to opponent Morgan Tsvangirai regardless of the results of a June 27 runoff election. I felt it important to type the entire thing. I think that says everything. He has no desire for a true and honest democracy. Only the appearance of one on paper. The thing is the world is watching and enough is enough. He doesnt mean we he means he and a ballpoint pen is a writing instrument used to mark a ballot by leaving a mark showing any individual was exercising their right to vote for who they want to represent their interests in their future. He wants to silence them, we can not allow him to do that. Even if people vote they will only vote for the dictator because they are afraid. I guess our election mess seems not to be so big. Our candidates and our voters arent fighting over violence.

There is little doubt that this racist animal, Robert Mugabe, should be deposed. He is understandingly descpicable. BUT, will the UN do anything about this guy? You'd be wrong if you depended on the UN for anything other than wasting the USA's time and money by 'investigating' the US for civil rights violations. That's right; they will be conducting an investigation on the USA's violations of civil rights while this guy chops the hands off of his own people.

You'd also be naive to think that the USA will put a stop this; why should we? That country contains no real resources that we need. Because we're the world police? Nope, actually we encourage, as opposed to force, other nations to be civil. But we have no real interest in Zimbabwe so the USA will merely encourage neighboring countries to eradicate such behavior.

We know the answer to 'What should be done?' the question that remains unanswered is 'What country will act on behalf of Zimbabwe's citizens?'. My guess is none.

I was in Zimbabwe 2 weeks ago & watched stand in a line around the block waiting for banks to open so they could get cash sent from relatives abroad. The economy is imploding and Mugabe is stealing another election...but this is Africa and the international community and African neighbors turn a blind eye to another stolen election on this continent.

The real tragedy is President Mbeki's cowardness. It is a real shame that Mugabe does not have "Weapons of Mass Destruction"...where's Colin Powell & Co. when you really need them???

You can MAKE people listen Anderson. Do it!

Sorry to say, Africa is a lost cause.

I have no answers—nor does anyone else.

Sounds terrible, doesn't it? Truth hurts. The continent is dunzo.

Don't want to admit it? Turn on CNN in 2025, I'm sure things will have spiraled even farther down-the-tubes...

I volunteered with Amnesty International and we focused quite a bit of energy on Mugabe and the conditions of Zimbabwe. I grew frustrated because people would say, "isn't that sad" and then go on with unaltered daily lives. What I realized is – they don't have oil. What happens to southern Africa really doesn't impact people in the pocket book so they don't respond. It's absolutely heartbreaking. Perhaps when oil and diamonds are discovered...

Come on...
Mugabe has ruled his country undemocratically without consideration or respect for opposition since 1987 and most people are only learning about it now from media sources such as CNN.
His despotic regime is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths since his agrarian reforms of the early 2000's and mainstream media was totally blind to this.
Lets face it, you too Anderson, the only time we pay attention to poor black countries is when there's enough drama to sell it on TV.

I just returned from spending a week in Zimbabwe and can speak first hand about the conditions the people are being forced to live in. Even in the tourist area of Victoria Falls, the grocery stores are bare and just in the short time I was there the conversion rate went from 3 Billion Zim dollars to 1 USD to 12 Billion Zim dollars to 1 USD. Security guards work 12 hour shifts (the lucky ones) in order to make enough money to buy a bar of soap. When talking to the people of Zimbabwe, the common theme was that the people are suffering and desperate, and there are very few real Mugabe supporters, but many that support him out of fear of either losing their livelihood or their life. The people are desperate and have little hope for the future with Mugabe running things, although most of them could remember the great Zimbabwe of times past. I felt so powerless.

It is clear that South Africa and Mbeke are the wrong people to be mediating the situation as Mbeke's close ties with Mugabe hardly allow him to be impartial. Unfortunately, I don't have a solution, but we owe it to the Zimbabwe people to find one in a hurry.

Hi Andedrson,
I agree. This morning, I watched South Africa on CNN, I learned that is very so bad, I knew that (Mbeki) he would get out of his race aganist Mugabi in Zimbabwe, South Africa. I agree with you, enough is enough! I wish that people need to restore and calm down, people have to stop violence each other on the street. I hope they will have to restore them before it will happen. I know that they are so danger place I see. Thanks for telling me and share with me. I will see you soon on program and live blog, See you there! xoxo......
Megan D.
Shoreline, Wa

Anderson, thank you so much for highlighting this situation. I've been watching it for awhile now. What I find more sickening and appalling than the violence occurring in Zimbabwe is the passivity of the rest of the world. I have written to my senators and representatives - with no response.

As other respondents so eloquently put it - if we intervene, we're blamed for interfering; if we don't, we're blamed for turning a blind eye.

It is hard enough for me to read such reports and cope with the frustration; I can't imagine what it must be like for you, seeing atrocities up close and personal in the field and then watching the rest of the world yawn and change the channel. But please hang in there and keep filing the stories, because we need them...if only to document our own indifference. History will be our judge - and I shudder to think of the verdict.

It is so difficult to watch people all over the world suffer at the hand of those who have wangled their way into power and use it to dominate their own. It would be wonderful if there were a global police force ready, willing and able to establish right from wrong and enforce the right. However, we don't have a global force. We have, primarily, the US with a token few from other countries trying to sort out the world's messes and sometimes getting personal priorities confused with global good. Clearly, some actions are out and out wrong but to expect only the US to go around stamping out the bad guys is a bit too much to put on our plate.

I am originally from South Africa and heve become more disillusioned every day by the inability of Africa to move forth, sticking to the past. Anderson Cooper I would devote at least ten minutes each night to Zimbabwe putting pressure on them. You can do it- try and visit the country and film the election (maybe short in time) Get their Ambassador to the UN to talk on your show. Get the South African ambassador to explain their complicit involvement in the deteriorating situation. . I would have prominent African Americans such as Barack Obama, Condi Rice, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton amonst others to come on your show and publically denounce the Mugabe regime. It was once a beautiful country with wonderful people. It makes me very sad to think of what it could have been

Nice article – It does make me wish we could do something. But, this is really an internal political matter. Oh and for all you crybabies that say, "gee if we weren't in Iraq, we could give this Mugabe fellow a real smackdown". Ok fine, lets go there.

Let's say in 2003, we didn't invade Iraq. There was a negotiated solution and that poor scapegoat Saddam was still firmly in control. The US leaves the area and (by now) has withdrawn from our bases in the region. Ok so we now have lots of firepower available.

Let's say that like you, W is p.o.'ed beyond belief about all of this. He starts to stack up, oh say 180,000 troops along the border with Zambia and South Africa. He starts talking about invading if Mugabe doesn't step down. He gets some UN resolutions that say as much.

Now, I wonder are you same people whining about troops in Iraq again out in the streets saying 'no war for...um whatever it is you think the war will be over – lettuce perhaps. Ok then, "No War for lettuce" it is. Even as much as Mr. W says "this is about freedom, not squash"

Well then Mr. Mugabe looks at all those resolutions and then looks at Saddam, still sitting there in power and tells everyone to go take a hike. If the US didn't invade Saddam, it won't invade him either, no matter how many UN resolutions W is holding.

I really don't understand you folks blaming every problem in the world on our presence in Iraq. Who am I kidding, this whole Mugabe thing is about Global Warming anyway....

It's amazing how many people agree with you and this story, but let's rewind five years ago and you could run this same article and replace the name "Zimbabwe" with "Iraq". I would like to see what the majority of you would write about that in this comment section.....

p.s. Don't even think of stating in your responses the comment "but this is different".

One more note. I picked up a Vote Mugabe leaflet and its wording are very ominous. In bold print it says: "NOW WE NEED TO FINISH OFF THE OPPOSITION." The fact that the Zanu (PF) felt this was appropriate for a piece of campaign literature should give everyone a small glimpse into their mindset.

The world body needs to stand up and demand he step down. He should be arrested for crimes against humanity and taken to the Hague. Anderson is right- this story is sickening.

Kudos to the the Unions in South Africa who refused to unload a Chinese freighter with arms destined for Mugabe and his thugs in Zimbabwe. When a democratrically elected leader such as Mbeki and his government lend tacit support to Mugabe, it is encouraging that NGO's step into the void to make a difference. Even though the actions of the Unions are not going to ensure free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, if just one life was saved by their actions, they have achieved more that Mbeki and his government who have the power and the influence in the region to ensure Zimbabwe's freedom

Anderson;
My heart goes out to this poor country! Once the 'breadbasket of Africa', Zimbabwe is now a smoldering wreck. Blow away the oily smoke, and you will find the Chinese, who I understand provide Mugabe with personal security and a telecommunications 'listening' station in the country.
Local leaders in S. Africa and Mozambique are fellow brothers-in-arms from old revolutionary days of the 70's-80's. Unfortunately, the revolution has long been over, and the Zimbabwean people pay the price for this man's senile meglomania.

Our aid programs to S. Africa, Mozambique, etc should be looked at, and the China link needs to be exposed.

Time for a creative regime change, or is that simply 'Western colonialism" again? Mugabe knows use of an AK47 from long experience. Should others remind him of its function?
I had hopes for this summer's election runoff. Those hopes, like the hopes of Zimbabweans, now on hold until this man dies – of natural causes or otherwise.

My husband and I plus 3 children lived there in 1977-1979 and were sickened to hear of Jesse Jackson lauding the "freedom fighters" who were at that time killing many more Africans than whites. The new government was built on torture and violence, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that it has continued. I agree with above comments that the violence is just a continuance of how Mugabe came to power. We lived in daily fear for our lives and for our black friends lives – two friends murdered by being hacked to death – a local black family lost two children who were impaled on fence posts because they were too close to whites. Violence gave birth to Mugabes reign and it can be stopped - and must be.

Anderson; I know first hand what it is like to live in a third world country, in 15 years of living in Columbia S. America very little changed. What can we do as Americans to help? My children 12 and 8 are not blind and ask me such questions; I can choose to give them the Santa treatment: All will be well! We want to help.
DA~

Thanks a lot Anderson for taking time to report about my country Zimbabwe. Whats happening in my motherland is more than sickening. It is a violation of human rights. The people of Zimbabwe of spoken but mugabe has refused to hand power back to the people. The guy is arrogant. He has no respect for human life. I hope he will be history soon..The people are watching and the time to act is now..we have to move in now and save my people.

Thanks again for covering this story.

Much of this has to do with the west attempting to impose a neo-colonial system of control in Zimbabwe. Mugabe did much more than liberate Zimbabwe; the country was under an apartheid like system under colonial rule. A small percentage of the white population controlled a majority of the arable land, which Mugabe justly redistributed to African peoples. Many of the problems of today can be traced to the arbitrary sanctions imposed by the West to cause instability and wrest control from Mr. Mugabe. Thank god they're seeing through this farce and backing the only true candidate: Mugabe.

"We sit and we watch, that’s all it seems we’re able to do..."

Of course that is the case...It is a country that is nonwhite and there is no oil there for us...

The lack of meaningful involvement by the Bush Administration is disgusting. But it is probably too much to expect our government to take the time and money to destroy one country (Iraq) and do anything to save another. There are only so many hours in the day!

WAKE UP ANDERSON – we have massive problems in the US that need attention – we can't help the entire world – we have people homeless and hungry in every US city – why don't you do something to help them. I guess you rich folks don't worry about your fellow citizens – you get more press if you go to a foreign country.

when we went in and removed the dictator from Irag who was doing all the same things to his people as Mugabe is doing to his most everyone who was clueless about the situation complained, and still complains; now your complaining that the world and us are sitting by and watching this, and doing nothing; you can't have it both ways people.

Anderson,
sadly, all we can do is what your already doing. Let's just keep putting this guy in the national news daily and hope the people of Zimbabwe have the courage to stand up and oust him. I think we've clearly learned that we just can't step in when ever we see conflict in other nations.

Reag in San Diego

P.S you recently topped Matt Lauer as my favorite journalist.

Being born from parents who come from a country who has also been ruled by a tyrant for 40 years (Cuba), this story is all too familiar. For some reason, those in power seem to think they are entitled to it long after any good has come from their reign. It is heartwrenching to watch a country implode and destroy itself from the inside out. Enough is enough; however, helping your fellow man seems to no longer be en vouge as the world turns a blind eye. All we can do us hope that the people grow strong and are emboldened to seek change. Be it Zimbabwe or Cuba, people deserve freedom and the right to live with dignity and hope!

Perhaps Mugabe is not referring to the electorate when he says, "Our people will decide." Maybe he is referring to ZANU-PF.
The world has repeatedly shown that it generally does not seem to care, beyond words of outrage, about what happens when Africans kill Africans or Asians kill Asians. Why should Mugabe fear any outside intervention. He knows, just as everyone using this forum knows, that there will not be any outside intervention.

mugabe is stupid. no one likes him. well, except himself i guess

Yet another thorny issue. We cannot afford to police the world. Look where it has gotten us in Iraq. The situation is very sad in countries like Zimbabwe. It seems that anywhere tribal factions meet the corporate capitalist juggernaut, strife and violence develop. We must get our own ransacked house back in order and earn back a good global reputation that we have squandered before we have enough moral currency to make much of a difference. It 's time the U.N. and EU countries and Zimbabwe's neighbors to do the heavy lifting for a change.

The monster Mugabe squats over his country like a bloated, venemous toad, or like a dragon hoarding gold or guarding a virgin: he can't use either, but still there he sits, an ugly, immovable, life-sucking force.
The nations of the world will not deal with Mugabe physically, so they need to gather round and batter the life out of him and his cancerous regime economically. Time for him to go.

Dear Anderson:

I’ve received some very disturbing photos from Zimbabwe through a friend, which I would be more than happy to share with you wider audience. But I must warn you that they're very disturbing to see. Please get in touch if you're interested.

Respectfully,
-Famara, Seattle

truth be told, money talks and you not what runs marathons, there is not much zimbabwe can offer that other countries cannot, simple fact is that there is no reason for these " big countries" to get involved because there is nothing in it for them. It all politics and money and its just a shame that we watch as something great crumble and no one does anything about it. THE OLD SAYING IS THAT " U SCRATCH MY BACK I SCRATCH YOURS", quite frankly Zimbabwe does not have that many backs to scratch, and those that it does scratch can be scratched by some other countries so why bother.

Ah, Andy wants th threat of force against Mugabe. Kinda like we did in Iraq, no Coop? (And we all know how you liberals like that use of force).

Pick a lane.

Be consistent.

Rhodesia was a far better state than Zimbabwe

There's a beautiful passage in Lorraine Hansberry's 1946 play "A Raisin in the Sun" in which the character Asagai, a Nigerian who is part of the struggle for independence from the British, talks about how he realizes that, if the fight for independence is successful and if he is elected to office, someday even he could become corrupted by power and willing to do anything to hold on to it. And he says that he hopes that if that day comes there will be young men and women of the new generation who will "step out of the shadows some evening and slit my then useless throat."

The passage as a whole is very interesting because it clearly and accurately predicts the future of Africa in the post-colonial period.

What else can we do but sit and watch it happen? African nations won't pressure him, and the UN is inept. As proved by Serbrenicia, and Mogadishu, even when the UN has peace keepers in place they won't do anything to enforce the peace. They only watch the chaos and tell the sides that the UN said to stop. The US and occasionally Brittian are the only ones who ever have the stones to stop despots, and when we do we have to otherwise justify it otherwise the UN wouldn't like it. The fact is sometimes these despots need to go for the good of the world, and war is the cost that must be paid. Anderson is right that something must be done. The issue isn't what, we all know what that eventuality will be, the only question is who. I for one am tired of the US being asked to do everything for the world, but since we have the ability it's our role in the world. When will the world stop complaining about the US and start to accept that sometimes a Sledgehammer is required to break concrete.

And where are all the NAACP dignitaries? I remember them lining up in front of TV cameras day after day denouncing the plight of Rhodesians. Apartheid is inexcusable. isn't what Mugabi doing to these poor peolpe even worse? I

Hi Anderson,

I am a native of Zimbabwe and heartbroken at the years of abuse suffered by such wonderful people. Mugabe and his cronies live by the maxim, "Do everything you can to gain power and never give it up."

Do not overestimate the quality of the opposition. If the crop of leaders-in-waiting have servants hearts instead of greed and entitlement then you will see progress to a just and prosperous society. If not, then the suffering will continue.

On a positive note, Zimbabweans are very hard workers and given the chance they will astonish the world with their industry and ingenuity, rapidly turning the country around from this severe tribulation.

Please continue the pressure for reform. A type of Marshall Plan will also be needed.

Hey, what's going on Anderson??? Chillin?? Hope you are but anyway...

I gotta say Anderson, I wish I could do something, I tried everything! Tried to pressure my Government to send me(anywhere where is dangerous, you know) but noooooo, I need "training." Hey, if they don't wanna pay for my ticket, I'll pay for it!! All I'm saying is that I would sacrifice for my country for what I believe for the rest of my life......

Ohhh and one more thing guys, I read this quote and I just wanted to comment really quick....

"We love reading your comments on the 360° blog. And there are a lot of them."

All I wanna say is I've never been so welcome.......well, technically I have but I never thought I would care, to tell you the truth....

Anderson,

Hmmm, is only Zimbabwe had oil. You can be sure the West would be there in no time. If "humanity" was a reason for doing away with Sadam Hussain, shouldn't we be supporting the people of Zimbabwe? Oh, sorry, there's no oil to use as an excuse.

By the way, why didn't you give examples of what those thugs have done, like cutting off the arms and legs of the opposition leader?

RH, Las Vegas

Anderson,

I thank you for covering this story, which is very important to me. I was born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe and went to school in South Africa. What is happening in Zimbabwe is sickening and absolutely contradicting to what people have been fighting for...the right to vote and equality. I hate to say it but the whole of Africa is corrupt and as long as there is the major divide between the haves and have not, Africa will always be in the same hell. Mugabe is a dictator and is not different to Hitler, he even has the same mustache.

Waiting on African leaders to stand up to Mugabe's machinations is a big mistake. With very few legitimate leaders throughout the continent, it is futile to expect them to stand up to Mugabe. They know that tomorrow it will be their turn to treat their people with contempt like Mugabe is doing today. And as the saying goes: "if you live in a glass house do not throw stones." It should hardly surprise any observer of the African scene that African leaders are hardly standing up to Mugabe. They know their tyranic instinct. In fact, this incident should be a case study in the kind of leaders we have in Africa: leaders who diminish the worth of their own people. It's a shame.

However, the matter is complicated on the Western side because Western double standards is only too clear in the case of Zimbabwe. Many African leaders have killed and maimed their peoples and rigged elections at will, but the West has hardly lifted a finger. Why is Zimbabwe special?

Hey Anderson. With urgent situations like this, so deserving of our attention and comment from our candidates, isn't it pathetic that instead of initiating a dialogue people like Karl Rove continue to insist on hijacking public attention with nonsensical attempts to attack Obama's personality. We need to hear from the candidates on this. How desperate are the Republicans now that they need to call Obama arrogant because he's educated and accomplished? Are we ever going to set aside these distracting, empty conversations and direct our attention to real, critical issues that have real-world impact and ramifications? Will the media ever stop obsessing on conversations that are more suited to gossip rags?

As we can see as with Iraq and Afganistan and whoever elses back yard the United States decides to rule in. Violence to stop violence doesn't work. The world would be a better place when we realize it's out of our hands. That man has dominated man to his own injury!!!

Dear Anderson,
While I agree with your sentiments I must remind you of the history. Your country, and many others conspired to put Robert Mugabe , a terrorist by any definition, in power. President Carter made it impossible for the former Prime minister Ian Smith to govern by imposing tight sanctions, this despite the fact that everybody in the then Rhodesia was well fed, clothed and attending school. Rhodesia had a strong economy and exported food and tabacco all over the world. Ian Smith's big problem? He was white! You have stood back and allowed white farmers to be driven and murdered off their farms. Now the population are starving. Any big surprise? The moral of the story is don't allow terrorists to get into power in the first place. If you conspire to put one in power then YOU have a moral responsibility to sort out the mess these psychopaths cause. P.S. Ditto for South Africa. The ANC are also terrorists that the US assisted to power.

Hi Anderson.

I think that the root of why the U.N. "Hasn't acted" is that they, along with the British government are ulitimately responsible for the mess. Ian Smiths Rhodesian government declared independence from Great Britain in the '60s but Britain refused to recognise them based upon the British "NIBMAR" policy (No Independence Before Majority African Rule).

The British talked the UN into economic sanctions aginst Rhodesia and on several occasions hosted Robert Mugabe and other terrorist leaders for talks in England. Rhodesia held out until 1979 at which point they had worn Ian Smith and co. Down so far that they agreed to hand the government over to a black majority. Robert Mugabe quickly seized power under the applause of the British government and so the seeds were set for the current crisis.

It should be noted that the actions of the British government were not necessarily representative of the British people or the entire British establishment. The British military was especially favorable towards Rhodesia. To this day (unless it has changed) the British SAS declines to establish a new "C" company because "C" was the Rhodesian SAS.

Its sad to say that the oppressed have become the chief oppressors! They are self justifying arrogant and not very reflective! The greatest sin and weakness is t hat they are not a very reflective people... What ever happened to Demming's PDSA cycle.... – Reflect my people reflect on your own actions and other peoples mistakes.

Why are you shocked Anderson? Are you and George Clooney ok then with us going in with a military solution? How many troop deaths are you willing to accept? If we go over there, stop the violence in Zimbabwe and then do the same in Darfur, troops will lose their life. Will you and the remaining liberal press then vote to impeach President Bush for taking America to war based on yet another humanitarian effort?

Monkeys with guns, what else can I say. Have you seen Somalia lately? If things keep going this way LA will look the same. Civilization is falling apart.

As long as the nations of the world hold that sovereignty
is an inviolable principle, all we can do is *ask* the
murderous dictators to stop. We've asked in Burma,
Darfur, N.Korea, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, etc, etc.
They've all said no. The killing and injustice continues.
Time to re-evaluate our principles?

In a statement released from the Dutch Embassy, Tsvagirai, leader of the MDC, has pulled out of the run off election in an attempt to end the violence. He has asked that all political prisoners be released and that humanitarian efforts be restored. He is aware of the condemnation that Mugabe and the ruling ZANU-PF party has received from the UNSC, the ANC, the African Union, COSATU, and SACP. However, he has asked that no further foreign intervention take place. His statement concluded with, "This is an African problem that requires an African solution."

It was in zimbabwe during the inauguration of Mugabe that the legend, Bob Marley sang the song "every man got the right to decide his own destiny" Almost 30 years after the song, zimbabweans are yet to decide their destiny via a free and fair election. This is rather unfortunate. Mugabe need to realize that he who makes peaceful change impossible indirectly making violent change inevitable. We hope and pray that what happened in the old Zaire–now democratic republic of Congo, will not happen in Zimbabwe.

My siblings and I were born in Zimbabwe (we are white africans). My brother remains trying to hang onto a country he thinks can make it work. After these last elections and him being forced to attend a political party rally for Mugabe he has decided there is no hope for democracy. No other country is allowing visas for him to leave and he is stuck. I need anyone to help him and his family leave and get to America somehow. The American INS of course is overwhelmed with refugees and is totally ignoring my requests for a visa for my brother and his young family. If anyone out there can help me get my brother and his family into the USA please let me know zac.jackie@verizon.net God Bless.

The USA should stay out. They should pressurize the UN to take action or Britain.
The USA is the only country with guts to do something worldwide but then gets dragged down for doing it. Let somebody else sort this mess up.
I have lived in a few countries in Southern Africa, and every country has been destroyed once the colonialist have left.
Very sad state of affairs as Africa is beautiful with strange but wonderful people.

B. Hussein Obama is a "socialist" just like Mugabe. Zimbabwe is America in 2016.

Anderson,

We sit and we watch, that’s all it seems we’re able to do.

Sad but true.

Someone once told me that for the kind of atrocities and unimaginable hardships that occur in places like Darfur, Sierra Leone, the Congo – it would take some sort of spiritual leader to actually help things move to a new stage. Like a Gandhi or a Nelson Mandela or a Martin Luther King Jr.

That may sound like a cop-out (because its saying that we can't really do anything) but with all the human rights abuses around the world (esp in Africa) I have to believe in that somewhat.

I think that the US should continue the humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe but other than that – I think the people there are going to have to wait until this guy is dead and gone (and then any chaos that ensues after that). Maybe they will have a leader (who is now unknown to the world) that comes along to help them.

If other African nations (especially) turn a blind eye (which is probably what they will continue to do) – I don't see too many options for the innocent citizens there.

Anderson thank you for covering the situation in zimbabwe i have spent time in Zim and feel that there is no help from other nations. my wife and i now live in the US and still have family in Harare. i just wish that other countries would step in and help in this situation. Zimbabwe is full of natural resources and was once the bread basket of africa.

Funny, he has become the tyrant that he fought against 30 years ago.

Anderson:

The situation in Zimbabwe ( as well as other parts ) of Africa is really horrific. As long as China is allowed unfettered access to Africa's oil supply ( and yes there is oil in Africa ) and their rich abundence of natural resources these brutalities will continue. China continues to arm and cut deals with many of these bad actors that rule some of these nations. The leaders get rich and powerful, but the human rights violations grow every day. The west just sits on its hands not wanting to look as if it is interfering with China as an emerging and huge market for its goods and services.

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

Anderson,
This has been ongoing for years, yet the US government and others have remained almost silent. What Mugabe has done is just as brutal as the crimes of the former regime in Iraq. 1,000’s of people have died from starvation, murder and abuse. These are war crimes, but no one will be punished. Maybe I’m cynical, but no one will do anything because there is no oil or a perceived terrorist threat. This is a form of genocide. How many people have to die before we remember the phrase NEVER AGAIN?

Welcome, finally, to what is happening in Zimbabwe. This has been going on for years and unfortunately will take more than a few blogs to help out. It will take more than money to help out. I too, have spent time in Zimbabwe and other parts East Africa. Perhaps a shot to the head. "Eye for an eye, Tooth for a tooth" Perhaps then this beautiful country will have a chance to become what it really is to the people.......Free

Oh brother. What a bunch of hypocrites. Iraq had a dictator 10 times as bad, and one that attempted to assassinate our president. He also attempted to shoot down our airplanes when we tried putting pressure on him. Bush finally said “Enough is Enough” and now most of you despise him for it. Anderson, and the rest of you windbags, blame yourselves for what is happening in Zimbabwe.

“We sit and we watch, that’s all it seems we’re able to do.”

No Anderson, that is not all we are able to do. The media can give this story and countless others the coverage that they deserve.

The media has a very powerful effect on politicians, not the tyrants of the world but the members of the UNSC, what a disgrace it will be to them to go down in history as the ones that stood and did nothing, the ones that allowed the tortures, genocide and the complete obliteration of human rights in so many parts of the world. Encourage the media to put them to shame and I can assure you they will act, and not just stall until it is too late.

As for us common folks we are not powerless, we can support international human rights organizations, we can volunteer our time and or money to help these brave people continue with their courageous work.
We can send emails to the UNSC and the International Court, pressuring them to take action to help the people of Zimbabwe, Sudan, Burma, and other places oppressed by tyrants.

Here are some of the organizations I know of, check their sites out, contribute as best you can, they will welcome your support I have already joined, don’t sit and watch hoping someone will do something when you can contribute to make this a better world for future generations.

Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org

Human rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org/

Freedom House
http://www.freedomhouse.org

Glad this caught Andersons attention from reading the news. Could he also pay attention to Sudan. Maybe after 14 years someone will say 'enough is enough' with the geonocide there too.

The U.N. has a committee that is still meeting (since 2003) to determine if the 'word geonocide' can be applied legally to Sudan. Get that? While thousands are dying the U.N. is debating the Websters definition of the word. Really.

no oil ... thus the American indifference ...

The injustice in this world has gone beyond sickening to numbing and Mugabe is another example of the numbskulls running the world.. my God he looks like a friggin' monkey. We watch CNN and BBC helplessly as the world goes to hell in a handbasket.
Why doesn't the U.S. play the policeman with this idiot Mugabe?..aren't there enough natural resources in the country to make it worth-while?........

"A Tragic failure of Leadeship in Zimbabwe" could not have been put more eloquently by Nelson Mandela today who came out in a carefully worded condemnation of the tryant. Mugabe has been left to run wild and govern Zimbabwe like a war lord with no one aggressively taking any action with silent whispers from the U.N. and the Afrian Union. We shall wait and see while thousands die and democracy goes down the drain yet in another African country.....

You say the Zimbabwan people don't deserve it.

But if they all just leave, or take refuge at embassies, instead of organising an armed rebellion, I am afraid they do deserve it.

To Mike in NYC: "Self-inflicted" or not, still, it is wrong to just sit back and let the atrocities happen. It's as if we're complicit in it. Now you may disagree with that, and that's fine, I'm just saying what I think.

You like to quote other people. How about coming up with your own?

Anderson,
Yes enough is enough. I am ashame to say that all I do is sit and watch. Perhaps there is something, we human/citizen of the so call "civilized countries" can do.
What would happen, if we do act like the French?
Strikes until the goverment of nations takes action?
What/whom is it that would stop all of us, from walking on the street for an entire day, block the road, shut down the work force, just so we can be heard? What prevent us to do so? Job, finance, food, etc...what?
Maybe it is time that we "American" as a whole, show the world what we are capable of as nation of people from the land of the free.
We all write, blog, send emails, watch TV, call, etc... but that is definitely not enough. Then compatriote, what are we doing to help?

Figure out a way that Halliburton can make a fast profit off sending in troops and the military will be in there like bees on honey. Now that the US military is there to service private interests, if anyone wants the US to help get Mugabe out, he must be seen as a reason to send in Halliburton so the military can protect the Halliburton employees from those people in foreign countries who are all terrorists and bad.

The standard approach is to induce alarms and pit side against side to keep the fighting going long term. Halliburton has to do something before election day! Hurry boys! How about "Mugabe's missiles aimed at Jerusalum and Springfield", or "Mugabe farts in Rumsfeld's general direction!" OK now, let's vote for more WAR!!!!

While I agree that the situation in Zimbabwe is contemptible, is it really our place to tell another country how to run its business? Or, to take it a step further, use military force to impose our political beliefs on another country?

How would we feel if a Communist country felt that "their" way was the right way and believed it was their sacred duty to intervene militarily in the US until we switched to Communism?

How would we feel if Germany of the World War II era had the power of the US today and imposed its beliefs on each country today?

We pretend to be morally superior, but there are a number of travesties that occur in this country every day. Sure, we aren't committing genocide, but really, people need to stand up for themselves to appreciate the freedoms they've earned. Freedoms given are taken for granted.

Hey Anderson
I share your outrage that all we can do is sit and watch. At least that is all we are doing. It's sad that the world's only "super power" doesn't do more. Together with our allies we should not just sit and watch. Something tells me we can do more, we just don't!

Thanks for blogging about this and keeping us informed. Hopefully at some point you can report that things have improved and the brutality has ended.

Anderson, what is happening in Zimbabwe is tragic. This is yet another sad time when the powerful western world turns its back on Africa. I hope someday soon someone studies why so many countries in Africa resort to this sort of violence (Africa is not the only guilty continent, but I think it is unique in some ways). There's a pattern here, that I believe we can collectively break if we were to understand the complexities of it.

Anderson.....Facts that you need to resarch about Zimbabwe and they will show how the country came to be what it is.....if you need more you have my email

DRC War
Zimbabwe adoption of the new constitution form the British
Freedom Fighters – Compensation
Freedom Fighters vs White Farmers

We do NOT need our forces going anywhere near Africa. Let the UN take the lead on this one. The US military has one job only...protect the USA. We threw down the Iraqi despot, and nobody even says thanks......in fact, we are hated because of our efforts.

Sorry Zimbabwe...you wanted Mugabe, you got him.

Sickening does not begin to describe the situation in Zimbabwe. It's another sad situation in Africa that does not get the attention it deserves. Mugabe has had free reign for 30 years, and the leaders of the countries in Southern Africa are as much to blame as the leaders of the G-8, who should be paying much more attention to this troubling situation than they have been. This isn't the first time this story has been in the news; it has come up at each election, although this time the violence is out of control and it's obvious that Mugage and his cronies will cling to power until civil war erupts.

To think at one point, this was the hope of Africa.

The real shame is the South African govt. Their ambivalence , presumably because of a favour many years ago, is not only hurting the Zimbabweans, will come back to haunt them as millions go South via unpatrolled borders seeking prosperity. S. Africa will be dealing with the repercussions thereof.

I find whatever is going on in Zimbabwe disgusting,not only because I'm A very proud African from Africa,but because I hate to see any human being suffer,regardless of what color or nationality they are,and generally,we Africans are peace loving.People of Zimbabwe,thousands of Godly people around the world remember you daily in their prayers,and Africa will stand for God loves us.It's very encouraging to see sensible comments from people like Lyle Johnson in CA,God bless you sir and every one else who embraces the truth as it is.In this country where most people profess to be christians,one really wonders if they know that it's almost criminal for a christian to be stupid/ignorant,if at all they know there's a book called proverbs.In 2nd Timothy 2:15,the apostle Paul tells Timothy to study so as 'to shew himself approved'.That reminds me this country belongs[ed] to a people called The native Americans,and by the way,most of those so called western expatriates working in Africa and other countries can hardly construct a full sentence with out making some glaring spelling errors,if only for their sakes,please pray for stability in Africa,their skills are not very rare.

MUIGAI.

Anderson if it bothers you so much, don't look. It's none of our business anyway, and the natives have been butchering each other on that continent for centuries. When they stop butchering each other they breed and starve and expect the rest of the world to save their sorry butts. No thanks. Ever stop to think that evolution is still at work? Perhaps they have been selected for extinction by mother nature.

we, americans, only seem to act when action serves our "true" interests first, i.e. Iraq's oil as opposed to wanting to "liberate" them. there is so much stark brutality in africa that it turns to stomach to even contemplate. and yet, in spite of the hell that people in zimbabwe and other african countries endure, our government continues to pretend to be concerned while it does nothing.

Anderson what is happening in Zimbabwe is a shame. One man brings this country form it's beginnings to the point of it being called the "Bread Basket of Africa" and now he turns on his own countrymen and does all the things he would not have allowed 25 years ago. I hope some force will be brought to bare on his regime to remove him and allow the people to have a free and fair election.

The last time the US went into a country that was being held by a dictator who killed his own people and did not have free elections, the US was roundly condemned by nations of the world for acting unilaterally. Well now is the time for the UN to act if they want change. If the US tried to do this there would be condemnation of our actions by the African nations even though behind closed doors they'd be happy. Let the UN show it is a worthwhile organization and can do better than they did in Darfur or Serbia. Maybe we can get Obama to sit down with Mugabe. I'm he would be able to show Mugabe the error of his ways and step aside for the good of the people. Obama can show how his plan to sit down with leaders of terrorist exporting nations can work. Go ahead Barack,.

--OFF WITH MUGABE's HEAD-–

Isn't this what the CIA is for??? Show this man what happens to sadistic thugs that try to destroy a whole population....

As a citizen of Africa, it is really sickening to see people tortured, displaced and even die for simply expressing their opinion. I always wonder what the people around Mugabe think of their own people. He is 84 and probably does not comprehend the situataion, but his so called supporters should understand and atleast once in their life do the right thing: Listen to the people they are supposed to be serving. I just wish leaders in Africa see what Mandela did. He is indeed more/ or as important now as when he was the leader of SA.

“We sit and we watch, that’s all it seems we’re able to do.”

No Anderson, that is not all we are able to do. The media can give this story and countless others the coverage that they deserve.

The media has a very powerful effect on politicians, what a disgrace it will be to the politicians on the UNSC to go down in history as the ones that stood and did nothing, the ones that allowed the tortures, genocide and the complete obliteration of human rights in so many parts of the world. Encourage the media to put them to shame and I can assure you they will act, and not just stall until it is too late.

As for us common folks we are not powerless, we can support international human rights organizations, we can volunteer our time and or money to help these brave people continue with their courageous work.
We can send emails to the UNSC and the International Criminal Court, pressuring them to take action to help the people of Zimbabwe, Sudan, Burma, and other places oppressed by tyrants.

Here are some of the organizations I know of, check their sites out, contribute as best you can, they will welcome your support I have already joined, don’t sit and watch hoping someone will do something when you can contribute to make this a better world for future generations.

Amnesty International

Human rights Watch

Freedom House

Who cares about Africa?

We have American problems here at home. Qw can't help other people without helping ourselves. The Mississippi River is flooding our breadbasket, and you are worried about African elections.

I agree with you Anderson, but what can other countries do short of sending in troops? (seriously, I'm wondering what we can do. We all know how well things work out when we send troops into a sovereign country to "save" its people, now don't we?)

Are there any sanctions that can be imposed, and that will have any effect, that aren't already in place? Unfortunately, punishing the leader in a case like this usually means punishing his people. What kinds of pressure can we put on him? Public opinion doesn't matter to Mugabe, so condemning his actions has no effect.

It's maddening to watch this going on and (seemingly) have no power to stop it. In the end, what may happen is what usually does happen to a bully... the tables get turned. A bullied kid eventually grows up and takes a stand; the bully becomes the bullied.

Zimbabweans have suffered a long time at the hands of this tyrant and one wonders how much longer they'll allow it to continue before turning the tables...

Some of these comments amaze me. In the case of Iraq, the liberals were screaming at the top of their lungs when we went in there and took out Saddam. Now it seems to be the same liberals that are screaming, this time for us to go in and take out Mugabe. Come on people, you can't have it both ways. And if the U.S. doesn't do anything, do you really expect the 'mighty' U.N. to step up to the plate? Give me a break.

As someone who briefly lived in Zimbabwe (in 1996) and loves the land and her people, it breaks my heart to see this preventable catastrophe. Perhaps if the American government and people were more interested in civil rights and human life than propping up friendly dictators who can serve our "national interest" such problems could be addressed before they dvelop into atrocities.

Well what a conversation you have going here Anderson.

This may sound like a stupid suggestion, but I've learned to be comfortable suggesting such things.

When this blog is closed, why don't you (or the 360 intern(s)) print out every message from this conversation and priority mail it to Mgabe & others in his government. Mail it to the UN and the leaders/governments of other African nations.

Send out (or have the intern send out) about 10-15 letters and see if you can get a response.

The recipients may just throw it away but who cares. The people on this blog are from many different countries around the world – not only America.

What's the worst thing that could happen?

If CNN can't do it – maybe someone else (who can afford the international shipping prices) can try.

Let us know if you get a response.

Politics aside.

We are facing a humanitarian crisis in ZimBOBwe unlike anything we've ever seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Mugabe has released his DOGS OF WAR on his own people, assisted by our incumbent President Mbeki's sponsorship of a certain Chinese arms shipment.

For once, I am pro military intervention to remove him from his position and this will be a totally non-religious aligned strategy. Mugabe has stated that only God will remove him, and if military intervention in this case can be defined as an Act of God- then by all means- what are we waiting for.

Mugabe has sunk his country into an abyss, and I fear that Mbeki is doing the same with South Africa.

Agree the situation in Zimbabwe is tragic. Unfortunately, Mugabe is just another example of a ruthless dictator that manages to hang on to power through violence and intimidation.

I wish those in Zimbabwe and others in a similar situation would take a page from US and French history (i.e. revolution). They have to want it bad enough to risk everything to take back control of their country.

James – Dallas

Anderson,
It is nice that you took the time to post. I for one, am glad I live in the country I do, with the freedoms we have. Your report about the violence that occurs when you voice your opinion makes our Democracy all the more valuable. I always find our Statue of Liberty a welcome symbol whenever I fly to distant shores.

Jeff>
"That country contains no real resources that we need. "

This is exactly why there is no action on our part, Jeff. Democracy is important in so far as there are resources we want or need to go with it. Thank you.

If America learned anything from Iraq, it is that no good deed goes unpunished. We could spend lives and billions of dollars to gallop into Zimbabwe, and let Zimbabweans and the rest of the world spit on us for it, or we could let a country fix its own mess for once.

So true! Rad and truthful article. UN peacekeeping force? US Force?

If the international community decided to enforce the peace what would 'force type' would you recommend? how many followers does mugabe have at his command?

Analysis please!

Anderson

I had no idea that this was going on in Zimbabwe. Its probably a vain hope but I hope the Mugabe gets beaten again; if he does and he refuses to relinquish his office then perhaps the situation will capture the attention of the world and something constructive will be done about it. Thanks for telling us about it.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Makes for good reporting. What does the international community does about it? NOTHING. It is this form of impunity that allow other leaders and groups in place like in SUDAN, SERBIA, RWANDA, LEBANON, AFGANISTAN, IRAK, IRAN and many more to continue. I suggest we invade them all. Otherwise, let's not say a word

I've lived in Zimbabwe and it is indeed the most wonderful place on earth.
However, right now there is NO political value, NO financial value to the rest of the world which is why nobody cares about it's future. It' just another run down African nation in distress. Until there is money or political gains to be had it will continue to fall into despair and the only people who suffer are the real Zimbabweans. And Mugabe lost his right to claim he is one of them. He is nothing but a small speck of dirt on the canvas of the world!

On behalf of all suffering Zimbabweans thank you for throwing the spotlight on Mugabe's deeds. Mugabe must go. What the world needs to know is that its not about the land issue rather its his addiction to power .I wish Zimbabwe had oil because America and its allies would have gotten rid of him a long time ago. I wonder if President Bush can end his term on a high note by stopping Mugabe's reign of terror.

Sounds like another Idi Amin.

Wow, I've read too many comments now to realize nobody has the answer to Mugabi's terror. Well, nobody has the answer to G. F'n Bush's terror in Iraq! Nobody has the answer to why did Bldg #7 collapse (really intentionally imploded)! Nobody has the answer as to why NIST in Boulder, Colo cannot come up with a viable report to 911.
Doesn't anybody out there realize that all governments seek opportunities for the few. People in power, like Cheney, who factually knew in advance of a remote guided drone to hit the pentagon. Go you tube see "loose Change" final edition. Why? He's the largest stockholder in Halliburton. Halliburton...No bid contract to Iraq. Stock soars. Government leaders world over pick & choose "opportunities".
I love all those folks claiming power corrupts. I suggest we find one piece of plane evidence from 4 boeing's on 911. There is none! None!
It seems as if America is so hell bent on trying to help the world, but has it's head burried in the sand on trying to help herself. Only when we prosecute the murderers of 911, the healing of our country will begin to be resusitated. We will strengthen, come together & help other nations. Out of kindness, generosity & concviction to merely do the right thing. None of that dream will happen folks, until 911 participants & co-conspirators are brought to justice. Oil & power corrupts only in the wrong hands. Anderson should solve 911, but his network won't allow that. I do agree Mugabi is an internation shame,
but so is the U.S in it's investigation of 911. Actually, much more shamefull.

Anderson,
It's too bad that Mugabe is referred to as the "liberator" and that so many people seem to have forgotten (or misunderstood) what took place in Rhodesia. It was a proxy war in the larger cold war with western forces supporting the existing government and Russia and China backing rebel factions. The Rhodesian government wanted to (or at least realized that it hat to) turn away from white rule into a representative democracy, but wanted to do it over a decade, slowly bringing blacks into power. But this wasn't good enough for many who saw England divesting herself from her colonies after WWII. People forget how many black Rhodesians fought on the side of the government (against Mugabe) because it represented stability and had shown the ability to reform itself. While Rhodesia was a British colony in name, England had almost nothing to do with it after WWII (embarrassed that democratic rule was not installed overnight). England may have "legally" given up Rhodesia in the late '70s, but they actually gave it up in the 1950's, for all practical purposes.

Anderson,

If I am the 333th commentator then that is my lucky number.

Somone told me about the Third World theory: the bourgouise of the rich country, maintains the bourgouise of the Third World. The common people suffer and are being surpressed.
This sort of makes sense, but would you buy this?

I agree–American coverage of this story has been pathetically sparse. Thank you Anderson for highlighting the tragedy & horror which is taking place in Zimbabwe. Sickenly, this country was once the breadbasket of Africa and, properly managed, could feed a large chunk of the continent today. It is tragic that a continent which can produce a Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu sits idlely by while a thug like Mugabe runs amok. Where is the world outrage? Why do his neighbors tolerate this? Why have all of Zimbabwe's assets not been frozen? Another great reason for more transparency in international banking–I bet this guy has an absolute fortune stashed in Switzerland et.al. And, lastly, the overwhelmingly liberally biased American television news media has been disgracefully neglectful about covering this story–perhaps because they are reluctant to highlight a failing leader in Africa–who happens to be black– whilst simultaneously providing lopsidely favorable coverage to Mr Obama???

The situation in Zimbabwe is deplorable, and it is time Mugabe step down in a dignified manner; but we have to realize what is Mugabe's motivation for holding on to power: As a man who was instrumental in securing independence for his country, he habours a general mistrust of Western governments/policies which are to some extent unfair and smell of neocolonialism(eg. unfair trade laws that favor the developed world). The guy has a somewhat legitimate fear of a puppet regime, nonetheless his actions of violence and intimidationcannot be tolerated.

Mugabe is the lowest of tyrants...ahh the things men will do to stay in power. Risk the lives of millions of people (suspending NGO's) and now the outright murder of people who simply hope to express one of their basic human rights (CHOICE). Just one more example that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I was in Zimbabwe in 1981, one year after the country gained its freedom. There was only hope and optimism then. Now it must be a hellish place and you are right, it is so frustrating because all we can do is sit and wait. The collective will of the global leadership must effect change... somehow.

if Mugabe was white – it would be called appartheid, genocide, etc. – it would be on the "A" list of issues to be dealt with by the world, there would be a total boycott of Zimbabwe . Because he is the same color as the people he is slaughtering – the rest of the world mysteriously look the other way – What is it with these new black leaders in Africa – why are they not screaming about this as they would be if he was white – could it be they themselves are keeping such violent ways in reserve for their own re-election and don't want to rock the boat?

How stupid do you have to be to believe a man like Mugabe could survive if he were not surrounded by corrupt leaders all over Africa who all look the other way, many of them while they are busy stealing every penny they can get their hands on.

I see no American presidential hopefulls screaming about this issue – they seem more interested in retiring their campaign dept and looking good in front of the cameras.

So Anderson – I agree – enough is enough – , but I think you need to scream louder and carry a bigger stick if you want anyone to pay attention.
Unfortunately I will not see you on television – I don't have TV – but I will have a talk with my horse and my son about it and maybe the three of us can decide to stay in the Canyon where we live and keep Mugabe out!

Jon

This is so ridiculous. My best friend is from Zim, but currently living in London. Even in London, she can't say anything publicly against Mugabe because her family is still in Zim and she fears for them. The whole situation is more than sickening–This man has single handedly brainwashed and corrupted an entire nation that was once, like you said, one of the grandest in Africa. I can only hope that the UN will step in–"condemning" the situation will do nothing, and I guess that's what they're good at! Even a vote that shows the people of Zim want him out won't remove him. So many people have been murdered over this situation. Because the UK and the US don't have any political or economic interest in Zimbabwe, they're perfectly willing to stand by the wayside and see this country self-destruct.

Anderson,

I would have to agree with a comment I read from Matt Crea. We sit around and do nothing, we watch horrific stories of things happening in other countries, we hope that the UN will have a backbone and step in and do something, but it never does.

What happens next? The US will be forced to do something becuase all the other countries lack a backbone. But instead of people being grateful, we are vilified. As sorry as I feel about the plight of these people, I no longer wish for the US to step in and do something about it. Countries need to be able to police and govern themselves, it's not our job!

I hope that their situation improves and that they are able to have fair elections, but not at the expense of us having to go and police their country.

Anderson, your blog touched one of my rawest nerves. I'm so frustrated by what I see happening in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa that I could cry, something I don't do often. I'm a student of history and human behavior. I even believe in God. By the way, where is God? Lord, please help these people and give us understanding 'cause I'm not gettin' this at all. Thanks for giving us a place to vent.
Judy
Hyattsville, MD

Hi AC, I'm glad you are back safe and sound. What is with these leaders that don't care about their people. The money and power are too much? What kind of person will let their country suffer? It seems to me that the people make up the country, not the leader. They are the ones we need to support. What is with the UN? Do they not monitor these situations? I'm glad that you go to Africa and report on these issues. I doubt that people would care if you did not report on them. P.S. Loved the repeat on 60 minutes. I hope your reports bring attention to these problems. Keep up the great work!

I completely agree with your views on the current situation in Zimbabwe. But I would beg you to look at the current situation in the MALDIVES where the exact same tihing as Zimbabwe is happeining. We have had a ruler in power for more than 28 years and is still not willing to have free and fair elections. Similiar to Mugabe he reaps the benefits of the lucrative tourism industry of the country and the common man is starving. He uses brut force to stay in power and has recently stated that he will again stand for nother 2 terms. Even though the country is small and has no strategic importance compared to Zimbabwe we believe as humans we deserve the same attention.

So the unbearable truth is: Zimbabwe was better off under White minority rule. That is a sad truth in much of Black Africa. Perhaps the western civil rights paradigm did not match Africa's realities, except in the minds of some silly American nuns who confused Mugabe and his ilk with Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers. In any event, the clock cannot be turned back. The Rhodesian Light Infantry and Rhodesian African Rifles cannot be resurrected and, supported by South Africa's 32 Battalion, sent marching on Harare. African problems must, in the end, be solved by Africans, using African methods, however long and twisted that road may be.

What makes Nelson Mandela great is that he did not allow South Africa to go down the Zimbawbee road . However, i am not sure Mandela would not have gone down this road if Mugarbe had not shown him the conscequencs.

As the Tutsis rose up to overthrow the genocidal government of Rwanda, the oppressed Zimbabwean people must now take up arms and overthrow Mugabe and his murderous henchmen. The objective now for the civilized world is to encourage and recognize a patriotic Zimbabwean militia, provide the arms, and give all other necessary support for a victory.

To: yoseph

Excuses can only last so long. Africa is a continent of failure.

Eddy wrote:

"Not only that, the United Nations is just showing the increasing wave of femininity ..."

I agree. Minding one's own business is a masculine trait.

Pati wrote:

"I think if Obama was in office, he would bounce this guy out with persuasion of U.N. force!"

If BO becomes POTUS, he'll get His War, sooner or later.

Jeffrey Perlman wrote:

"I would have prominent African Americans such as Barack Obama, Condi Rice, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton amongst others to come on your show..."

Not sure about BO and Condi, but if it lacks white-bashing potential, Jesse and Al won’t be interested.

Anderson-good article but CNN is several years late to the issue. However, at least you are writing about this. I know exactly how we can get rid of Mugabe and his horrendous regime.

Get the Bush administration to put all their efforts into finding oil in Zimbabwe. Then the American government, our Canadian government and most European governments will see value in that country. I mean all Mugabe is doing is killing innocent people........... but .......if there was oil, then of course the USA and Canada and Europe might actually do something to save Zimbabwe.

Shame on all of them. Shame on all of us.
Dan Donovan, Ottawa, Canada

p.s. ........maybe while they are lookin gfor oil in Zimbabwe they can send a team down to find oil in Darfur. Then Darfur and its people will be valuable to the west rather than disposable.

It seems if the US does nothing, we are morons for not acting. If we help Zim, then we are war mongers and world police. What is the right answer anymore? I just don't know. What I do know is that people are being murdered for wanting to turn their country around. Dear God, please bring peace to Zim once again.

Hi Anderson,
I know a lot of people from Zimbabwe,lot of horror stories too.True there is know oil or diamonds here or everyone else would be concerned.
There has been a civil war going on in beautiful Country of Sri Lanka i wish you would do a story on it.
Thank you
see you tonight
Eddy

It just infuriates me to see that goon Mugabe subvert democracy and steal the people's rights from them. A righteous use of our miltary would be to crush his regime and allow re-election without the threat of violence. I hate that guy!

This would be a wonderful opportunity for the Japanese and Germans to take the lead role. For too long, they've sat on the sidelines bulidling cars, machinery and other durable products. Meanwhile the USA continues to lose entire industries, is trillions of dollars in debt and still feels that it is our sole responsbility to solve everybody's problems.

I wonder how many Americans heard about what was happening to Jews (and others Nazis targeted) and thought, "I hope they'll be okay." It took the Allied Forces overtaking that horrible government before the atrocities of the Holocaust stopped. I also wonder what will be recorded 20+ years from now about the people who are the victims.

Well said Anderson. It would be interesting to see if the world may act differently if Zimbabwe was a resource (oil) rich country. No one wants to spend blood and treasure at this point when the only thing to gain is their people's freedom...more is needed to gain for the World Body to act. So it goes, and their people continue to suffer.

Mugabe is only part of the problem. Nothing will ever get done until countries like China and South Africa, who seem to think only of their own potential benefit when choosing who to do business with, get on board and do the right thing.

The thing is... the United States has been doing the same thing for decades. (see Saudi Arabia)

"Say hello to the new boss, same as the old boss."

Mugabe is only part of the problem. Nothing will ever get done until countries like China and South Africa, who seem to think only of their own potential benefit when choosing whom to do business with, get on board and do the right thing.

The thing is... the United States has been doing the same thing for decades. (see Saudi Arabia)

"Say hello to the new boss, same as the old boss."

Anderson
I think it is very sad situation indeed, becauseeven though the United Nations' General Secetary, UK,USA and some African countries are condemning Mr Mugabe and his tyrant supporters, it is not enough. What is needed is ACTION by ALL African leaders and people where ever they are in the world. What will really happen is that the World leader will still be standing by speaking out agaist Mugabe while innocent people are being killed, the presidential electial over, Mugabe in power, suffering worsens, etc,etc.
Fact is Mugabe's people are killing their own people, NOT American or Europeans or other African people. Also there is no oil or other natural resources that America and Europeans can exploit, so they are going to just talk without action to stop another innocent person of this great and beautiful country,Zimbabwe die to be watch on TV and feel sorry for them.
The world leaders have not learned much from the situation which occurred in Kenya after the presidential election recently, i mean innocent people killed. AND what about the Ruwanda genocide. Who was the UN General Secretary then? My point is ENOUGH of TALKING, for heavens sake DO something practical to help the people of Zimbabwe and a safe and secure transition from political dictatorship to a democratic one. Does every African in UK, USA or other countries bother about the Zimbabwe situation?

I visited Zimbabwe in 1996. It was a beautiful country then, with very friendly people – open and generous even though mismanagement had already taken much of their potential away. What has happened since then is a crime against humanity.

Mugabe's thugs rely on clubs and WWII rifles. A few well equipped brigades with some air support could cut through them like butter and place the rightfully elected government of the MDC in power within a few weeks. Mugabe could then be frog-marched to The Hague for his crimes.

Unfortunately, the rest of southern Africa would condemn such action, for many reasons but mostly out of shame and cowardice.

Hi Andersen,

I found your comments about Mugabe's reign of terror fascinating, particularly when you say you've been to Zimbabwe twice. I'd like to hear more about what you see being a solution. And why does the United Nations appear so impotent in matters such as this? I thought that body was formed for just this kind of purpose....to right wrongs. What gives?

I worked 3 summers in Angola and Zambia with the poorest of the poor, giving info on AIDS and teaching literacy classes. When we talked about elections, the people said they wouldn't ever vote, particularly against the incumbent, because his henchmen would find out and kill them and their families. There is no way to overturn corrupt governments, apparently. UN election watch teams prove useless. When will the UN, other developed nations step up? Until there is change, the services never get to the people-–garbage piling up everywhere, minimal city services, little education, but the leaders live like kings. Oil companies, other American and UN companies work in Angola, for instance, but say and do nothing to move progress forward. There must be change and fast.

Anderson ,

Thank you for reporting on Zimbabwe. I am one of 3 million Zimbabweans that have left our home country in recent years because of Robert Mugabe. I am deeply dismayed at the lack of action from the rest of the world. Morgan Tsvangirai and Human Rights groups and churches have all pleaded with the International cummunity to send help to Zimbabwe. All we get is "condemnation" and "talks" and "resolutions" whilst people are being raped, murdered, and beaten. What is the threshold for intervention – is it genocide?

The US, Europe, Russia, Asia took part in slavery, colonization for our own use and to "Civilize" Africa. The civilized governments are doing now to their people what we did to them and our own when each country started. We have to own up to our part in this mess which may be why we ignore it. It won't solve the various problems pertaining to each African country. But a realistic and hopeful future might be more attainable if we look at the past truthfully. Just Sayin'

When I see the tyranny in Zimbabwe and other countries I often wonder if these atrocities and genocides would happen if every citizien owned a firearm. I guarantee you Mugabe and other dictators would think twice about how they treat their people if they knew they were armed. Thank God for the 2nd amendment here in the US. It's not about hunting, it about preventing what you see in Zimbabwe now.

You media types drive me nuts. You complain and gripe about the situation in Iraq (remember the brutal dictator that lived there), yet highlight other situations and imply that no one will do anything. Geez, you beat up those who do take action based upon your own political biases, and then wonder why there seems to be little if any reaction to follow-on situations. Hello. And, just for the record, I've been to both Afghanistan and Iraq in uniform. So, I've been there done – done that. They were great experiences and the U.S. is doing many positive (yet under reported) things. Can't imagine how you'd bash this administration if they sent troops to handle this problem – after all, NO OTHER country will do it. That much is clear.

I too am sickened by Mugabe as I continue to be sickend by Al-Bashir of Sudan, and also by the coward Mbeki of S. Africa. The hellhole that Africa is becoming is a direct result of the west installing these heinous dictators to begin with. We all realize that colonialism was a great evil, but you can only blame it for so long & more stable African nations need to pressure Mbeki into getting directly involved in Zimbabwe & not just giving Mugabe a wrist slap while tongue lashing the west. Meanwhile, China is doing a very good job of raping Africa and will, in the end, leave it to bleed out. America & its allies need to apply pressure where needed. Get out the word that wherever China's hand is in Africa – Sudan, Zimbabwe, et al, there is a whole mess of grief. The Chinese may not like it, but embarrasing them is the only way to get them to apply pressure on these corrupt regimes. They, along w/the Russians & So. Africa are stopping troops from stepping in and guarding the citizens of Zimbabwe against the atrocities we are witnessing.

Look, i understand the frustration coming from people, particularly here in the west. But, as an african, i dont think force intervention is the solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Well Anderson, I do not know what you would want the United States to do about it. We threw down a tyrant in Iraq who had done worse to people on a larger scale and all you and Cnn in general have done is vilify our armed forces and call them murderers. If the US went in and took Mugabe out, I am sure it would be wrong if President Bush ordered it, so quit lamenting because anything our government would do to correct this would be wrong because anything President Bush would do by CNN definitions is wrong, period.

shame...

Zimbabwe = no oil = no US involvement

Yeah for you anderson. I visted Zimbabwe in 2000....it was so sad then to see the fertile fields not growing anything. the univeristys that were built for tourism were closing.

The nites we stayed in Victorial Falls at the lovely victoria Falls Hotel, there were 7 of us. This filters througvhout the nation as all the families suffer when there is no work.

I can not imagine how bad it is now..... Mugabe is no better than Idi Amin.... The UN should step up for the rights of the poeple of this Nation.

Anderson...

This is a disturbing event that has been going on for a long time, nothing new. The international commuity have know this for years, and yet done nothing to help especially the neighboring African commuities. The UN is a Joke...I believe that it needs a face-left. Or needs to be disband and reformed to really help those in need. There are going to be tyrants like Mugabe remember Hitler? No matter the colors of these people they are human beings just like you and me. This matter is a disasater, inncocent people and childern are being killed is this called GENOCIDE? The United States have done enough of being a (big brother) type it is somebody else turn. Our country is Broke and it is not getting better yet. Until then our international friends needs to get off their butts and do something.

The situation on Zimbabwe seems bleak; Mugabe has represssed the will of the people, his people(who ousted him in a democratic election ) and the international community seems to be just sitting there, watching this tragedy unfold beofre it's eyes and all it can do in reponse is twiddle it's thumbs in confusion.

What needs to be done is that the African Union(esppecially the nations that border Zimbabwe) has to come out strongly against what Mugabe is doing in Zimbabwe. This condemnation probably would not pursuade Mugabe to allow for a Real democractic election but it would help convince the United Nations to ACT.

Here is what the United Nations would probably have to do to ensure that a fair, democratic election is held in Zimbabwe: Send in the Peacekeepers, They could work in partership with AU peacekeeprs to make sure that the election is fair, that voters are kept safe from political intimidation and violence(seeing as that is a tactic used by Mugabe to stop or silence permantly people who are opposed to him). The presence of peacekeepers would also help in the political transition, so that it would run smoothly and help curb any violence from pro-mugabe supporters.

This is a said story and it is common in most African countries. This is not the first time an African Country will fall into the hands of a tyrant. Mr Mugabe is no different from Idi Amin(Uganda) or Abache (Nigeria). Each of these individual feels they are the best to rule their country. They often terrorize and intimidate the citizens. It is time the rest of the world stands up to this injustice, speak out and if need be take action. The surrounding nations should act in what ever way they can to ensure this tyrant is removed from office. Can Africa take care of itself or should it depend on the west for help. The OAU needs to act quickly, we must defend Zimbabwe and bring peace to Africa.

As long as the rest of the world is informed of the injustice that is going on, I believe there is hope. Lets hope Mr Mugabe will not bar news agencies from reporting the truth, and the Chinese for once will refuse to do business with Mugabe's government.

Shall we police the world? We are in one useless war that shouldn't have happened, have people dying in another war that should have been wrapped up years ago. Now this? We need to address some problems we have going on back here before we start toppling yet another dispotic warlord. The last time we did it, it didn't work out that well.

Long live the Queen...although symbolic at least she has done something. Look at his evil mustache....I only hope that this Black Hittler will have the same or worst fate. The other crownies...the so called presidents of neighborboring countries are no better than this power hungry maniac. If all western countries and other nations in Asia ended all and every diplomatic ties with Zimbawe maybe we could send a very strong message. Mugabe may your life end like Nicolao Ceausescu.

Anderson

You are obviously hitting a nerve – please do an investigation on why South Africa is not heading in the same direction. Whatever is said of South Africa – first democratic leader (Nelson Mandela) left out of free will and the second was just voted out as leader of his party. Please show the contrast and give hope – we need less African pessimism – we need to celebrate victories and in doing so keep countries like South Africa as a symbol of what can be and what must continue to be – because there are forces out there that could move SA to go the same way. Your spotlight on what is done different and right can help make a difference and keep South Africa accountable to continue the Mandela legacy.

I am a native of Zim in exile. Though the Britain may have contributed to this mess they should not stop speaking against this evil man and his cronies. The world needs to speak for the oppressed and onething which will make a difference is to get all the children of the leaders ack in Zimbabwe like what happened in New Zealand. USA needs to do that send all of them back to where their fathers are. It works. The sins of the fathers can aslo vist te children. If Mugabe can continue to blame the grandchildren of the british for zolinizism so can we also take it on their children

So we invade Iraq and force feed the people democracy. In Zimbabwe, many – perhaps most of the citizens – truly want to freely elect a government of their choosing, but the world will stand by wringing its hands and do nothing to help those people.
Does Zimbabwe have anything we want? Oil, gas, diamonds?

Africa began as a tribal civilization. It's heartbreaking how they struggle with their own age-old culture now to keep up with the rest of the world to survive, as nations trying to unify themselves when it really hasn't been their natural way before. Maybe the world is moving too fast that it doesn't allow these peoples to adjust in their own time, as well.

Mugabe is a but a blown-up portrait taken from a much vaster mural; a leader is just a testament of how far his people have come as a collective. Sadly the question of why many African nations are struggling will not be answered just by focusing on what they do wrong, but what the rest of the world contribute to it. The pressures coming from the outside are great, and we can't help but patch up the wounds that seemingly open continuously. No time to build, just time to try to heal.

Just Tell President Bush and all the republicans that they have oil there. He'll have us there before he is out of office.

The US will eventually help and then the world will ridicule us for helping and point fingers at us for being self appointed 'world police' and then maybe even charge us with some crime for interfering.

Mugabe is pushing his luck at this point.

Mugabe is just exercising the power left to him unchecked by the rest of the world. As usual, the US can do nothing right. While Europe let Yugoslavia descend into ethnic fighting, it took the US to finally come to their aid and end the war. In Somalia the world wrung their hands until the US decided to try and lost the stomach for helping. Today Somalia is a living hell with pirates in the region. It almost cracks me up to see little kiosks for spare change in Paris as if a few pennies will stop ethnic violence. In Iraq we get soundly criticized (not that we haven't made mistakes) but almost no credit for genuinely trying to help people. Mugabe knows that the world will, as usual, talk big and do nothing. The US is the only country in the world right now who appears to really be willing to try to confront tyrants and there is no chance we will do anything. Shame on us – the citizens of the world – for allowing tyrants like Mugabe to thrive.

It should have stayed as Rhodesia. These folks weren't ready. They aren't ready in South Africa either. They need our help.

The U.N. is UN-American, and UN-human if such a word exists. I guess the blood of African humans is simply worth very little.

Thanks for the Comments on Zimbabwe Anderson. We need to hear more about world events from you. This is your forte.
Anyone can rehash Imas, the flaws of political candidates, their spouses and preachers. A good current report on something that really matters it what your viewers are waiting for. The interesting comments on this blog are a testiment to that.

Keep the reports coming.

Jean

yea, lets get all upset about this african situation, our elections in the United states are always fair and democratic because we are the best country in the world and we have a right to condemn other leaders and let ours go untouched, this is exactly what our government officials want anderson and you are playing right into their hands you idiot, a zimbabwe problem is a zimbabwe problem, and lets not act like we are so better off in the great ole us of a, i mean, im not getting beat up with metal clubs on my way to polls, but im gonna be out a job and homeless if trends continue

A lot of comments here along the lines of 'when will the western world/UN/USA do something', the suggestion being that the use of force by one of the above via some kind of invasion would be appropriate and truly solve the problem. Listen, what are the options? Do people think an army could march in, kick butt and march on out leaving a safe, secure and stable democracy to rise from the ashes of a 30 year tyranny (and prior to that, a colonial vassel-state)? America went into Iraq to, among other things, replace a murderous thug regime that spent decades brutalizing and terrorizing its own people, its neighbours and thumbing its nose at international opinion including ignoring security council resolutions...hmm, not a perfect match but sounds a lot like Mugabe. Question: How much international credit does America get for regime change in Iraq? How much credit does Bush get within America for regime change? The apparent front runner in your presidential race has, as a chief policy plank, retreat from Iraq in ignoble defeat. Iraq has shown that neither Americans (generally speaking) nor the international community have any stomach for any type of sustained action. So why be surprised that nothing happens? Mugabe has zero regard for the circumstances of his people and consequently it is hard to imagine what economic levers, to the extent any remain, could be used against him. The only option to deal with a criminal like Mugabe is the cudgel, but the only nation who could credibly hope to wield same, and who would be at all inclined to do so for the benefit of the locals, has been emasculated by the Iraqi misadventure. So at the end of the day nothing will happen because no American president (or hopeful) will consider the projection of force for the purposes of regime change, other than for prevention of a true genocide, in the next 20 years.

As to the UN, hello!!

Please wake up people and realize that lots of people are dying in Zimbabwe, just becaus of a ruthless man. this is pathetic that mugabe is doing thisis genocide, do not ignore innocent people. Please help us.

yours with perished family -Zimbabwe citizen

Where are the neo-cons and the Bush administration and their spread of democracy now? oh wait, no resources to plunder? I guess we can only install democracies, superficial or not, when it serves some narrow interest. apparently righteousness is not enough of an incentive, not to speak of the fact that the US government simply has no clout anymore. i am embarrassed. period.

So – in 2003 we were all told that the USA stood for freedom and democracy and that it would not stand for a tyrant called Sadam Hussein – so it just had to invade.

Somehow now freedom and democracy and a tyrant call Mugabe just don't matter as much – sad Zimbabwe is not the 3rd largest producer of oil in the world.

The world will stand by watching in their hypocrisy. Shame on us all.

As usual, nothing will be done by the UN. It is far too busy worrying about the human rights abuses of natives in Canada, USA, and Australia to concern itself with such issues as the chopping off of hands and beating of people who want a fair election. These horrible abuses go on and on in all parts of Africa while the world sits and watches..Shame on us all.

ac:

Let's be honest, isn't this what our military is for? Why can't the US make an effort to unify with the UN to back up a specific demand from the world community? For example, Mugabe is told to be out of power by, say, July 15th, or the US will intercede and manually remove him to be tried by the UN, or other international organization. Y'know I'm for a moderate budget for the military but i feel like this is what we have an army for.

We can't be the world police, but look at the countries history; he should get out and like Tutu said, we can insure him a 'soft landing.'

It seems that a few years ago similar tyranny was met with military force to free a country's citizens from a malevolent dictator named Hussein......or so we were told. It's a shame the Western world can't muster similar indignation in this case.........or is it the oil thing?

AP – Mandela rebukes Zimbabwe's leader as condemnation grows

It is awful, but what can I do about it? I write letters to my congressmen who respond with trite meaningless letters, I vote for people I think will do a good job in office, and I send aid when I can... but it just seems like there is really nothing I can do about it. So please tell me, what can I do about it?

Why doesn't the UN enforce their stance on the situation with military force?

I blame Jimmy Carter.

ac,I find it ridiculus that we even talk about this in the media. george bush took out a dictator and every body on the left condemed him for it even though both democrates and republicans voted for war. The reality was that Sadam was far worse then Mugabe and the only way you can get rid of these tyrants is to kill them. SO stop your whining an less all your Hoolywood buddies are ready for war!

Anderson, thanks for blogging about where I was born and raised. My parents and some family members are still there and it really hurts to see what has become of such a beautiful little country and the devastating effect it has had on all the people there.

Why is it that now everyone says that all we can do is sit, wait and see what happens? I remember when Henry Kissinger, Jimmy Carter and Andrew Young were raging against 'us' ,(yes, back then I was a very young white boy) calling our ways evil and worthy of alienation and sanctions. Our ways were not benevolent, nor equatable.

The current situation in Zimbabwe is the product of their (the afore mentioned notable politicians) efforts. Where are the raging voices now? What is happening now is just as bad a repression as the repression imposed on the poor black folk back in that era of history.

Please. Don't wait and see what happens. Let us actively blog, report and rage against the regime that has proven the warning I remember hearing as a young lad to be true, 'The Black folk are not capable of running a democratic country. They will destroy it if they take over'.

I believe all Zimbabweans are capable of running that country. They just need the opportunity to have another chance at it without Mugabe.

Anderson,

What financial or political incentive does any country have to threaten force on Mugabe? The fact is if Zimbabweans were running big business and investments in the United States or were sitting on 10 billion barrels of oil, the U.N., US, and Britian would be knocking on their door.

Let's just call it like we see it...Zimbabwe is a progressive Darfur or Somalia. We will shake our finger at them and condemn their actions...but that's the end of the story.

The west will take action only if it will miraculously find a huge oil resource in Zimbabwe.

So much for the talk of ensuring that Freedom will march on.

My deep condolenses to zimbabweans; they have to find a way to get out of this deeep mess they are in. Friends, please do not day-dream of some superpower coming on a white horse charging the sword of freedom and liberating you.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phoenixtocore.

Hi Anderson,
thank you for exposing the monster, Mugabe. Mugabe currently is allowing former dictator of Ethiopia, Mengistu Hailemariam to stay in Zimbabwe. Mengistu had massacered innocent Ethiopians for seventeen years and eventually fled to Zimbabwe. Mengistu currently is Mugabe's top advisor and is key architect of the terror in Zimbabwe.
Alex

Anderson

I am a Zimbabwean living in Zimbabwe and I am digusted by the violence. Seeing the mayhem, the badly beaten and tortured people it is difficult to believe it is happening in my beloved country but true enough it is. Finally African leaders are seeing what the opposition and the human rights organisations have been reporting on for the 8 years. The brotherhood is falling part, Nelson Mandela has finally said something, will Mbeki follow suit.? I am not holding my breath.

Such tragedy, not just for the people of Zimbabwe, but for all of Africa. I'm afraid the only way Mugabe will be leaving office is the way former Romanian dictaor, another tyrant,, Nicolae Ceausescu left in 1989–dragged by the long suffering people into the street and shot. There has to be a better way. The situation threatens to distabilize the entire region, why isn't South Africa taking a more active role in bringing about a peaceful resolution?

Doug,

History repeats itself..... tyrants always rise and fall!

The situation in Zimbabwe is bad but its gravity and suffering relative to Iraq is zero. when the resources of a continent is looted for two centuries and its institutions is held hostage by colonial Europeans and never had a chance to develop, then it would take another century to rectify the situation. So, no matter what, the future of Africa is sure to deteriorate for many years to come unit no European left in Africa. And then many many years to recover and regenerate.

I'm still rather shocked that Nelson Mandela actually commented on the matter. Mugabe and the ANC go back a long way as allies from the days of post-colonial resistance to white minority rule in the region. It's a sudden reversal from the almost cowardice-level unwillingness to criticize a fellow African leader (especially a 'hero') among African nations, even though said African leader is as bad as Idi Amin for turning the region into a joke. The medal bedecked ex-corporal has given away to the (honorary) doctor wearing his own picture on his shirt.

Thabo Mbeki will no doubt arrive at the same conclusion as his entire party and South Africa's best-regarded leader have, now that it's safe to be against Mugabe. Of course, if Mbeki folds now and starts criticizing Mugabe, my opinion will remain largely the same towards this singularly ineffectual politician.

As to Mugabe, there isn't much to say for him. He's destroyed a country that used to be the jewel of Africa's agricultural business and put two thirds of its people dependent on food aid. How disgusting is that? In a day and age when food prices are spiking, this man's policy of giving away farmland to his inept cronies is enough for me to want him out of power. That he's a violent meglomaniac that makes Hitler and Stalin look stable (imagine Mugabe with the resources of the Third Reich or USSR and shudder) is merely more reason.

All of Africa will benefit if the man stroked out tomorrow; perhaps stripping that Knight of Bath honour was done with that in mind.

the reason we don't do anything about this is simple. there's nothing in zimbabwe we want. it's not like iraq where we were told we had to go in, topple a dictator, and stick around until it becomes a democracy.
if zimbabwe was sitting on oil fields, our government would care very much about what's going on there.

Tyranny is a cancer that has sickened Africans for generations. Luckily, Zimbabwe is a country that has managed to to get an international media attention. Most people in Ethiopia and Sudan have already long been the victims of their own governments for many decades. there are many Mugabe-like leader in Africa today. At least, this time the rest of the world understands what it means to be an opposition group supporter in African.

am glad kenya is the first african country to openely condemn mugabe.just shows how kenya is a regional leader irrespective of its challenges

Why the outrage?

It isn't like anyone's going to actually DO anything. So don't get riled up. You're wasting your time.

Now, back to American Idol...

there isn't any oil in Zimbabwe... don't expect any help from the USA.

Unfortunately, with people like this, they respond to only one thing; Violence. They perpetrate violence on others, and it is the only thing that carries weight with them. Personally I think the only way a solution occurs is if Mugabe is out of the equation. Him and his thugs. And the only way they are removed from the equation is by force. No one will do it because no one wants to create a messy situation. As in Darfur, the world will sit and watch and do nothing except tell Mugabe to do otherwise...which he will not, because he is not given a reason to do otherwise.

The current Zimbabwean question points to death of democracy as a result of nationalist leaders' conflation of 'liberation heroism' with lifetime entitlement to govern without responsibility and accountability. How do we justify oppressive and repressive actions of so-called liberators against their own people? It is a shame that African presidents have failed to raise their collective voice against President Mugabe. Mugabe uses rhetoric of empowerment and sovereignity to 'fool' Africans when in reality he has been responsible for pervasive disempowerment of his own people. Remember, Mugabe is an eloquent and extremely articulate, charismatic speaker. He has mastered the 'art' of deception, and unfortunately tends to use populist, emotive rhetoric to mobilize anti-white and western sentiments. Ironically, he is the very contemporary colonizer and oppressor of his own people, and I wonder how he sleeps at night knowing that a great nation has become a laughing stock of this world. A great leader he was in the past BUT because of his detachment from the daily realities of Zimbabweans, Mugabe has single-handedly destroyed a 'gem.' Unfortunately, the opposition party lacks a compelling case for change, and has failed to articulate a vision for change that appeals to the wider population in Zimbabwe. What Zimbabwe needs right now is a 'healing' leader that will build a bridge across the deep political fractures and dare Zimbabweans to dream big as well as see possibilities beyond their current experiences. Had Tsvangirai captured Zimbabweans' imagination with ideas about a new constitution, changes in governance framework, and a progressive macro-economic plan to revamp the economy, he could have won the March election with an overwhelming majority vote. The problem, in my opinion, has been Tsvangirai's naivety about the ZANU-PF's preparedness to relinquish power in a 'gentleman's manner.' ZANU-PF's slogan is 'Zanu ndeye ropa, Zimbabwe takaitora ne ropa ' (translated, Zimbabwe was won through the shedding of blood, and Zanu will shed blood for it). How then could Tsvangirai fail to read critically into the language of defense through the barrel of the gun? The hope for Zimbabwe is predicated on ZANU-PF's (Mugabe's) singular willingness to share power or voluntarily transfer reigns of power to the opposition on his party's terms. This is the dilemma in Zimbabwe's electoral politics, and opposition politics is predestined to remain oppositional until ZANU-PF changes its will. The sense of entitlement among the ruling party nationalist leaders is deeply entrenched, and remains a 'religious' issue for them. In view of this pessimistic scenario, what then is the solution? Mugabe must go, and so should Tsvangirai. A compromise candidate without a 'dead-end' and 'zero-sum' mentality of Mugabe and Tsvangirai is the solution for Zimbabwe. It's a pity that Simba Makoni didn't make it to the final two candidates. He has the credentials and believes in a unified nation, driven by an insatiable passion and interest to build a prosperous Zimbabwe that would claim its place in the global economy.

To Mike from Syracuse: What's up with all the sub-Saharan African countries that can't govern themselves properly is in no small part due to the colonial legacy. Those country lines today are for the most part drawn according to former European colonies, regardless of ethnic character and distribution. The sense of a national identity is often not even present. I, living in America, think of myself as an American. My counterpart in Zimbabwe may or may not think of him/herself as Zimbabwean. There's an enormous amount of fragmentation–nothing even nearly as clearly drawn as, say, the US two-party system. These countries are extremely young democracies, to boot, most of them not even fifty years old. Infrastructure is poor, economy is poor, disease is much more rampant–the list just goes on and on. The European powers screwed Africa over when they sat down and carved it up into colony-sized portions like so much meat, and then screwed them over again when they pulled out without taking care of the mess they left behind. I'm not saying there's no blame to be laid on these countries, but they have a lot more disadvantages to overcome than most Western countries, and we're responsible for some of them.

Anderson,

Appreciate your concern about and "outing" of Mugabe.
I'm wondering -perhaps you've already done this and I missed it – would you consider doing a full hour on the US and the UN? I see several people claim the UN is "useless" or "does nothing." Perhaps your doing a show on the reluctance of many in power in the US, mostly Republicans, to support the UN has contributed to its not having the power it needs to take action. Have we finally paid our back dues?

I hate to see the UN blamed, when I think the blame probably rests on the US and its lack of support of the UN. (How does anybody explain the John Bolton appointment, when he expressed anti-UN sentiments himself before his appointment.

Your doing a program on the UN (Not just a snapshot, but an in-derph report) would enlighten us and bring us up to date. Perhaps my opinion suffers from being old news and things have changed.

Some of us are losing faith, as the Darfur situation continues, after tons of television reports. How do we make sure such reporting has an actual effect on what-should-be-to-man an intolerable reality?

Margaret B

OK,

Let me get this straight. Invading Iraq was wrong, but invading Zimbabwe would be right?

I would like to point out that no country in history that did not fight for democracy of its own accord ever became a democracy.

Do we have to police the entire world? If we step in, we are the bad guys. If we don't, we are showing no compassion.

I am just as sickened as the rest of the world. But unless we want to start a mandatory 4 year military service draft starting at age 18, we cannot police other people's civil wars.

Even if we could provide the manpower, we shouldn't.

Sanctions, yes. Physical intervention, no.

the whole world is sickening, Anderson.

I agree, all we do is sit and watch. Even small things like donating money or even prayers help.

Maybe if they start exporting oil, the U.S. will pay attention..........

I agree that what is happening in Zimbabwe and many other struggling nations are absolute attrocities, however should our resources not be best spent on domestic issues? A man with two broken legs can not carry anyone. Our nations of N. America are broken and N. Amercians deserve their tax dollars to go towards domestic issues. OUR taxes should go towrds OUR issues. It sounds horrible, but how can we help others when we can't help ourselves. Should we tell people in our own states or provinces that we can't help them in their hard times because we are sending THEIR TAX DOLLARS to another country? I want my tax dollars to go stay at home.

What are African leaders doing about the situtation in Zimbabwe?

Rwanda, Darfur, Zimbabwe - we sit and watch . . . Somalia, Congo, Nigeria - we sit and watch . . . Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Chad, Angola - we sit and watch, sit and watch. . . .

Personally, I believe that it would be more sensible that we would go into Zimbabwe and take out the Mugabe regime. It would clear a large amount of problems one being a corrupt, dictatorial regime and another to be the economic misery caused by Mugabes socialist leanings. Really it wouldnt take much more than to have some targeted airstrikes in Harare and let Bob figure out whether its worth staying in power.

Anderson, we all see your point. But what happens when Mugabe is finally gone, or when he dies? Another corrupt despot will take his place. That's what will happen as it always has happened. For Africa, chaos, corruption, and poverty are the norm and always have been. What makes you think it will ever be different?

All that violence is so unnecessary. All Mugabe needs to do is rig some voting machines. Maybe our president could send over some advisors.

Anderson, thank you for this interesting article–this is the type of reprting you do best, in my opinion.

I have been reading, almost daily, about the situation there, & it is truly heartbreaking. In our country, we just vote, & take it for granted–it is very frightening to see what happens in Zimbabwe!

As to the UN–yeah, right!

As one person said in this blog, does Zimbabwe have any oil?

This guy needs to be taken out by Executive Action. I have no problem backing the assassination of this thug and crook.

I'm really worried about my family members still in Zimbabwe. Everytime I try to think of a possible solution, I find that it boils down to removing Bob by force, there's no way he's going out on his own.

His actions have broken many family units and beaten down the hopes of very resourceful and ambitious people.

This, if nothing else, proves that Iraq wasn't about a dictator.

Being a president for 30 years surely not a good thing, Mr.Mugabe might starts to think or maybe already think he is 'the private owner' of the country , so he can do whatever he want to preserve his ownership.Sad.

Am an African and I know what it feels like to be in Zimbabwe.Recently I had the chance to visit Harare..and I could see the gloom and despair in the people.
We need african leaders condemning Mugabe....as Raila odinga (Prime Minister of Kenya), Paul Kagame (President Of Rwanda), Wade (President of Senegal) and Nelson Mandela (Nobel Lauraete) have done.

America should stay out of the politics of other countries unless those politics impact its interests. Americans regularly pay for their freedom with their own blood. Zimbabweans need to rise up and decide this matter for themselves.

I totally agree with your comments. Too bad there is no oil there or we would go in!

Somebody, please, just shoot this small-time, tinpot kleptocrat. How hard can it be to get a British sniper within 1000 yards? Christ, half of his own party wants him dead!

The sad thing is whoever replaces mugabe will be just as bad. How did the replacement of haiti's president turn out?

Dear Anderson

I thank you for your report and pray that peace comes to the people in Zimbabwe.

Take care and keep up the great work.

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

First, let me agree that the situation in Zimbabwe is intolerable, like so many other nations ruled by tyrants. Second, let's all agree that the UN (ie, the international community) lacks the moral commitment to do anything about it – they will pass resolutions and make speaches, but there is no real threat of action. Finally, let me point out that this is not disimilar from the situation in Iraq ten years ago. The US had plenty of moral high ground for pursuing regime change in Iraq – and you see how quickly the international community condemned that action. The same thing would happen here.

Gee, CNN is always happy to involve our country into other's affairs when it's NOT in our natiional interest.

When it is however, it's 24/7 coverage of why we should NOT be involved.

Let the African's take care of their own problems – it's a whole CONTINENT with LOADS of resources for goodness sake. Why can't they do anything for themselves over there without us babysitting them?

Anderson, I cried when I saw your blog about Zimbabwe. YES, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I am from Zimbabwe and my family is there. We need people like you to help put the pressure on the world leaders.

Anderson Cooper needs to get his facts right. Mugabe did not bring Zimbabwe to independence. He was deputy to Josaiah Tongogara who did. Shortly before the transition, Tongogara died mysteriously in a vehicle accident. Most at the time believed that Mugabe was exercising his version of democracy, which he is trying to repeat today. If you want our government to take action, convince them that Zimbabwe has significant oil reserves! Unfortunately, Mugabe equals (maybe even exceeds) the brutality of Saddam Hussein, but will be left in power because he does not have oil. So we will not be "exporting democracy" this time around. Michael Zimbabwe 1977-1980 and 1985-1988 (my spouse and son are Zimbabwean by birth).

Robert Mugabe: Take a bow.........you've taken everything else

Mugabe is not a Tyrant!!! He is a hero!!! Over 30 years ago, before he became president, the people of Zimbabwe had NOTHING!!! Now these ungrateful people want to get rid of their savior?? All I have to say is that I feel bad for Mugabe.

Our government has no time for this because we don't need anything from Zimbabwe. There is no oil coming from that country, no money. It's a disgrace. We stand for nothing but the almighty dollar.

Thanks AC for covering this story!!! Please keep it in the news.

I knew you people would find a way to blame Bush. Is there any oil in Afghanistan? We're there. You cry babies are so up in arms over Iraq and Afghanistan that we can't accomplish anything. You really would crap in your pants if we went to Africa.