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July 25, 2008

US Strengthening Zimbabwe Sanctions

Rick Moran
If Africans are going to ignore the problem of Zimbabwe, the doesn't mean the rest of the world has to stand still and do nothing.

It's not much of a secret that President Robert Mugabe's para-military "veterans" are responsible for most of the violence in Zimbabwe directed against the opposition. The US and the EU are preparing to impose more sanctions on the thugs:

Mark Weinberg, an embassy spokesman, says that "proposed new sanctions are under review by the White House and the State Department" and that they would target "individuals we hold responsible for subverting the will of the people of Zimbabwe, people associated with the regime and those responsible for the recent violence and political problems."

The sanctions would restrict both travel by individuals and their finances, he told AP on Friday.

Such action will not bring about immediate action. But it is hoped that over time, it will cause most of these people to suffer so much that they might turn on Mugabe and overthrow him.

To be sure, a longshot but at the moment, better than doing nothing.

Posted at 12:41 PM | Email |

Comments

That's the way to deal with dictators. Also, punish individuals & companies that are dealing with the corrupt regime - even if they are your allies.

Do you see what is happening India? Wake up to responsibilities if you want to be a global power. On one hand, you cannot ignore the situation & cuddle with this government and on the other, talk about your leadership in NAM, G-77 and other areas? I am looking directly at you, Sharad Pawar - the Agriculture minister of India who recently went cozy with Mugabe's crony.

Posted by: kalyan | July 25, 2008 01:54 PM

I suppose it makes the African's proud to be able to handle their own affairs without western "interference." But if the outcomes continue to be exemplified by Darfur, Rwanda or Zimbabwe there is not much hope. This is one of these lose-lose situations for the U.S. If it intervenes, it will be vilified as an crusader. If it imposes sanctions, it will be killing babies. If it does nothing, it will be called racist for the inaction.

Can someone tell me what to do?


Posted by: etrok | July 25, 2008 03:11 PM

I'm not going to mince words here. If Zambabweans were really smart...and wanted a return to democracy, they'd overthrow their thuggish dictator Mugabe, change the country's name back to Rhodesia and beg the white farmers to go back to their farms and re-employ everyone. Just leave out the stupid apartheid BS like they used to have pre-"independence" and let everyone vote without intimidation. That country would very soon return to being a wealthy, net exporter of agricultural products.

Posted by: CatchAll | July 25, 2008 11:48 PM

In this case, as in Iraq during Saddam's days - the blood of the people dying due to stringent sanctions is on the hands of the dictator (Mugabe, Saddam) and not on UN / US / Europe.

What i wish to see in Zimbabwe is a full squeeze by EU, US, BRIC and leading African countries - South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia. Once these blocs lay complete sanctions, i think the days of the Mugabe government will be numbered.

Posted by: Kalyan | July 26, 2008 05:56 AM

Kalyan, use your common sense!

Posted by: GENE LALOR | July 27, 2008 03:26 AM

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