http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7467990.stm

- Oh dear.

Looks like thuggery and corruption prevails in Africa once again.

Three Cheers for Colonialism.

No kidding.

Very sad situation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7472544.stm

- Good article.

Seems UK and US refuse to recognise outcome of the general election if it goes ahead, as it seems it will. Chalk up another unrecognised nasty regime. Must count for half the world now.

It's in Africa though. We won't take action in the places actually needed if it's not in our area de jour.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7479696.stm

- Could it happen?

The only way I see it happening is if the AU step in. Otherwise I just don't see the world lifting a finger here. Mbeki is such a friggin dolt (even though he took his undergraduate degree at my university!) that any initiative would have to come from S Africa - and under his leadership I doubly see that not happening.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7481857.stm

- Seems like even the AU are getting pissed off with him.

With the combination of violence and killings and the statement given by Mugabe that he would not relinquish power regardless of the outcome of the vote, there is no other recourse but to view this election as a complete sham.

I like the idea put forth by Italy, of withdrawing all ambassadors and diplomatic corps and giving the Mugabe government no recognition. Even our resident dolt has a suggestion coming from his administration of sanctions and an arms embargo.

It is a very unfortunate fact of life in that region that anything we do will simply make the day to day life of the country's citizens more miserable. But, something must be done to put the will of the people above the will of one man and his thugs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7503135.stm

'The US ambassador to the UN, Zalmay Khalilzad, said Russia's veto raised "questions about its reliability as a G8 partner".
Mr Miliband said Russia used its veto despite a promise by President Dmitry Medvedev to support the resolution, when it was discussed at this week's summit of the G8 group of industrialised nations. '

- Just a little update. Looks like the world can go back to ignoring this now, per usual with Africa.

Interesting that the two countries that have little choice in their leaders would be the two who veto sanctions for the sham elections Mugabe and his thugs oversaw. (and don't give me any guff about Russia being Democratic, as we all know better)

I think the Chinese decision surprised nobody, based on their heavy investment in the continent and presumed aversion to any negative press with regard to the region. Russia though took many by surprise after being told the vote would be affirmative, and it merely exposed sooner the master puppeteer behind the scenes; Putin still runs Russia.

I wonder if international chemical and pharmaceutical companies are exploring potential uses for cadavers, as that is fast becoming the largest resource available on the continent. :mad:

Outside of Zimbabwe, South Africa is the country most affected by Zimbabwe's meltdown. Approximately 2 million refugees have fled from Zimbabwe into South Africa, and the tensions are leading to a spike in violence inside South Africa.

I found it to be very telling that South Africa vetoed the sanctions. They're affected by whatever does (or doesn't) happen and they chose to vote no. That tells me that the sanctions were worse than doing nothing; or that the South Africans fear that US involvement will merely screw the pooch yet again, not only destabilizing Zimbabwe but taking down South Africa as well.

I also find it to be very telling that domestic media only points out that Russia and China voted no, and carefully ignore South Africa's vote.