Is Botswana another puppet of the Western Countries? By deploying army at the border, is Botswana not trying cause unrest in that part of Africa? One wonders if Botswana leaders think that their action is helping to create an atmosdphere of peace in the continent. Africans expect a level of maturity from leaders as demonstrated by Thabo Mbeki.

i dont think you know what leadership is. You are one of those empty vessels making noise without content! Do you think it will be fair for someone from your country to opress people. Have you ever been to Zim, and see for yourself what Mr Mugabe has done to that country! Botswana was right to deploy troops there, to quell any violence that may spill in to its territory. and Botswana is right not to recognise a person who was not elected by people. Botswana practices Democracy and they cant support dictators! I guess you dont understand what you are talking about. Botswana is not a puppet and will never be a puppet! Puppet? Since when? You really are very ignorant. Fellow Zimbabweans are suffuring and you talk like that. We are cursed as Africans to have people like you talking of things they dont know and ignoring the sufferings of innocent people.

We all know that, Botswana have been long term puppet for America regime. It is for that reason that even Bush (American Dictator) visited their land. Let them alone launch war against Zimbabwe in assistance of America and Westerns. WE in SADC will attack them from different fronts.

SADC is SAD. Brainless people trying to blame everyone for all the terror they do. The English made me kill for Mugabe. The Americans made me torture my neighbor. You must really hate democracy, must be because you fill your pockets with money so your people can starve. Arrest and kill the opposition, stop aid from other countries that care more for your people than you do. Why would americans want your sad country under a dictator when they can vote for who they want, travel anywhere they want. Blessed are the peace keepers for they shall find peace. Your reward is in your pocket and it will die with you. Botswana thinks for itself you only think out the ass of Mugabe.

It's sad that BOTSWANA is picking the western side over it own brother whom they strugled togather to fight the racists ,the hipocrits who almost extermineted them from the earth . the BRITISH the AMERICANs the AUSTRALIANS are in the same bed with BOTSWANA but their eyes are on the land an dthe ressources they don't give a crap about the zimbabwean people . MUGABE is the real leader and they will know it when he is dead . if that western dog TWANGIRAI thinks he is a fighter he shouldn't run away because heros aren't scared to die . but you got him running and prostituring himself in westrn embassies . is that what you call a hero?

Alain, you are so backward, you cannot see the forest for the trees. When Mugabe comes for you and your family are you going to blame the Americans, the British, Batswana and the Australians. Who is killing Zimbabweans? Just answer that one question please? Who is intimidating Zimabweans? Answer please. What is sad, is that Africans are not principled and hence that is why they lag the rest of the world in every development index. No country or continent of that matter can progess when they government systematically oppresses its own people. Even the Chinese have begun to figure that out and have begun to open up their political and economic systems. The Americans figured that out in the 1860's and abolished slavery for that same reason. The South Africans figured it out in the 1990's. Zimabaweans have to figure it out for themselves. Unfortunately peole like you want to confuse the issue, by blaming whites, Americans, British, and now even Batswana for Zim's whoes. Interesting that no Zimabawean has any repsonsibility for the current plight?

One answer to your note is: for centuries who as being killing Africans more than any other nation on earth - they same colonizers. You must be very stupied to denounce a brother who have fought for your rights and freedom and continue to do so at this period of time. You are a dummie!!!! A very stupied donkey dummie!!!!

I will denounce anyone who kills my brother and sisters and denies them there rights yesterday, today and tomorrow. It us you who are stupid, who thinks that oppression can only come in a white visit. When Mugabe and his henchman come to your house, will you say "But comrade Bob, we are brothers?" As he rapes your sister and your mother? Fool.

You wrote: "who as being killing Africans more than any other nation on earth..."? The answer is ... Africans. Before insulting people on the net, just ask yourself honestly (if you can), what do I really know, what did I learnt, about slavery? Who was hunting and selling his neighbors? After some serious studies, maybe you will reconsider your attitude as a systematic victim of the white. You may also reconsider the role of people like Mugabe with regard poverty and violence in Africa. No matter color or origin, hate and greed are common to all of us as could be humanism and respect.

Sometimes a person just pretends to be on your side. They just pretend to be part of your struggle so that they can take power from you. Mugabe is a man like that. Most leaders are more like Mugabe than they are not. They are greedy and wicked men and they are like the Africans who sold other Africans to the whites.

You must find what is good in yourself and then you will be able to see the good that is in others and then you will be able to find your leader who is good.

If my brother was an assassine, he would still be my brother, although I would, as a human beeing reject his behave. Although some of you still thankful for Mugabe´s fight for independence, in this matter he was an heroe indeed, one must not be blind enough to say that he is a great ruler, because he has brought Zimbabwe to starvation, and the economy of the country went down to ZERO. He could be a good soldier, a wonderful commander, but this doesn´t mean that we could become a good poilitican or ruler. Wake up please. The man is insane now at his 84 years old, he must suffer for any mental desease, forcing his people to keep him in his palace: Do you believe that he helped Kabbila for nothing? he might have covered Grace with the bloody diamonds of Congo. It is easy to be that kind of "real leader" spreading horror and fear all over. He should have dignity and resign. I do not forsee an happy end for him. How can a person have such lack of intelligence that forbids him to think of what he is doing. I am sure he has Alzeimer or schizophrenia. God will not throw him away, but the devil will ....

Alain Lumbumbashi just doesnt know what it means to be a Zimbabwean,so you must just keep your stupid comments to yourself.The people of Zimbabwe have had enough with this old Mugabe thats why they voted him out of power,not because they love the whites or whatever nonsense you were saying,but because they know its time for old Bob to go,so please I am begging you to stop uttering nonsense because I am a Zimbabwean and I know exactly whats best for us Zimbabweans,dont ever think we are fools or uneducated,we dont want Mugabe anymore and if I can get my hands on you I can also kill you for fee because you are an idiot racist.

I am surprised at the level of argument that has been raised out of the Zimbabwe debacle. Of course, it is of no use to cry over spilt milk as things have already happened in way that is most embarrasing and shocking for all of us as Africa, in particular, and the continent in general. However, I believe that the African Union will stand up to the priciples of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Its not too late for the current leadership in Zimbabwe to realize that Africa has changed. If the governemnt can realise the fact that they need to be part of these changes not a part of the problem, they will be doing justice not only to themselves but to the entire Zimbabwean people and the african continent. I just wish that Mr Mugabe retires in dignity and pass over the baton to the most capable leadership with new ideas to take the country foward. We are all sad about the current situation in Zimbabwe but we cannot afford to sit back and fold our hands at the helm of this young dictortorship emerging. This must be stopped before anyone get seriously hurt, including the current leadership of Zimbabwe (ie UN Sanctions)

It's not a good thing that ZIMBABWEAN people are going through this nightmare and may GOD help them. my arguement is that MUGABE isn't perfait but don't forget what he did for the country from those evil ian smith with his regime .the economy is in this situation because all the farms , banks were owned by england all the money was flowing from england and when the farm seizure happen they just run with all the money . MUGABE was ready to die for ZIMBABWE . why can't that western dog do the same if he is fighting for the people . instead he run to his masters in western embassies and left the so called people hi is fighting for .if the west cared for the ZIMBABWE people the IAN REGIME and the APARTHIED GOVERNMENT would never exist . i'm from congo not zimbabwe but i would kill TWANGIRAI for free.we don't need more dog like him or MOBUTU ,absolutly not we will continiu to fight these dogs so called opposition crap. its eather they are with us or with the west . the choise is theirs. one reason the west will never be with us . and AIDS is the weapon they are using against us. open your eyes. GOD BLESS THE ZIMBABWEAN PEOPLE AND MUGABE. THE REAL FIGHTER. YOU WONDER Y MOST AFRICANS DON'T WANT TO CONDAMN HIM.

The problem with the majority of us Africans is that we are not living in reality. Sure, Mugabe did great things in the past, but the fact of the matter is that this does not justify the terrible injustices being inflicted on Zimbabweans. This is not the fault of the west, it is rather the doing of what has become an offensive, brutal regime. Furthermore, the economy is in the state that it is because of the dissolution of land rights, nationalizing of assets and the complete disregard the Mugabe regime now has for the rule of law. It has very little if anything to do with the English. This excuse of imperialism is really a bad excuse for Africa's and specifically Zimbabwe's own shortcomings and shocking mismanagement at a governmental level.

Past reflect present and future. past set the groundwork for the future. If you agree that Bob did great things in the past. Please be kind enough to as well admit that he is not the real reason why his country is in the situation it is at present.Please be brave enough to admit that the west using their imperiliastic machines namely IMF, WORLD BANK, CNN, BCC etc have played a sigificant role in the covertly plan to sink Zim in the ocean of death.

As for Ian Khama we know that he is there to protect his uncles Tony and Goldon interest and equally preserve his family' s dynasty. While we respect the our Botswana brothers we at the same time cannot hesitate to say that his Ian Khama transcend to reign has not been just but another type nepotism.period.

I am sorry but Bob and his corrupt regime is the real and most significant reason for the destruction of Zimbabwe. One cannot blame the IMF, World Bank, CNN, BBC etc as being the significant forces in destroying Zimbabwe. This is narrow minded. In the 1990's Zimbabwe was a flourishing economy and only when Mugabe's grip on power was threatened did he resort to all these flawed policies like the land grab and fundamentally flawed fiscal and monetary policies, as well as the complete disregard for the rule of law. The only objective here was the preservation of power not the people. Sure, the land needs to be re-distributed but do it in an orderly and legal fashion not a free for all like it ended up being. As for the IMF and World Bank, they are perfectly entitled to set economic conditions before providing funding otherwise it simply goes down the drain or should i say into the pockets of the oppressors. No one would ever lend money to a government that prints money as their favourite hobby. It is simply not viable. It is the Zimbabwe government that shoulders the blame of the destruction of their country through their own gross mismanagement and what one has to call extremely poor economic policies and the disregard for the rule of law.

Zimbabweans are just like Israelites wondering in the desert for 40 yrs after being liberated from Egypt. "Take the promised land!"

mugabe is a fool. He has lost his mind and somebody has to tell him. You people think he is still the man he was, no! what we have now is a mad man and should be institutionalized.

I can't belive what you are saying. Are you for real or are you just plain crazy. yes there was always a need to give land to the landless, but none of the money from the white farmers had anything to do with England, US or any other nation. the reason why no one invests in Zimbabwe at the moment is because everything is being destraoyed because it is easier to do that and blame everyone else for our problems, rather than get off the proverbial and actually build and produce zim back to its former glory in 1996. What have you personally done to make our country a better place to live so we have something worth passing onto our children!!!

Alain, you need to get yourself out of the past and look at what is happening in the present ..... if you keep looking back to the days when Mugabe was a fighter, you'll never see the horrors of today.

You see, the elementary mistake you are making is to assume that the knock on effect of every bad decision taken by the ZANU government must by default be a white driven problem. When Mugabe ordered the land grabs, he didn't think about the future, only the greed of the present ..... the farms should not have been snatched by force in the numbers they were, but turned into either fixed lease or cooperative ownership farms to allow the people who would eventually own them to be trained in horticulture and agriculture. That way the food production capability of Zimbabwe would still be the envy of Africa.

Apply that to the industrial base as well, and the industrial capability would be second only to South Africa ..... so as you see, two of the primary economy stabilising industries were wiped out by ZANU policies instigated by Mugabe, without these the economic stability of Zimbabwe went into free fall.

Yet even through this he managed to find a way to scapegoat the western nations, refusing to take responsibility for his actions ..... and now it has come to the point where the only way forward (maybe not the only way, but the quickest) would be to go back to square one.

Unpopular but viable idea #1:

Allow the white farmers and industrialists back in and form cooperatives with black and white owners, get the industrial and agricultural skills bases back into Zimbabwe on Zimbabwean terms ..... not colonisation, cooperation.

Start showing that you are better than the previous regimes by starting to show tolerance, do not let the sins of the fathers revisit on the children, and leave this racism and obsession die off and rest where it should have been left in the first place ...... 1980.

BOTSWANA IS A UNITED STATES LAPDOG REGIME...THOSE EVIL MURDEROUS CRIMINALS BUSH AND BROWN ARE USING THIS STOOGE REGIME TO POTRAY A BLATANTLY FALSE PICTURE ABOUT THE SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE...KHAMA AND HIS COHORTS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR SELLING OUT AGAINST THEIR OWN KITH AND KIN COMRADE MUGABE ....LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT BUSH , BROWN AND THEIR COHORTS DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ZIMBABWEANS. WHOSE ECONOMY THEY ARE SUBBOTAGING RELENTLESLY. ALL THEY WANT IS TO REVERSE THE LAND REFORM PROGRAMME BY ESTABLISHING A PROXY AND CLIENT STATE IN ZIM....I'M REALLY SADDENED BY THE SHAMELESS ACTIONS BY BOTSWANA STOOGES.....BIG UP TO COMRADE ROBERT ,THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR...

I respect my HE, under his 4 D's pinciples, democracy, development,dignity and discipline. please tell me do we see that prevailing in our neighbours country.if there were no problems in our neighbours then there wouldn't be any mediation nor noise in the region.lets live in the real world and stop being afraid to tell the true, i invite you to watch BTV on wednesday's 2000 hrs when the zim's themselves talk of their country problems.

Lets discuss the hypocrisy you talk about here, but lets put a slightly more modern slant on it ..... lets look at, say, the 1977 - present period.

Mugabe's claims:

1: Freedom from oppression for the people of a new Zimbabwe. 2: Land distribution to the Zimbabwean population. 3: One man - One vote in free and fair elections. 4: A nation that the world could look up to. 5: An end to armed struggle and the horrors of war.

Now lets look at the realities.

1: Yes the people of the new Zimbabwe are free from white oppression, but all that has changed is the colour and name of the leader, they are now fully under the heel of black oppression.

2: The land was distributed, but as 'rewards' to so called war veterans (mainly ZANU PF party faithful and inner circle members) who had little, if any, knowledge of farming. Hence the food supply came under strain and finally collapsed as the farms became non productive.

3: In the 1980 election there was a television and flyer campaign run by the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian government in conjunction with the commonwealth peacekeepers to educate people that ballots were anonymous, and that the ZANLA squads that were claiming they could tell who had voted which way just by seeing the X on the ballot paper, and issuing threats based on this, were lying. Great 'Free and Fair' election huh? And not much has changed since.

4: Due to the mismanagement of Zimbabwe by ZANU PF and Mugabe in particular, the 'breadbasket of Africa' that he cheated his way into presidency of has become a near wasteland, the once huge industrial base is almost nonexistent, the food industry is all but gone, and yet they still insist on blaming someone else for their mistakes. If a murderer said 'God told me to do it', would you believe him and immediately make God your enemy? Or would you say 'Well if God told him to do it then the victim must have been really evil'? ..... Just as the murderer would be quite correctly assumed to be deluded or lying for trying to blame God for his action, Mugabe and ZANU say the same things about the west (no, I'm not saying the west is God, that is merely an analogy of human situations) yet you automatically believe him without any hesitation whatsoever.

5: Yes, indeed he did end the horrors of the Rhodesian Bush War, but the realities of the Zimbabwean Independence Peace are just as bad ..... Government sponsored and supported murder, torture, displacements, rapes, etc, etc.

So tell me, unless you are so deeply indoctrinated that you believe that none of this is of consequence, who is the hypocrite?

SUBNOTE:

Yes I know the western governments are guilty of hypocrisy too, but then again so are the Chinese and Russian governments ..... none of them can be trusted fully, but atrocities on the scale of Zimbabwe and other similar places need to be addressed by as wide a forum as possible.

It is well known that Botswana wants to help MDC get into power. It would be unfortunate if Botswana thinks their army is strong enough to defeat Zimbabwe's army. In spite of the economic tough times, Zimbabwe still has one of the best armies in Africa. For the Botswana soldiers to "protect" the borders of Botswana means they are preparing for war- ZIm did the same when they were preparing for war against Zambia when Chiluba declared an unofficial war against Zimbabwe. The result was Zambian armies defected to Zim because the Zim army was trained by some of the best in the military world (Britain was one of the trainers). As a Zimbabwean I do not like Mugabe - I want him to go. But I hope Botswana has no intention of starting or instigating a war in Zimbabwe.

You one of the most honest persons I have heard.Its about time that as africans we stop whining about colonilaism and the western world being rsponsible for our problems but take responsiblity for our stupidity.The colonialist came and went and at our age most of us never saw them. even the little they left we have squandered,have failed to put our continent in order but totally messed it up and keep whining about the west poking their nose in our bussiness after we go running to enter into partneships with them for help and syupport.If it was our bussiness alone why do we beg them for help rather than developing ourselves,run to their countries to study,get good jobs and enjoy ourselves yet claiming africa is better than their countries?How many western country citizens have you seen running to africa to seek asylum or become african citizens?Its a pity that most of us are so blind to see that the biggest enemy we have is ourselves,lack of democracy and the Sadcs of the continent that are spineless and of course the mental retards that support them.Who can not see that Mugabe needs to go,that violence in Zim is perpetrated by ourselves and not the west and that most of Zimbweans are trying to get out of this hell hole of a country just to survive.Burrying our heads in the sand and blaming the west wont help us.we better take responsiblity.

gtalyf,You one of the most honest persons I have heard.Its about time that as africans we stop whining about colonilaism and the western world being rsponsible for our problems but take responsiblity for our stupidity.The colonialist came and went and at our age most of us never saw them. even the little they left we have squandered,have failed to put our continent in order but totally messed it up and keep whining about the west poking their nose in our bussiness after we go running to enter into partneships with them for help and syupport.If it was our bussiness alone why do we beg them for help rather than developing ourselves,run to their countries to study,get good jobs and enjoy ourselves yet claiming africa is better than their countries?How many western country citizens have you seen running to africa to seek asylum or become african citizens?Its a pity that most of us are so blind to see that the biggest enemy we have is ourselves,lack of democracy and the Sadcs of the continent that are spineless and of course the mental retards that support them.Who can not see that Mugabe needs to go,that violence in Zim is perpetrated by ourselves and not the west and that most of Zimbweans are trying to get out of this hell hole of a country just to survive.Burrying our heads in the sand and blaming the west wont help us.we better take responsiblity.

gtalyf,You one of the most honest persons I have heard.Its about time that as africans stop whining about colonilaism and the western world being rsponsible for our problems but take responsiblity for our stupidity.The colonialist came and went and at our age most of us never saw them. even the little they left we have squandered,have failed to put our continent in order but totally messed it up and keep whining about the west poking their nose in our bussiness after we go running to enter into partneships with them for help and syupport.If it was our bussiness alone why do we beg them for help rather than developing ourselves,run to their countries to study,get good jobs and enjoy ourselves yet claiming africa is better than their countries?How many western country citizens have you seen running to africa to seek asylum or become african citizens?Its a pity that most of us are so blind to see that the biggest enemy we have is ourselves,lack of democracy and the Sadcs of the continent that are spineless and of course the mental retards that support them.Who can not see that Mugabe needs to go,that violence in Zim is perpetrated by ourselves and not the west and that most of Zimbweans are trying to get out of this hell hole of a country just to survive.Burrying our heads in the sand and blaming the west wont help us.we better take responsiblity.

gtalyf,You one of the most honest persons I have heard.Its about time that as africans we should stop whining about colonilaism and the western world being rsponsible for our problems but take responsiblity for our stupidity.The colonialist came and went and at our age most of us never saw them. even the little they left we have squandered,have failed to put our continent in order but totally messed it up and keep whining about the west poking their nose in our bussiness after we go running to enter into partneships with them for help and syupport.If it was our bussiness alone why do we beg them for help rather than developing ourselves,run to their countries to study,get good jobs and enjoy ourselves yet claiming africa is better than their countries?How many western country citizens have you seen running to africa to seek asylum or become african citizens?Its a pity that most of us are so blind to see that the biggest enemy we have is ourselves,lack of democracy and the Sadcs of the continent that are spineless and of course the mental retards that support them.Who can not see that Mugabe needs to go,that violence in Zim is perpetrated by ourselves and not the west and that most of Zimbweans are trying to get out of this hell hole of a country just to survive.Burrying our heads in the sand and blaming the west wont help us.we better take responsiblity.

It's amazing that you have the stupidity to even say this. Does anybody even remember when we took in Zinbabwe's children when the so called "leader" took arms against Ian. Now we,(you, wherever you may be from)have a problem when someone who would rather have a $10,000,000 home than feed the very people that he says he stands for insists that only God will take him out. We,(Batswana)are only saying what everyone else is thinking, but does not have the balls to say it....if you think that protecting our borders (since before 1980)is being a puppet, then I would rather be a puppet than be looking to an old man who still lives in the past...he says that Britain is the country that messed everything up by not sticking to the agreement of giving the land back(just in case you don't even know why he decided to take the land back)....why then do you starve your own people. Is it because of Britan...I know that it hurts you seeing that a country as small as we have has been so viable and you ask yourself, "why could i have not been born there?"

I am a proud Motswana and I am proud that we will do what we have to to keep the integrity of southern africa's face. South Africa's president stands up and says that everything is ok in Zims and none of you say anything.... we have all been aware of this for a long time..i guess fighting the regime in the 70's means one can starve his people,huh.....Zimbabwe is in the toilet....I actualy want to say that I'm proud of Zambia's and Botswana's governments......at least they have said something......

By the way, I do have family in Zimbabwe...gets your facts right...we are not launching war...we will only protect what we hold dear to our hearts....A TRUE DEMOCRACY.............

If Botswana were indeed a puppet of the US, wouldn't it be preferable to be a puppet and enjoy a strong economy, without starving and living in fear of your undemocratic regime? Too many people would rather have 100% of nothing, than 10% of something. That is the way of a baboon trying to hold onto the seeds within a dried pumpkin. He can't get them out to enjoy them, but he also won't let go. It seems to me that the Zimbabwean government is a bit like that. Are you? Concerning the scenario of military conflict, Zimbabwe would fall within a week.

Well noted !

I think as Southern Africans we should be talking about how to get rid of Mugabe and save the Zimbabweans who have suffered for too long!! One does not need to be anti-west in order to be right, all what Botswana is saying is that Mugabe is NOT a legitimate president of Zimbabwe; that has nothing to do with Bush. We do NOT pride ourselves of violence, it is not in our culture. That is why even the killing of one person can make headline news in Botswana. In Botswana we talk - we tell the truth as it is!!!!!!!!!!!

Bush visited Botswana for a simple reason: it has an AIDS problem which he was getting publicity fighting since it got him some political advantage back in the USA. A couple of hours for a photo opportunity, then fly away. Almost no-one in the USA even knows Zimbabe exists. Zimbabwe has nothing the USA wants. It never comes up in conversation, politics, or business. To imagine the USA has some plan for Zimbabwe or involvement there is bizarre: even the powerful and secretive see no reason to be there. And Britain is too weak to send anything but journalists, too tired to care about empires vanished in a past generation.

Not even your neighbors care enough to help you. That is the true measure of how little of your troubles come from outside: they simply shuffle embarassed and wait for you to figure it out for yourselves.

No. Zimbabwe is internally wounded, its problem is vicious power held by an old man in his second childhood who sees the shadows of his first childhood around every corner and fears his end. A former freedom fighter perhaps, just an old thug now destroying any reason to respect him. Only true Zimbabweans care enough to form an opposition. When he is gone you will realize the shadow has been lifted and have some hope for yourselves.

dear yam and the like.Bush,who is a jackass ,who could'nt find Africa in a map.Trust me.I am a red blooded American who follows international news. We have no interest in taking control of Zimbabwe.We have enough problems of our own.However we believe in a true democratic government ,free of corupt dictators like Mugabe.We don't kill people if they run for President.You , and others like you, add to the problems of innocent people.Take a stand.Help your country and it's people.

Am I hearing you correctly? You are making it look like Botswana is the one who had the fraud elections and they are to blame. Mugabe should be overthrown, he was defeated in the earlier election and would have been again except for the unlawful crackdown by his military. Why dont you people wake up and smell democracy. And you would support Mugabe over Botswana. Man you guys really are a trip. It the US was involved it would take more than all of Africa to win that one.

I don´t even know if I should reply on your comment, because is so stupid that it might be worthless try to explain you something. You and many other Africans have very limited dictionary with words just Bush, CIA, conspiracy, colonialisn and pretty much that´s it. It´s just absolutely ridicilous. Civilians in many African countries want just simply to have something to eat, somewhere to live, go to school, have a job but they can´t because your leaders like Mugabe are sitting on bilions dollars which they took either from international aid or from your own people. Wake up Africans and look first which mistakes you have done before you start to blame somebody else. I feel very sorry for Zimbabweans. Mugabe should go to International Court in Haag as Taylor did to face crimes against humanity...

Whatever your name is, i think you should be ashamed of yourself for making such irresponsible comments. You sound much like someone who is completely disconnected! Do you really care for Zimbabwe, and Africa as a whole? Which uncivilized SADC country would stand with Zimbabwe to fight Botswana and the west? Zambia my beautiful and peaceful country cannot be involved in such senseless acts. Shame on you, and Shame on all the Mugabeites for all the mess you have caused in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Zimbabwe has done everything that is against advancing development, and upholding Africa's credibility in the world. The scales need to fall off the eyes of the Zimbabwean people, because if they did, no single Zimbabwean could have voted for Mugabe. And if i was ever in the shoes of any SADC president, i would be much like Mwanawasa and the Botswana president on the Zimbabwe issue. I would call a spade for what it is! The economic and social freedom of Zimbabwe will begin from the bottom-up; like Nelson Mandela said recently, it is in your hands-Zimbabwe!

Whatever your name is, i think you should be ashamed of yourself for making such irresponsible comments. You sound much like someone who is completely disconnected! Do you really care for Zimbabwe, and Africa as a whole? Which uncivilized SADC country would stand with Zimbabwe to fight Botswana and the west? Zambia my beautiful and peaceful country cannot be involved in such senseless acts. Shame on you, and Shame on all the Mugabeites for all the mess you have caused in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Zimbabwe has done everything that is against advancing development, and upholding Africa's credibility in the world. The scales need to fall off the eyes of the Zimbabwean people, because if they did, no single Zimbabwean could have voted for Mugabe. And if i was ever in the shoes of any SADC president, i would be much like Mwanawasa and the Botswana president on the Zimbabwe issue. I would call a spade for what it is! The economic and social freedom of Zimbabwe will begin from the bottom-up; like Nelson Mandela said recently, it is in your hands-Zimbabwe!

OOH YEAH THETS THE WAY NOW FOR MUGABE TO STEP DWN FIRST LET HIM FIGHT BOTSWANA THEN HE WILL SEE HOW MANY COUNTRIES WILL BE BEHIND BOTSWANA

SHUT _Up..... You sound like that dictator Mugabe

YOU sound more like Mugabe.

Stop insulting each other using the word ''Mugabe''

That is a big disease name, more than AIDS, in fact it is Ebola. Dead, Dead, Dead!

James in Botswana you sound scornful of people with aids, ebola, etc Your comparison is unfortunate and your tone is just not right!

Yes, it is a comparison. Are You crazy or what? It isn't hating people with AIDS or Ebola, it is hating the disease. Describing the disease, not being scornful of AIDS.

There is a big difference. Now get it into your mind. My tone will not tone down for you!

I can see that people are filled with a lot of hatred, selfishness and unGodlyness. It is better to lose in order to win. It is better to serve the affairs of the majority than self at the expense of millions. Let's get an example from strong but selfless leaders such as K. Kaunda of Zambia. For the sake of the Zambians, he allowed multipatism without a referandum ( to save money ) even though he still had a number of years before his term came to an end. When he lost the elections, he understood the circumstances and chose to accept the outcome. As a result no one is after him despite the few mistakes he might have made in his 27 year rule over Zambia. We need to be like Mandela who handed over power to his successor long before his term came to an end and is now a hero. If you like, we can take a leaf from Botsana and Namibia. Mugabe must obviously be right in his own way. Tsangirai may simply be taking advantage of the situation hoping to be more acceptable to the people of Zimbabwe than the incumbant or any other aspiring candidate. All Zimbabwe's neighbours may have their own stance left or right but has any one thought about the welfare of the majority of Zimbabweans who are once again becoming homeless? I would rather resign than prove myself right at the expense of the people i am leading.

I agree wholeheartedly with that comment John, Pres Kaunda made quite a few mistakes in his tenure but ended up doing the right thing and gaining the respect he richly deserved in the end. What the African leaders are now doing is not displaying disunity, or being puppets to Mugabes ever faceless and convenient Western scapegoat as some would have you believe, but following their beliefs and consciences.

What they are doing must also be very difficult for some of them, because Mugabe is still regarded as a hero of the liberation struggle ..... but he lost his way soon after he became president, and has been drunk with power ever since.

I read in another thread a while ago that it was 'no use crying over spilt milk' as far as the last 28 years are concerned, but the very same people who believe that are the ones who chatter incessantly about the colonialist era, and how it is to blame for the current crises. Mugabe needs to take responsibility for his own shortsighted actions and policies that have led to the downfall of Zimbabwe, and stop playing the scapegoat game. Do the right thing for a change RGM, either work FOR your country or step down and let someone else rebuild what you have destroyed.

Botswana is by far the most peaceful country in africa and if i remember correctly they have never had civil wars and the country is not divided into tribal groups like most african countries. i am not saying that there are no tribes, they are there and and they exist without claiming superiority over the other in a way that threatens the unity of the country. so does this peaceful democratic country become a puppet of the west just because it has a stand against some stupid african politics policies? i think and believe that most people would agree that Mugabe has been brutal to his people in order to win not just this elections and anyone with a sense of understanding couple with a human soul cannot deny that. what Botswana is doing is being loyal to its values of democracy of which it is ready to stand and make sure that everybody understands their meaning of democracy therefore the Mugabe regime or any other country in the world that would not be within such policies as it sees fit to be democratic would get the same judgment. is botswana being over cautious when sending troops along the zimbabwen boarder? i dont think so. if mugabe brutalised the opposition in order to win the elections doesn't that imply that he could as well try to uses the same tactics against anyone that seems to be against him? Botswana is doing the right thing to ensure the safety of her citizens and yes it is true Bush did visit botswana but during that time he slept in south africa and i wonder if that turns south africa into a puppet too. i guess you might say no because of the stupid Mbeki's support for the big headed dictor who called his one man race election victory a success and proclaimed himself president through torture and intimidation of the zimbabwen people. the problem with mbeki and mugabe is that they have too much pride and for that reason they do not want to admit failure. mugabe has failed, tragically, and Mandela was right to call it a tragical leadership failure the moron does not want to admit it and therefore he thinks he still can prove to the world that he can do better and for that the zimbabwean people have to pay with their lives. on the other hand how long has mbeki been mediating over the zimbabwen issue? and after all those years what has he archived? nothing. he should admit his incapabilities and someone else be allowed to do the job and i do believe that such people are there in the African continent.

i suggest that next time you comments on aritcles, you become proffessional. calling people very stupid especialy when they are presidents is very childish.

further more, its true that Botswana is an ally to USA. Namibia lost the Kaskili island because it was the USA that was hearding the discussion, on behalf of Botswana. I know that if Botswana side Mugabe, The country might lose its support from the USA. even Zambia is one of the peaceful country in Africa, Namibia for another, Lesotho and Switzerland for another one, and they don`t make a noise about it, like you are doing.

can you perhaps tell me, which neighbouring county in southern Africa is friends with Botswana? and why? perhaps there is something very wrong with the country.

chau

If you believe Mugabe is President then you are stupid. If he was freely elected without killing, torture, rigging polls, bribing people, using military to do your bidding, saying even if the opposition won they would not rule, he would be president. This looks so much like another emerging country who would live by intimidation .... Kenya under Moi. Is your economy worth it, you are a slave to Mugabe unless you are making money off the corruption. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT MUGABE no one says what great things he does only that he is president. How does he love his people, how has he made the country better. Don't blame Americans or Brits or Swedes or Martians that the country is in bad shape because of them, they are not killing and torturing the people. SO to you ...STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.

Now thats an idea, when he runs out of western scapegoats he could indeed claim that the martians did it ..... the worst thing about that is quite a few people would believe him

belive me a president is a human being and if stupidity can be found within any particular human being then a president can not be excluded.what you should understand is that the mere fact that he is coined a president does not mean he becomes superior and for as long as you keep that kind of metality of glorify dictators like Mugabe and making them stand at the top of the human race you are always going to be subject to their misuse. the point is if u see a something that looks like a duck acts like a duck and sounds like a duck you might as well say it is a duck.

You are the one who needs a bit of schooling there is no excuse for Mugabe's misconducts not even that of a liberation he did not lead. He has killed a lot of Zimbabweans by direct murder poverty hunger and human rights abuse and he always calls people names i am sorry to say this but pardon my observation but i think your comment is crab.

Consider a career in herding cattle

Is it jealousy or envy. Go and read your history, Lesotho peaceful???????? You are so ignorant, no wonder you say switzerland is in southern africa, or did you mean the corrupt swaziland which is still ruled by an oppresive monarchy. If a president is stupid , he is stupid, isn't he human after all? You are one of those who believe he is there by divine right and all good can remove him, he is the solutions to all your ailments...poor soul. Myopic, deluded,moron!

Tim, i worked in Botswana for five years and i'm afraid they are not very educated people. Almost everything in Botswana was being controlled by the white South African government. Botswana has a very small population of under 1.5 million people who are mostly uneducated - hence not too many problems. Botswana's position regarding Zimbabwe is SICK!

I spent time in Nigeria and in Zimababwe. Lot's of educated people too bad they dfon't know how to use it. Batswana might not be as educated, but they have common sense and a moral compass which has donw them well over the years. Nigerians have PHD, ED.d's and varying amoutn of degrees, but they still import most of their pil, even though they are one of the leading oil producing countries. They can't seem to be able to figute that one out!

Zimbabwe, got a lot of smart business people,but inflation is over 200,000% Guess, the paper that their MBA's are written on, is not woth more than their currency.

well done for that comment jfraser...education does not necessarily mean the person has common sense!!

I know this is not a Nigeria thread, it is a Zimbabwe one, but I have to respond to this. Mr.Jfraser, I know you are trying to make a valid point, but in your attempt to do so please do not misrepresent or insult my country indiscriminately. Nigerians get PhDs and other advanced degrees specifically because they are intelligent and have common sense. We are not importing fuel because we have somehow just not figured out that we have vast fuel reserves within our territory which we could supply our people with. Come on, don’t insult our intelligence..The situation is a lot more complex than that. Though we have a lot of raw petroleum, our country lacks functioning refineries that could refine the petroleum at the rate at which our people demand/consume it. Therefore, we have to export our raw fuel in return for imports of refined fuel. (even this explanation is an over-simplification)Why is our country incapable of running petroleum refineries, you ask? That is a discussion for another day, but basically it is a result of the corruption and mismanagement that are characteristic of our nation.Anyway, the moral of the story is : make sure you base your arguments on facts and not just blind opinion.

Zahrela: You make my point. I was not casting aspersions on Nigerians. Many of my good friends are Nigerians and we talk about the very issue that your raise. I myself have spent over a decade in Nigeria and was jailed for protesting the death of Ken Sro Wiwa. And I am not even Nigerian. The point I was trying to make and maybe it was inartful as it really was a reaction to a post that said that Batswana are not as intelligent as Zimbabweans was that it is not just about intelligence or how intelligent one's society is. What is improtant is to use that intelligence with a bit of African common sense, dignity and the knowledge of what is right and wrong for the entire African community (Ubuntu) so that the society, the economy works for the betterment of the people. As you noted, Nigeria have advasnced degrees because they are intelligent and have common sense, but the fact, as you noted, that they are still importing fuel, has to do with non-sensical policies and outright corruption and theft that diverts this precious resource for the benefit of the people and into the hands of the greedy.

what do you find sick about it, the fact that they are publicly denouncing the election that was held under toucher and intimidation. i think u need to think twice otherwise you might as well be the one who needs a doctor. i agree that the population of Botswana is very small and about education i am sure something is being taken of, Botswana government surely realises that and that is why education is free. it might be a small country and that does not in anyway mean it shud encourage the trampling of human rights by keeping quite.

Your Mugabe has six degrees that helped him to rig elections. I expect people with a decent education to accept defeat, to set themselves apart as animals capable of speech and reason. If education is examplified by the Zim situation, I would opt for the opposite.

Why did you desert your country for another whose people are not educated. Certainly you needed it more than it needed you.

Zimbabweans are educate, thats why the cant see anythin wrong with Mugarubbish.

Are you serious? Are there people left in the world who still support Mugabe by free choice? I can only imagine that either someone is paying you to spew such rubbish, or you simply don't have the ability to think for yourself. Either way, I feel sorry for you.

I think you are an innocent child of the so called independence.You need to be taught African History. That is why it is in school curriculum if any. You lock yourself in your small room and fail to see further afield because you didn't experience History which is a determinant denominator of Africa's future events. If you are an adult then you are adulterated. You can't even perhaps produce your own food. You are fed like a cub. Incase your diamonds run out and America leaves you, do not bag food from Africa. You need a Brain Binocular. High Food prices are driven by people like you who don't produce food.

Your views are so deluded. When you took farms from whites in zimbabwe, you turned your state from breadbasket to beggars. the same would happen in south africa, what do you think will happen if all these boers will abandon their farms.

Why are some Africans so sick and so foolish to fail to see what is wrong with our smelling acts? Is it the whites that have to prop up a nation to tell another nation to do the right thing? Is it rt to fail to step down after loosing an election? How sick and dirty can we become? Are we idiots?Or, are we just bastards?

failures and cowards think foolish. mugabe cannot think of the war while people are suffering. Anyway he is demented and foolish minority are following that madman. Mugabe is evil to his own people.

You are a sick man.

Funny write up from a myopic Zimbabwean. You Gishola, I have followed your comments concerning Zimbabwe and it baffles me to think some people still think the west is playing any games against Mugabe. Now that they have sidelined Mugabe's gov't why is he unable to revive his economy?

If Bostwana puts its border patrol on the alert,it's but normal so that some day dreamers like you still hoping for the Mugabe miracle will be caught up in its amaggedon. Continue your day dreaming while others are striving ahead. It seems there is no other person who can rule that country. When death will call knocking you tell it to wait because Mugabe hasn't finished ruling. SNALL MINDS Think twice

You know whyyyyyy!!!!!!Don't be a child. Can u do yourself a favour and help Africa unite please. Don't just think about your stomach.

If you like or hate the west, support or dispise imperialism, african nationalist or not, it's undeniable that Mugabe's effects on Zimbabwe in recent times have been negative if your not counting the land reallocation which was much needed in zimbabwe. He's done all he can do and now he impeding the progress of the country's society through stubbornness and paranoia. I do believe Zimbabwe's economic condition is most the work of a venegeful west but Mugabe has done what he needed to do and that was redistribute the land. What's left is he leave the example of a strong leader and allow another talented individual to assist in zimbabwe's growth.

He's turning the faith of the country into a chess piece for his personal battle against the west, and zimbabweans are the ones suffering.

If Botswana feels need to defend itself i support that fully, same with zimbabwe, which would flatten botswana out of sheer manpower, but botswana has the world's support in that situation so in the end zimbabwe would loose.

I would disagree in part with you on one point here, you discount the land reallocations as a negative factor, and in theory they were indeed needed ..... but the method of execution was short sighted and self destructive to the agricultural base of Zimbabwe.

What was needed was either limited tenure agreements with the farmers that were resident at the time, or even better, cooperative farm ownerships between majority stakeholder black Zimbabweans and minority stakeholder whites ..... this would have allowed the experience and agricultural knowledge to be learned by a greater number of people across the country, and would have averted the crippling of the food production and export industries .... and subsequently would have held the economy together rather than sending it spiralling into free fall.

Could it be that some leaders realize what a despot Mugabe is and that the situation in his country is shameful? I hope African leaders will pressure the government until it falls. Power to the people. Not the army and the cronies of Mugabe! Wake up! This is about a wonderful people who deserve so much more than Mugabe and his ilk. This is not an issue with the West. This is a African issue. I refuse to step foot in this country again until the people rule. God bless the people of Zimbabwe!

Please expain how Thabo Mbeki is showing maturity....this man was appointed a "middle man", and had the lack of respect for southern africa and all those who thought he had an open mind, to say that everything is all good in Zimbabwe....I'm not saying that Morgan should have one, but at least let the people speak...do you not wonder why the central commitee of the ANC elected J. Zuma as the new leader....Mbeki is past his prime...I guess that's why he looks at Zims and thinks that all is good....both he and Mugabe are out of touch....

Botswana has every right to deploy troops on its side of the border to control the flow of refugees who are escaping the tyranny in Zimababwe. Also with a leader as foolish as Mugabe it is wise and prudent and withing the best interest of Botswana. I applaud Ian Khama for his measured response to the Zim crisis. Thabo Mbeki level of maturity is surely in question, as we watch poor Zimbabweans get murdered while he smokes a puff of his pipe.

To all of you British emailers, I don't know what your obsession is with Zimbabwe. As an American my view is simple and I think underscores the American position. Zimbabwe, has nothing that America needs. We have no strategic interest in Zimababwe,. Yes, we beleive that Zimabweans should live in peace and security and with a fully functioning democracy, but that's for Zimabaweans to decide. I for one don't want any more my tax dollars to go to Zimababwe. We should just pullout all of our foreign aid and no longer trade with Zimbabwe. That's all that we need to do. If th Zimabawean people want to kill themselves and destroy their society then let them. Its not our problem. e should not worry. I felt the same way about Somalia and Rwanda. The people as these posts indicate will always blame foreigners for their problems, because it is easy to do so. So, I say to my government (the USA) and to British government that if you want to help Zimabweans, do nothing. It will force them to solve their own problems and more importantly it will save our resoources for our own countries, which is more important anyway.

I am proud of Botswana's president. He is one of the African leaders who is objective, independent of the emasculating rhetoric Mugabe has been taunting all African leaders who dare oppose his evil political tactics as pandering to western influence. President Khama is showing that tired old labels can not sway him from siding with the people of Zimbabwe. Khama is calling SADC to show that they are an organ whose rules, principles, and values can be relied on. It is a shame that Mugabe has held Africa's definition of Democracy to be synonymous with dictatorship, draconian governance. It is time the coward african leaders come out of the shadows and voices their discontents with the tired cruel bloody regime. Thabo Mbeki is a slum dunk in his own country. His own party gave him a vote of no confidence long time ago. This political mediation is his only chance to salvage his unimpressive political career. All those who posted condemnationss for Botswana are obviously Mugabe's surrogates or should I say "wives", who long lost their identity, not to talk of having no conscience at all.

Botswana soldiers are patrolling their side of the border to ensure illegal immigrants do not cross over from Mugabe's wasteland, Botswana has all rights to do that. If Mbeki government had controlled SA's porous borders like Botswana is doing, we wouldnt have had xenophobic violence on our hands.

visit www.zimbabwemetro.com today and see whats there before you say a lot of rubbish. the picture you will see is my close relative

hmmmm, I agree it is interesting, especially the article with Simba Makoni ..... very enlightening

Botswana is not a puppet. You know who the puppet is and u r still on denial. The western countries are getting rich everyday and here we sit and blame all our failures on the Western world. 4 how long? We need to clean our own house. Mugabe and Mbeki keep on acting bad because of people like you, who keep on supporting them for invalid reasons.

We Batswana are not at war with anyone we are not against Zimbabwe, but we are against things which are unconstitutional, you have to follow the laws in order to make the outcomes of what you are doing legal, We a staying with a lot of Zimbabwean in our countries, we see them each and everyday we hear their sad stories each and every second, we know what is happening in Zimbabwe by the look of the condition that fellow Zims arrive in our country in, and if very sad to and difficult to let them suffer of another 5 years, Pliz African Power has to be exchanged one man cannot rule a country. why is it difficult for other African countries leader to pass power onto others just like in Botswana, since 1980 botswana hard 3 different presidents while Zims have only one. All these 3 men are still alive, they just retired, why is it difficult for others to do the same

Western countries want Mugabe ousted from power for two reasons. First, Mugabe sent his military to DR Congo in the 1990's to halt the invasion and occupation of DR Congo by the armies of Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. The invasion was financially and militarily sponsored by the USA and UK with the aim of effecting a regime change in DR Congo so that western countries would exploit (loot) the natural resources of DR Congo at will. Up until the time of the invasion, Zimbabwe had been buying its jet fighters from England, with an agreement that the sellers of those jet fighters would be supplying the jets' spare parts to Zimbabwe should Zimbabwe need any spare parts. Surprisingly, after Zimbabwe's military intervention to DR Congo, UK passed a bill that declared it illegal for any firm to sell military equipment, including jet fighters' spare parts, to Zimbabwe. In response, Mugabe turned to China, from whence he began to buy military equipment.

Second, the redistribution of the land, which had illegally been acquired and owned by white farmers for years, to Black Zimbabweans is, in the western view, a crime that Mugabe should not have committed and for which he cannot be forgiven. Hence the USA and UK's endeavour to mobilize the world, including the UN, the European Union, the African Union, and individual nations against Mugabe. However, African leaders know the true motives behind this worldwide mobilization by the USA and UK. Accordingly, the African Union's resolution on Zimbabwe is far from being an endorsement of the joint stand of the USA, UK, and their Western allies on Mugabe's Zimbabwe. And as long as Mugabe has the trust and support of the African people and African governments, Mugabe will not hesitate to tell the Western world “go to hang, and hang a thousand times”.

Botswana is nobody's puppet,we believe in democracy and freedom for all,if you intimidate,murder,rape,imprison and torture your people because they sre different in their political views,and you expect people to believe that you are being a true African,THE SO CALLED AFRICAN RENAISSANCE,then you and other brothers who think like you can go and hang a thousand times,We love peace but not at all costs,we cannot stand and watch whilst thousands are suffering because of the whims of a select few who believe it is their god given right to torture,rape and imprison others,WE ARE ALL EQUAL BEFORE GOD.so my brother >>>>>>>>>>you

Why then do the SouthAfricans see otherwise?you only need to look at who they elected as the new ANC president and what COSATU did at Beitbridge over the weekend.where do you live?in a mansion built by Chinese?

You better think twice before you leap. Economics and hardship the Zimbabwean people ere going through will never allow any intelligent thinker to support your thinking.The suffering of the Zimbabwean has received the hearts of the world community. It is not about colour, continent, political affiliatiobn, but it is about democracy, food and security. We need to move away from the old thinking and forge to develop and improve the suffering of the ordinary people. Those who care about the suffering mass, poor service delivery and the rule of law, will abore corruption, nepotism, and self-enrichment. The stand to be patriots and citizen of the world. I salute Botswana stance and those contries and individuals who denounce the situation in Zimbabwe.

Botswana is not interested in a war with Zimbabwe. They say they just want to stop trouble spilling into the country. That seems clear enough to me.

what utter rubbish! africans expect maturity? is that how you describe mugabi, mature? anyone standing up against dictators who have no regard for the rights of its people and no respect for their right to choose a leader democratically you call a puppet of the west? you are the type that are an embarassment to africans. youre an idiot!

BOTSWAN IS A TRUE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNED COUNTRY. ITS A GOOD ACTION, TO LET ROBERT MUGABE KNOW THAT THE POLITICS OF 1960'S IS LONG GONE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH OLD AFRICAN LEADERS. THEY THINK ,THEY CAN DO ANYTHING WITHOUT THE PEOPLE'S VOICE. MUGABE BY ANY MEANS SHOULD STEP DOWN AND LET THE PEOPLE 'S VOICE BE HERD. I KNOW THAT POWER IS SWEET. BUT THEN; THE SAME PEOPLE WHO PUT YOU IN POWER ARE THE ONES YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO AND RESPECT. MUGABE SHOULD NOT TREAT ZIMBABWE HIS COUNTRY ALONE.ZIMBABWE BELONGS TO GOD AND PEOPLPE'S BLOOD IS SHEDING WILL BLEED ON MUGABE'S FEET ON EVERY DAY BASIS TILL THE JUDGEMENT DAY. MUGABE IF YOU LOVE GOD AND LOVE THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE SHARE THE SWEET THAT EVERY ZIMBABWEN HAS SWEATED FOR BEFORE INDEPENDENCE. I WOULD PERSONALY APEAL TO THE UNITED STATES TO SEND SOLDIERS TO REMOVE MUGABE FROM POWER LIKE SADDAM HUSEIN. ZAMBIA, MOZAMBIQUE, SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBBIA, CONGO, MALAWI,SWAZILAND, MAURITANIA, UGANDA, TANZANIA,BURUNDI RWANDA SHOULD SUPPORT BOTSWANA FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE.GRAND DAD MUGABE HAS ALZAMER HE IS NOT THINKING RIGHT. PLEASE DEVELOP AFRICA.

Good for Botswana, for standing up for democarcy. Good for Zambia, too. Mugabe brings shame on Africa, along with any country or their leaders that support him. I am all in favour of UN led military presence in Zim, to sort out the mess that the vast vast majority of Zimbabweans abhorr. South Africa, catch a wake up, your leaders are a disgrace.

No need to shout. Try to write reasonably please.

James you are a typical anglo Briton and your kind really have not been helpful on African issues or Zimbabwe. Most people on this website are not anglo white or is there first language English. Yes, they deserve a break when occassional words or sentences that are mispelled. I find your whole tone of language rotten to the core.

British anglos are no longer a factor in SADC. No one consultants with you or UK on regional matters. You have become toxic chemicals yourself with your ever unending tone of language. UK has lost all meaningful dialogue with African nations. Todays Africa really does not care about the UK. Repedly all Africans have said no to foolish anglo whites like yourselves.

Stop this idiotic behaviour of yours. I understand you anglo white now even discriminate against locals in Botswana. Botswana be aware of these rotten scoredrals!!

The South Africa - United Kingdom Bilateral Forum is just a figment of our imagination Phiri? Do I need to list all of the other bodies where the UK is consulted? I know you need to think this way to get through the day but really lying to yourself cant be very productive.

P.S. James is correct, all CAPS = bad netiquette.

SHUT UP ACHIMWENE!!!!! Go back to poverty in Nyasarande.

I thought Nyasaland was Malawi????????

Akafunboy thinks the 1st and 2nd world wars were fought by Germnay and England and no one else. He is so dumb.

As an American who has be to Zimbabwe regularly since 1999, with friends on both the Zanu-PF and MDC let me point out yam2003got, George Bush is not a dictator. We have open and transparent elections in the US. Even in the closeness of the 2000 election while both sides fought hard they, also, accepted the results with no one being killed or displaced. Of course, in 2004 Bush won by a comfortable margin. In a few months he will peacefully leave office whether or not he likes the results of the election.

America with all its faults has kept the same constitution since 1776. Inflation at its worst under Jimmy Carter only went little over 10% for a year. You would do well to learn our history. I refer yo to materials from www.wallbuilders.com on the Chrisitian founding of America.

I have noticed from my many visits to Zimbabwe that there is actual more religious freedom there than in America. What is missing are the biblical principles necessary for effective nation building. Believe it or not I actually taught on Biblical principles of inflation to some key ZANU-PF members and warned them of what may happen.

Inflation has been used by the government as a form of taxation. In, addition, to the government there are certain groups in the business community that benefit from inflation while everyone else suffers. My concern is that it looks like now that the country cannot be pillaged any more by former liberation fights who have become corrupted over time they will look to a GNU so that outside money will come to the country that they can control. When one is done pillaging their own home they go to their neighbors.

Mugabe can recover his great place in history if he will humble himself now and put the long term interest of his once beloved ahead of his own.

As a person of African decent, I pray that one day soon (very soon) the situation in Zimbabwe gets resolved. Leaders like Mugabe only know rule by the gun, and might only listen if there is a gun to their head. I sure hope that is not the way it happens. About Mbeki he has been a disgrace following a great leader and person in Mandela. Khama is the kind of leader that Africa needs, not leaders like Mbeki that do not have the balls to stand up for what is right. Any time an African leader agrees with the west, it's always the old colonial word that comes up. It is high time for Africans to take responsibility for their own actions and stop finding excuses. Africa Unite......Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery." Looks like the best place to start that process would be with you!

I never blame others for my actions. And by the way that is just a signature I aways use.

fellow black race,we need not war in the continent,let no African be deceived or to be made beleive that war can resolve dispute .i beleive in heartly dialogue which is the weapon of conqueror of the western political means of resolving political impasse.fellow brothers let us embrace our father land we wont be allowed or accorded a plot of land in the western land if we yield to the call of the satanic and babaric selfish race to detsroy our home.do you remember the days of slavery?coming in different method in a modernize method.do not forget the killing of innocent liberians that lasted for almost 2decades.please ask yourself why the American could not roll in its armour tanks to put the war to halt ,but factionized them to rob us of our diamond and oil.decendant of Africa,we are blessed but lacks the wisdom to utilize,that remains the cause of Africa nature existence.to be continue .before put down my pen .we should also take into consideration that democracy should be practice along side our culture,democracy in the west absolutely different from ours ,mainly because the inability to control selfish objectives.as in the west quota of the ability to control selfish interest is higher.while among the black race is very low.moreover we should understand that the poverty rate in our continent is high.The west talking about democracy it is the west culture but a borrowed culture by we the Africans .In honesty we need to practice democracy alongside our royal fathers to command absolute respect and regard.

I agreed with topsy comment and bringing back instances to reason among we African that crisis ,destruction of our belongings or fellow belongings is detriment to our dignity and prosperity,that wont solve the problem ,it wont unseat Mugabe from power.please fellow brothers let us dialogue with maturity together with the ruling party in zimbabwe and should avoid such arrogant words .War is a disgrace ,redicule our personality ,giving we the black race a violent identity.let us come together as one lift up our national heritage that scattered all over the continent. with all due respect to Mr.Mugabe ,sir be human ,clever to deal with the west.

Question What is Mugabe's Zimbabwe denying theAnglos from having? It is being reported that English and American agents are covertly funding Zimbabweans to repeat the process that they used successfully on Moḥammad Moṣaddeq, Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953 when he was removed from power by a coup d'état. These tactics are: using their agents as Mugabies supporters . while carrying out acts of oppression against all known members of the opposition in the form of. Bombing , murders, flog, in the name of the President, and his party British and Americans also used that strategy in Iraq Their Agents operating in Iraq were killed hundreds of thousand of civilians and was breeding sectarian violence by blowing up mosques and killing shias and sunnis with "death squads" (There are pictures on the web and on numerous Arab and Asian networks clearly show to be CAUCASIANS and BLACKS IN MASKS) This tactics was successfully used in creating a coup in Iran. Bombing and murders were blamed on the President (Mosaddeq ). They won and the Shah was installed to power

Many countries have gone through this tactic to their leaders demise. The US and England comes in, says what it wants from the country, if it does not cooperate, they are replaced or killed like in. Iraq Nicaragua, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, Panama Haiti, Congo et cetera Then there is economic blackmail, another powerful weapon in their arsenal, using the IMF World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Trade restrictions, the Seizing of National assets. in to entrap countries in economic servitude Today these are but a few of the tools The Anglo Saxon Diaspora uses to whip stubborn mavericks into line.in order to loot their Countries national and human resources Can Mugabe's Zimbabwe survive the Anglo / American on slaught? Are Asian countries strong enough to come to his rescue? Answer Why is Zimbabwe still afloat? China Why the Anglo American axis is trying to stop Mugabe

HANY BESADA Special to Globe and Mail Update July 2, 2008 at 8:59 PM EDT How has Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe managed to avert a complete state collapse thus far? His disillusioned citizens are facing a new wave of price increases that will put the most basic of food essentials even further out of their reach. On the streets of Harare, a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of what a dozen new cars would have cost a decade ago (when factoring current consumer price indicators and inflation figures). With public wages largely unchanged, as many as three million Zimbabweans have been forced to take up menial jobs in neighbouring South Africa to support their families. Figures released by independent economists in Zimbabwe last week show that the annual inflation rate has reached 9 million per cent. With the worthless Zimbabwean dollar trading at more than one billion to £1, the country's central bank announced the introduction of a billion-dollar banknote. With a sinking economy and hyperinflation that has produced millionaires and billionaires struggling to feed their families, how is it that Zimbabwe is still afloat? One answer may be China. By many accounts, China has become one of Zimbabwe's most important foreign investors, following the exodus of Western multinationals in the mid-1990s as a result of the worsening political and security situation in the wake of the seizure of white-owned farms. Last month, China's ambassador to Zimbabwe said a Chinese company was seriously exploring the possibility of investing $500-million (U.S.) for electricity generation in Zimbabwe. This comes on the heels of discussions between the two countries on expanding bilateral trade and investments. In the past two years, China has thrown Zimbabwe's disintegrating economy a lifeline with energy and mining deals, reportedly worth more than $1.6-billion. It was reported that these deals gave China access to Zimbabwe's precious mineral resources, including the world's second- largest deposits of platinum, as well as gold, chrome, coal, nickel and diamonds. These major investment projects included the construction of three coal-fired thermal power stations to assist the state power company, which was cutting customers' electricity for seven hours a day. It also included a deal with the China Machine-Building International Corp. to mine coal and build thermal-powered generators in Zimbabwe, with the aim of reducing the country's electricity shortage. Indeed, Beijing's economic support for Harare remains strong and, through its efforts, China has secured the contracts to develop Zimbabwe's agricultural, mineral and hydroelectric resources. Tobacco counts amongst Zimbabwe's top exports, and China is Zimbabwe's largest importer. China has made large investments in the country's tobacco production and processing industry, and also has injected more than $200-million into Zimbabwe's farming, manufacturing and mining sectors. China supplies Zimbabwe with expertise, technical assistance and agricultural equipment. Chinese investors also helped Zimbabwe process tobacco into cigarettes and export them as finished products. And investors and a local company undertook a joint venture in the form of a large cement factory in Gweru to meet the national demand for cement. Western analysts and Zimbabwean critics contend that Beijing will continue to support Harare unconditionally, while piling up various claims on Zimbabwe's natural resources and other commodities. With a lack of direct competition by Western firms in the local market, Zimbabwe will remain one of China's important resource bases. But Zimbabwe's fragile state is putting Beijing in an increasingly vulnerable situation, as Western condemnation of China's long-standing ties with the autocratic Mr. Mugabe is becoming increasingly more vocal. China's continued involvement in Zimbabwe, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, also carries significant sovereign risk – and Beijing is gambling it will be able to manage relations so as to guarantee its claims in what would almost certainly continue to be a chaotic transition period. Zimbabwe's socio-economic profile has undergone a seismic change. The growing importance of China in the country's economy is evidenced by economic assistance and foreign investment deals in the extractive sector, in state-owned enterprises and in the agricultural sector. The key to this is China's willingness to use barter trade to secure investment deals, and it appears as though China's motives are actually economic – namely, to satisfy its growing economic needs. A constructive engagement with China will have to be put in place, focusing on improving transparency in contracts, investment deals and loan agreements. This will be particularly critical in any post-Mugabe economic reconstruction period if ordinary Zimbabweans are to reap the full benefits of increased Chinese investments instead of only a current handful of political elite in Harare. Hany Besada is a senior researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont.

Kingswood....cut the length statements your are issuing. Enough of this rubbish anglo white rubbish......... Go on BBC they love your statements. Maybe you can participate in showing the worst pictures on Zimbabwe, since you like next to Zimbabwe.

Yeah.. better watch out. Phiri is the post-police. Surely the idea of a forum is for people to say what they want, no matter the length? Pull your head in Phiri. Some people, encluding me, enjoy reading such great posts.

Question What is Mugabe's Zimbabwe denying theAnglos from having? It is being reported that English and American agents are covertly funding Zimbabweans to repeat the process that they used successfully on Moḥammad Moṣaddeq, Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953 when he was removed from power by a coup d'état. These tactics are: using their agents as Mugabies supporters . while carrying out acts of oppression against all known members of the opposition in the form of. Bombing , murders, flog, in the name of the President, and his party British and Americans also used that strategy in Iraq Their Agents operating in Iraq were killed hundreds of thousand of civilians and was breeding sectarian violence by blowing up mosques and killing shias and sunnis with "death squads" (There are pictures on the web and on numerous Arab and Asian networks clearly show to be CAUCASIANS and BLACKS IN MASKS) This tactics was successfully used in creating a coup in Iran. Bombing and murders were blamed on the President (Mosaddeq ). They won and the Shah was installed to power

Many countries have gone through this tactic to their leaders demise. The US and England comes in, says what it wants from the country, if it does not cooperate, they are replaced or killed like in. Iraq Nicaragua, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, Panama Haiti, Congo et cetera Then there is economic blackmail, another powerful weapon in their arsenal, using the IMF World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Trade restrictions, the Seizing of National assets. in to entrap countries in economic servitude Today these are but a few of the tools The Anglo Saxon Diaspora uses to whip stubborn mavericks into line.in order to loot their Countries national and human resources Can Mugabe's Zimbabwe survive the Anglo / American on slaught? Are Asian countries strong enough to come to his rescue?

Why is Zimbabwe still afloat? China Why the Anglo American axis is trying to stop Mugabe

HANY BESADA Special to Globe and Mail Update July 2, 2008 at 8:59 PM EDT How has Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe managed to avert a complete state collapse thus far? His disillusioned citizens are facing a new wave of price increases that will put the most basic of food essentials even further out of their reach. On the streets of Harare, a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of what a dozen new cars would have cost a decade ago (when factoring current consumer price indicators and inflation figures). With public wages largely unchanged, as many as three million Zimbabweans have been forced to take up menial jobs in neighbouring South Africa to support their families. Figures released by independent economists in Zimbabwe last week show that the annual inflation rate has reached 9 million per cent. With the worthless Zimbabwean dollar trading at more than one billion to £1, the country's central bank announced the introduction of a billion-dollar banknote. With a sinking economy and hyperinflation that has produced millionaires and billionaires struggling to feed their families, how is it that Zimbabwe is still afloat? One answer may be China. By many accounts, China has become one of Zimbabwe's most important foreign investors, following the exodus of Western multinationals in the mid-1990s as a result of the worsening political and security situation in the wake of the seizure of white-owned farms. Last month, China's ambassador to Zimbabwe said a Chinese company was seriously exploring the possibility of investing $500-million (U.S.) for electricity generation in Zimbabwe. This comes on the heels of discussions between the two countries on expanding bilateral trade and investments. In the past two years, China has thrown Zimbabwe's disintegrating economy a lifeline with energy and mining deals, reportedly worth more than $1.6-billion. It was reported that these deals gave China access to Zimbabwe's precious mineral resources, including the world's second- largest deposits of platinum, as well as gold, chrome, coal, nickel and diamonds. These major investment projects included the construction of three coal-fired thermal power stations to assist the state power company, which was cutting customers' electricity for seven hours a day. It also included a deal with the China Machine-Building International Corp. to mine coal and build thermal-powered generators in Zimbabwe, with the aim of reducing the country's electricity shortage. Indeed, Beijing's economic support for Harare remains strong and, through its efforts, China has secured the contracts to develop Zimbabwe's agricultural, mineral and hydroelectric resources. Tobacco counts amongst Zimbabwe's top exports, and China is Zimbabwe's largest importer. China has made large investments in the country's tobacco production and processing industry, and also has injected more than $200-million into Zimbabwe's farming, manufacturing and mining sectors. China supplies Zimbabwe with expertise, technical assistance and agricultural equipment. Chinese investors also helped Zimbabwe process tobacco into cigarettes and export them as finished products. And investors and a local company undertook a joint venture in the form of a large cement factory in Gweru to meet the national demand for cement. Western analysts and Zimbabwean critics contend that Beijing will continue to support Harare unconditionally, while piling up various claims on Zimbabwe's natural resources and other commodities. With a lack of direct competition by Western firms in the local market, Zimbabwe will remain one of China's important resource bases. But Zimbabwe's fragile state is putting Beijing in an increasingly vulnerable situation, as Western condemnation of China's long-standing ties with the autocratic Mr. Mugabe is becoming increasingly more vocal. China's continued involvement in Zimbabwe, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, also carries significant sovereign risk – and Beijing is gambling it will be able to manage relations so as to guarantee its claims in what would almost certainly continue to be a chaotic transition period. Zimbabwe's socio-economic profile has undergone a seismic change. The growing importance of China in the country's economy is evidenced by economic assistance and foreign investment deals in the extractive sector, in state-owned enterprises and in the agricultural sector. The key to this is China's willingness to use barter trade to secure investment deals, and it appears as though China's motives are actually economic – namely, to satisfy its growing economic needs. A constructive engagement with China will have to be put in place, focusing on improving transparency in contracts, investment deals and loan agreements. This will be particularly critical in any post-Mugabe economic reconstruction period if ordinary Zimbabweans are to reap the full benefits of increased Chinese investments instead of only a current handful of political elite in Harare. Hany Besada is a senior researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont.

American I agree with your assessment of the USA. I also know that American is not perfect and Americans do not always make good decisions in electing their Presidents. George Bush is a total shock to most of us, because he was elected twice. Like Americans, most Zimbabweans elect their leaders out of personal likes and dislikes, not necessary on Facts. Bush's twice elected Presidents shocks most of us, and increasingly believe America may not be a good model for democracy for the continent of Africa.

The most thing I admire about the USA is that the country functions well without Gov't intrusion. The USA gov't does not impose itself on the citizens. As a Zimbabwean, I think Robert Mugabe wants to impose himself on every Zimbabwean. It is turning out to be almost like a cult. You cannot do business in Zimbabwe, unless you are connected to Mugabe. Even the church is increasingly coming under his influence and that is regretable.

This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

Hey American, I understand that the 1776 constitution was written and implemented while millions of Africans were being held as slaves in America. I also believe that, said constitution has been amended dozens of times. My understanding is that right up until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 millions on people of African descent were not allowed to vote freely under that same constitution. Even as recent as the presidential elections of 2000 and 2004, it has been documented that many people of African descent were still denied the right to vote. As for Mr. Mugabe, his legacy at 84 is fairly secure, having lead the fight to retake his country from foreigners, returning much of the land to its rightful owners, serving as the country's leader for 28 years, bringing the country to the highest literacy in Africa and surviving 10 years of sanctions (the real cause of the inflation) by some of the world's most powerful nations.

dLoser. Your post is full of lies. Please tell us what the literacy rate in Zim was when Mugabe took power and what it is now. You make assumptions that simply arent true. We need evidence, not stories. Mugabe's legacy will be as the butcher of Harare, responsible for the murder of 20,000 civilians from the Ndebele tribe, and the murder of his own people during the recent election to keep power. He is a disgrace to Africa. He is spending millions on a mansion for himself while the rest of his country starves and relies on aid. Mugabe is no hero. Mandela is a hero.

aDefendant, there is not a single lie in my previous post, not even an exaggeration but to someone like yourself who posts lies endlessly, it might seem like a lies when truth is posted. If you want evidence, study history, don't expect me to teach you it on a message board. I give you the basic facts, you do the research. Perhaps you could take a little time off from posting endlessly lies about Mugabe and read a little history about Britain, the US and Zimbabwe then you wouldn't be so surprised when someone posted some facts that you are not aware of. Do you think that if you keep repeating the lies about Mugabe they will somehow become real? The fact that Mugabe put down an foreign-inspired insurrection somehow gets twisted in the liar's mind and comes out "the butcher of Harare, responsible for the murder of 20,000 civilians from the Ndebele tribe". And mobilizing the majority of his people to win a run-off election against a foreign-sponsored candidate becomes in that same twisted mind "the murder of his own people during the recent election to keep power". BTW, the literacy in Zimbabwe in 1980 when Mr. Mugabe became president was about 60%, today it is over 90%, the highest in Africa and one of the highest in the world!

dLoser, you really talk such nonsense. You say there isnt a lie or an exaggeration. You clearly have no evidence so I have researched for you. You give your guess and try and pass your guesses and opinions as fact. And you really are a poor deluded soul arent you. You think Mugabe won because he managed to mobilise his people. Only through the murder of over 100 Zimbabweans and the mass intimidation of many others did he win. How else has Zimbabwe changed between the election and the run off for the vote to change so dramatically? Certainly unemployment, inflation etc has shown no sign of improvement. And which ever way you word it, Mugabe is responsible for the deaths of 20,000 of his own people. You simply cant justify that. So back to your exaggeration. Literacty in Zimbabwe in 1980 was not 60% as you say, once again, a lie to exaggerate your story. The question is, how much of the increase in literacy was due to the schools and systems set up prior to Mugabe and I suggest to you a significant amount. And another lie... Zimbabwe having one of the highest literacy rates in the world? What a joke. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate - you'll have to look along way down the list before you find Zimbabwe. Really... you do need to do some research as your facts just dont stack up once you look into it.

American. You and your Bible. You are putting salt on a wound. You are threatening us. Before independence, members of my community were gathered by a certain Bishop for prayers, jst to realize that it is a set up. While gathered, He said he will be back shortly. Mind you, he went to call his Masters that we are gathered so they can just come and finish the good job (shooting).G W Bush is a dictator because he bypassed UN and an opportunistic killer-for-oil for Iraq. A dictator doesn't need to be in Power for 40 years. He is born like that. A dictator can even come for a two terms (10 years) and mess up. Don't you see?????? Remove that blanket from your face. Mugabe is a teacher by profession and he is leaving a good lesson and legacy for Africa's progress. Africa's progress has to come that way in some circumstances, not all. It is about us. Shell, BP, Total and others are rushing to get Iraqi oil. Fine, free market economy. But If you really want to help people, Why don't you allow them to form their oil companies there and do business that will be passed from family to family members of their own idingenous people?? Where is the Sustainability? Similarly, there is No sustainability in Zimbabwe, thus the situation.

I read a very interesting article on the African Politics Portal http://codrinarsene.com/ that explains the situation is better terms. The full article here: http://codrinarsene.com/2008/07/mugabe-makes-a-deadly-mistake/. I believe Mr. Arsene is right in suggesting that Robert Mugabe stand no chance in this conflict.

I had asked this question in an earlier Article, i have now confermed my article Question What is Mugabe's Zimbabwe denying theAnglos from having? It is being reported that English and American agents are covertly funding Zimbabweans to repeat the process that they used successfully on Moḥammad Moṣaddeq, Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953 when he was removed from power by a coup d'état. These tactics are: using their agents as Mugabies supporters . while carrying out acts of oppression against all known members of the opposition in the form of. Bombing , murders, flog, in the name of the President, and his party British and Americans also used that strategy in Iraq Their Agents operating in Iraq were killed hundreds of thousand of civilians and was breeding sectarian violence by blowing up mosques and killing shias and sunnis with "death squads" (There are pictures on the web and on numerous Arab and Asian networks clearly show to be CAUCASIANS and BLACKS IN MASKS) This tactics was successfully used in creating a coup in Iran. Bombing and murders were blamed on the President (Mosaddeq ). They won and the Shah was installed to power

Many countries have gone through this tactic to their leaders demise. The US and England comes in, says what it wants from the country, if it does not cooperate, they are replaced or killed like in. Iraq Nicaragua, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, Panama Haiti, Congo et cetera Then there is economic blackmail, another powerful weapon in their arsenal, using the IMF World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Trade restrictions, the Seizing of National assets. in to entrap countries in economic servitude Today these are but a few of the tools The Anglo Saxon Diaspora uses to whip stubborn mavericks into line.in order to loot their Countries national and human resources Can Mugabe's Zimbabwe survive the Anglo / American on slaught? Are Asian countries strong enough to come to his rescue? ANSWER... Why is Zimbabwe still afloat? China Why the Anglo American axis is trying to stop Mugabe? China

HANY BESADA Special to Globe and Mail Update July 2, 2008 at 8:59 PM EDT How has Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe managed to avert a complete state collapse thus far? His disillusioned citizens are facing a new wave of price increases that will put the most basic of food essentials even further out of their reach. On the streets of Harare, a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of what a dozen new cars would have cost a decade ago (when factoring current consumer price indicators and inflation figures). With public wages largely unchanged, as many as three million Zimbabweans have been forced to take up menial jobs in neighbouring South Africa to support their families. Figures released by independent economists in Zimbabwe last week show that the annual inflation rate has reached 9 million per cent. With the worthless Zimbabwean dollar trading at more than one billion to £1, the country's central bank announced the introduction of a billion-dollar banknote. With a sinking economy and hyperinflation that has produced millionaires and billionaires struggling to feed their families, how is it that Zimbabwe is still afloat? One answer may be China. By many accounts, China has become one of Zimbabwe's most important foreign investors, following the exodus of Western multinationals in the mid-1990s as a result of the worsening political and security situation in the wake of the seizure of white-owned farms. Last month, China's ambassador to Zimbabwe said a Chinese company was seriously exploring the possibility of investing $500-million (U.S.) for electricity generation in Zimbabwe. This comes on the heels of discussions between the two countries on expanding bilateral trade and investments. In the past two years, China has thrown Zimbabwe's disintegrating economy a lifeline with energy and mining deals, reportedly worth more than $1.6-billion. It was reported that these deals gave China access to Zimbabwe's precious mineral resources, including the world's second- largest deposits of platinum, as well as gold, chrome, coal, nickel and diamonds. These major investment projects included the construction of three coal-fired thermal power stations to assist the state power company, which was cutting customers' electricity for seven hours a day. It also included a deal with the China Machine-Building International Corp. to mine coal and build thermal-powered generators in Zimbabwe, with the aim of reducing the country's electricity shortage. Indeed, Beijing's economic support for Harare remains strong and, through its efforts, China has secured the contracts to develop Zimbabwe's agricultural, mineral and hydroelectric resources. Tobacco counts amongst Zimbabwe's top exports, and China is Zimbabwe's largest importer. China has made large investments in the country's tobacco production and processing industry, and also has injected more than $200-million into Zimbabwe's farming, manufacturing and mining sectors. China supplies Zimbabwe with expertise, technical assistance and agricultural equipment. Chinese investors also helped Zimbabwe process tobacco into cigarettes and export them as finished products. And investors and a local company undertook a joint venture in the form of a large cement factory in Gweru to meet the national demand for cement. Western analysts and Zimbabwean critics contend that Beijing will continue to support Harare unconditionally, while piling up various claims on Zimbabwe's natural resources and other commodities. With a lack of direct competition by Western firms in the local market, Zimbabwe will remain one of China's important resource bases. But Zimbabwe's fragile state is putting Beijing in an increasingly vulnerable situation, as Western condemnation of China's long-standing ties with the autocratic Mr. Mugabe is becoming increasingly more vocal. China's continued involvement in Zimbabwe, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, also carries significant sovereign risk – and Beijing is gambling it will be able to manage relations so as to guarantee its claims in what would almost certainly continue to be a chaotic transition period. Zimbabwe's socio-economic profile has undergone a seismic change. The growing importance of China in the country's economy is evidenced by economic assistance and foreign investment deals in the extractive sector, in state-owned enterprises and in the agricultural sector. The key to this is China's willingness to use barter trade to secure investment deals, and it appears as though China's motives are actually economic – namely, to satisfy its growing economic needs. A constructive engagement with China will have to be put in place, focusing on improving transparency in contracts, investment deals and loan agreements. This will be particularly critical in any post-Mugabe economic reconstruction period if ordinary Zimbabweans are to reap the full benefits of increased Chinese investments instead of only a current handful of political elite in Harare.

Hany Besada is a senior researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont.

Kingswood, get off the loud speaker, people are free to choose not to respond to your length diatribe. You are no more important than anybody,. Typical anglo white self-importance!!!

B

The leaderThat so-called leader of Botswana is not a true African. Why? True African leaders aren't eager to interfere in the internal affairs of others, or sow the seeds of violence among Africans.

So, whom do we know historically that possess the kind of beastly mindset that is inclined to interfere into the affairs of others? The racist, anti-African and evil Europeans are always acting like Neanderthal beasts.

That ethnically mixed up and mentally mixed up ignoramus that the Tswanas foolishly allowed as their leader is doing the bidding of his European mother's lineage.

Tswanas would be wise to rid themselves of this un-African warmonger from being their leader, and get a true African leader.

Tswanas should resist a regional war, RESIST devilish "DIVIDE AND RULE", resist allowing the evil European mindset that would cause Tswanas to do the unusual and go to war with fellow Africans. Tswanas would pay a heavy price for generations to come, long after the evil Europeans are driven away from Africa.

So...if Botswana's president is not a true African because he criticizes his neighbor's affairs (which are directly affecting it because of the Zimbabwean nationals who take refuge in Botswana from the current situation), then what does that make Nyerere in Tanzania who criticized the Idi Amin government in Uganda to a fault (which eventually snowballed into the Uganda-Tanzania War)?

I mean, here we go with the "No true Scotsman" argument, except that it's being applied to, if I'm correct, an entire race that happens to constitute a demographic majority in sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike the other nations, even "Africans" can't be identified in populistic, centralizing discourse by other "Africans" according to their nationality, but by their race. Of course, such all-inculsiveness comes to an end when one "African" wants another "African" out of the country or doesn't want the other "African" to run for office because of his ancestry or liberal political bent or simply because he's "taking our deserved jobs".

And the only reasons why such a double standard is existent are because of the slave trade, European colonization and the instances of ethnic minority rule. As a result, we're only black when white European-descended people are around, and only African when European countries are involved. But once the last white person leaves and the last European country withdraws its remaining interests, then who will be polarized in Zimbabwe next? Nationalist conservatives and the evil liberal subversives? The Christians or Muslims vs. the Jews or the Asians?

Oh, my bad. That's already happening in Zimbabwe, and in most African and Caribbean countries with "black", "African" majorities and rule. The nationalist, nativist ZANU-PF is already violently against the liberal, Western-oriented MDC.

The MWALIMU was not a half-caste.

akafunboy thinks that the first and second world wars were fought solely by Germany and England. He is so dumb. Dont listen to him. He needs to go get an education before he comments.

Ah, this is a good one for selective memory ..... I seem to remember Zimbabwean troops being sent, on orders by Robert Mugabe to another troubled country in Africa to 'interfere' in another country's internal affairs.

But of course you would turn a blind eye to this little point as it would make Mugabe NOT a true African. And also with the rebels being supported by Rwanda and Uganda, that places another two leaders in the 'Not a True African' box. I'm sure if I dig a little deeper, I could probably find instances for most of the leaders throughout Africa ..... sheesh, if it carries on like this Africa will be ruled entirely by Non - True Africans.

Following Thabo's suggestion I visited http://codrinarsene.com. There's one paragraph I believe is the best description of the current situation of Robert Mugabe I have ever read: "If Robert Mugabe thinks that his declarations will convince any other African statesmen to step back on their criticisms against him, then he is the one who should think twice. Robert Mugabe has lost any right or political leverage he once had in the regional African politics. Once a symbol of liberation, an African idol, following his atrocious targeting of opposition leaders, Mugabe has become an all-time pariah, a disgrace of African leadership and, most importantly, a politician every other African leader would like to avoid. They are avoiding Mugabe not because they are afraid of him, but because he brings no good to their image. With the exception of Thabo Mbeki, whose image is as tarnished as the Zimbabwean economy, few leaders would dare even meeting with Robert Mugabe in Harare." I am really curious if anyone could come with a counter-argument to this statement made by blogger Codrin Arsene. What do you guys think?

I can't get it. You are saying Arsene expressed that only Mbeki supports Mugabe. How come AU(African Union incase you don't know) was prompted by the Satans of the World not recognise Pres Mugabe and they objected that with Vigour?? Are you saying AU is an office building somewhere standing like a speechless statue. It is made up of Human beings,Africans,OK?? Are you saying Africans in AU are empty shells?? Answer!!!Those are liberators well intended. They proved it to the World. OR Do you want AU to be sanctioned and attacked as well by US and BRT. Hidden Agendas are not hidden forever. Some people want to close one of our eyes and make us look only with the other one, not seeing what is coming from the side of the closed eye. Yes you can close it but if I feel unfriendly movements that side, I shall react. It is laws of the jungle.

it's such a shame that the governments in africa are generally silent on this issue. I don't expect the gambian president and his fellow dictators to condemn it. But the president of ghana ,south africa and other democratic minded president should do so.WE must send a very strong signal to mugabe and and his lunatic party people.

Gentlemen lets talk sense, dont just vomits words because you are a beneficiary of Mr Mugabe. Talk reality talk sense, you think all is good in Zimbabwe. What Bostwana is doing is OK thumbs up to Khama.

If you blame everything on colonialism you likely became a racist fanatic. eventually you will hate yourself and your parents for having fathered and mothered you. You become your own enemy, a criminal gang leader against self. Come over to Botswana and just get to any of the shopping malls and see how many zims beg for piece jobs just for survival not a decent life. If by inference when US president Bush visit a foreign country, that country becomes a puppet of the west then RSA is a puppet as well though they provide for Mugabe's political life blood. Strange reasoning.

If regional peace has to be gotten through puppet relations with those who care let it be so. Botswana is not synonymous with starvation and so we will never allow our neighbours to cause us to starve by destabilizing the region through racist motivated foreign policies.

Very well said; I applaud Botswana for standing up against the madness of Mugabe's tyranny when so many others in the region have chosen to do nothing.

What is Democracy? and practices 100% democracy? In my view democracy is subjective. The Americana said they have elections as and when they should so does Zimbabwe. My good friend Phiri thinks Mugabe imposes himself on the Zimbabwean people he is wrong and this is why. The Zimbabwean Constitution stipulates that the victor of any presidetial elections has to have a majority of 50% plus one extra vote. The 29th March elections prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the majority of the Zimabwean people did not choose Tsvangirai as their president. Taking Mugabe's 43% and Makoni's 8% already 51% (Majority) did not vote for Tsvangirai. In the house of Assembly MDC-T leads ZANU PF by one seat and in the senate ZANU PF leads MDC-T by six seats. So overally ZANU PF controls the legislature. What happened in Kenya should not be allowed to happen anywhere else in Africa. Odinga is now leads the cabinet of Kenya at the expense of more than 1200 parished Kenyans. Tsvangirai and his party declared well before the elections that what happened in Kenya is nothing as compared to what will happen in Zimbabwe if he looses the election. Now innocent people are dying and the world wants to blame Mugabe on this,this is insane. Sanctions have destroyed our economy l know plenty of people out there think that these are targeted sanctions but take time to search for America's Zimbabwe Democracy Bill. Mugabe's crime against the west is that he stood for what is rightly Zimbabwean and for Zimbabweans. He has told the west about their lies to push through their interest. So much lies has been told about Zimbabwe such that it has become the truth to ears of many. To the Botswana president l say we have any embassy in Botswana take time to understand the Zimbabwean situation before you make un informed statements. In Africa we need leaders who speak peace not war. They say if you play with the sward you will die by the sward.

We live in Zimbabwe and we know the truth about the situation in Zimbabwe. Some of these obsevers they match in Harare and then come up with a detailed report prononouncing everything to be free and fair . They should visit remote areas where these dirty games will be done. Zimbaweans are suffering at the hands of the old man who does not want to relinquish power. We certainly appeal to those countries who can assist to come and help us. Remember zimbabwe used to assist other countries when they were politically in need of help. Why is it that most countries tend to igniore us yet Mugabe is busy punishing and destroying the country.Africans leaders this is the only time you can demostrate that democracy which you preach and want. Speak with Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria's voices. That mbeki is a puppet and he wants Mugabe to asssit him next year since he is busy intefering with the court so that zuma 's charges are not dropped. Mbeki is now the enemy of zimbaweans .Any war in Zimbabwe will not take more than two weeks beacause nobody from the army, police,civilians want Mugabe

Zvoushe what kind of help do you need. You were given the power to unseat Mugabe thru the ballot but did you do so.

One of the reasons why Africa is backward is because we do not have our own head to think our own thought. We ape, we copy, we paste. We have lost our identity and what distinguish our ancestors from others. How can any country in Africa fail to see the game at play. It is a shame that Botswana is being used. At the end of the day, the secret path with either the US or UK will be out there for all to see. A promise of perhaps 500,000 dollars to destabilize your neighbour.

Poverty is beyond food and materials, many African leaders are suffering from poverty of knowledge while some of the followers are as confused as insects dancing panorama.

I am beginning to see why Michael Jackson hate the people so much not to identify with them. I am beginning to understand why Wrights said Africans have low intelligent. Shame on a continent that cannot stand on its own. Shame on countries that dance to the whims and caprices of the West. Shame on a people that cannot cast out an identity.

ls Africa backward?? I have lived in both Europe and the USA. Africa is not backward. Africa is ONLY very POOR but capable of being VERY VERY WEALTH

ls Africa backward?? I have lived in both Europe and the USA. Africa is not backward. Africa is ONLY very POOR but capable of being VERY VERY WEALTH

Warning other countries to'think twice' before making any comment is detrimental to even to our relations with the nations like Botswana. In Zimbabwe for your own information we are actually surviving on good from these countries, so to threaten Botswana is like diving into a pool without water. My suggestion is that The Illegitimate President should mince his words and he also should think twice before making threats that will make us starve. If Botswana closes its borders then what, mass starvation. How about the livelihoods of Zimbabwean Citizens in Botswana, what happens, deportation. Remember these guys are bringing in the much needed foreign currency.

we do not survive from Botswana, most of the goods in Botswana are Zimbabwean and South African. Botswana does not produce they import and sell. lnfact Botswana is a retail country for South African and Zimbabwe.

surely you dont Chiki. Majority of goods from Zim in Botswana are economic refugees. Are you proud of exporting them? We export diamod, copper, salt, beef, human waste (beacuse we are well fed), foot and mouth vaccine (and we give you free consignment the other day) If we have money to buy what is available in the market, whether from zim, China or RSA let it be so. we will show you the way. It pains me to see such a lovely country like zim being battered by its own people.

i think Botswana must be given the same plattform to send apologies to Zim government. we understand that Botwana is big buddy of America which is anti-Zim government and maybe US can use them(Botswana) to break a war and pretent as if it is Botswana, i know Botswana as a peacefull country and suddendly i wonder what makes them to have such attitude, they behave like Americans on African soil. we don't want war in Zim we only want negotiations which will result in peace for Zim people. Botswana don't fight your own brother look at the big picture and act like a brother

i think Botswana must be given the same plattform to send apologies to Zim government. we understand that Botwana is big buddy of America which is anti-Zim government and maybe US can use them(Botswana) to break a war and pretent as if it is Botswana, i know Botswana as a peacefull country and suddendly i wonder what makes them to have such attitude, they behave like Americans on African soil. we don't want war in Zim we only want negotiations which will result in peace for Zim people. Botswana don't fight your own brother look at the big picture and act like a brother

I agree we do not need war to solve every conflict, but it is really sad to see that people still think that others should turn a blind eye to injustice and brutality. If my blood brother is wrong i will tell him that he is and still love him. Wrong is wrong - Black or White.

This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

For heavens' sake, people are dying in Zimbabwe. Can Africans, for the first time, show compassion? Why on earth would a normal person still voice support for the attrocities perpetred on innocent people of Zimbawe by Mugabe-Mbeki and SADC? Thank God, Mwanawasa and Khama have the courage to stand up to Mugabe. Botswana is the best performing economy in Africa, and it has achieved that in the last 20 years, largely due to good governance---not because of being puppets of the WEST. BAD GOVERNANCE, GRID, and CORRUPTION broke Zimbabwe's back, NOT INDEPENDENCE FROM THE WEST.Zambia reached rock-bottom in 1980s, and slowly and surely, thanks to Mwanawasa, the country is on the ascendence. Contrast what's happening in Botswana and Zambia with what's going on in the rest of SADC sans Indian Ocean isisles. Corruption, crime, etc, are rampant. Do leaders of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and DRC, Malawi and Swaziland really have the MORAL standing to take on Mugabe? It is for this reason why many people did not seriously the statement issued by the SADC Security Organ, whose membership includes Tanzania on the one hand and two human rights violators (Angola and Swaziland). So, SADC should welcome Mwanawasa's and Khama's leadership on Zimbabwe.

My final thought. Africa will begin take its rightful place in the community of nations once the so-called educated elite to look at the reality in Africa. The peasants are already there because they never benefited from the subsidies that we the elite get either in subsidized education, oil, food, or through various asset-striping mechanisms.

Concerned SADC Patriot

Ontil we as african people heal our self from the sicknes, self desturtion, and the seed 0f inferiority comlex that the wicked onens plant in us, we will always be the fuel that give other people the power to rule over us. why dont we ever lurned from the mistake our ancestors made, and stop our self from coming victim of divide and rule. for centries these people tel us lies and play us against each other to destroy our self, while they keep benifiting from your minerals and resources. We are a mighty people, but ontil we railise that god give us a strong mind and body to think and do for our self, then history will repeat it self and when it does this time we will face the risk of extermination. Cause onlike our ancestors who use the self determing wisdom of their ancestors to endiour and escape from the first coming of the evil ones, we their childrens will only have lie and stupidness that the evil ones give to us as truth. we or willing to kill and sell out those who stand up for us when the wicked tell us to, and because of the hard ship that the wicked inpose on us we quickly forget the good and prosperous thing that those who stand up for us once bring.

Kaii, I worked in Botswana for five years and the reason they are doing well is because they have large deposits of diamonds and a very small population. Why havn't we seen any pictures of these 'starving' Zimbabwean's you talk about? I have seen recent footage of many STARVING people in Somalia.

Excuse me, if you say you have not seen pictures of STARVING CHILDREN OR PEOPLE in Zimbabwe, are you trying to say they aren't any. The media chooses not to focus on that. YES they are dying people, that are dying from hunger, but since Mugabe and Thabo and all these other presidents want to be on the headlines, who has time to show, the starving children in Zimbabwe and the rape victims and the hospitals with no medication. NO ONE CARES. That stuff does not make money...ey.

This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

Get over yourself. The whole thing of trying to make it about race s what is stopping countries in Africa going forward. Don't try to bring that hate up. For god's sake Botswana is a good country. What have you against our leader?

Be reasonable

Candy, Botswana has got only two things going for it #1 - Large deposits of diamonds. #2 - A very small population. Anyone can do very well with those two factors.

What about Sierra Leone? Liberia?

Very good point...note that kubatana did not respond to this. When he is presented with facts or logical reasoning he either keeps silent, changes the subject or starts his reckless anti-colonialism, anti-white, anti-Western World ranting...

kubatana lives in New Zealand because he is too scared to live in Zimbabwe.

Indie, yet again you show us all what an idiot you really are! Now why should i be 'scared' to live in Zimbabwe when i agree with the present government? I have told you many times before that my WORK keeps me in New Zealand - are you so stupid that you could not get it the first time? I think that what is really eating you is that there is black people like myself living in the west and not seeing things 'YOUR WAY' I've been oppressed by racist people like you all my life in Zimbabwe so i know where you comming from!

"Your work keeps you there" haha thats hilarious!

Zah, why should i respond about something i don't know? I respond to anything Botswana because i worked there. I respond to Zimbabwe because i am a Zimbabwean - I may not live there but have a large family still living there and visit often. There are far too many people that respond on this site that are NOT Zimbabwean and have no idea about the history of the country. These very people will not be found responding on the Somalia,Sudan,Kenya sites .....why? Why Zimbabwe? There are worse places on this earth than Zimbabwe!

Sort of like arrable land, gold, diamonds, platinum, an educated population, chrome, nickle and many others. Bob however has managed to squander it all!

James, your attitude encourages sabotage of African Unity. But you won't win buddy. I can't think of anyways you can win. You are obviously not African. Real Africans don't think like you. We invite you to join the new African think Tank. Yes, slow but coming. A bigger ship is always slow, but heavy. I cannot come to your house fence with a rifle/gun because you are crying Municipality has cut off your water supply and think that I just shoot you to solve the problem. What kind of thinking is this. Mmmm war-mongering. You are the type of people who believe racism does not exist. You even think perhaps an ostrich does fly beacuse it is categorised as a bird. You even perhaps think a chicken does not fly.

For those commenting in support of mugabe is the same people who hold Africa back as a continent. He is a evil man that needs be removed if anyone thinks a person should rule a nation longer than 20 years does not understand democracy. As far as Botswana being a puppet country for the U.S is completely false. America has no direct interest in Zimbabwe. Please grow up and stop being so ignorant its very emabarrasing to us educated africans who see the truths.

Where did you get your education. Baaba Black sheep havi havi you', a e i o u or whatever. What is AngloAmerican??? haaaaa???? What is that name America doing on that Company. You don't even know the meaning of Anglo.You need literacy, in Zimbabwe you will get it, 100%. Jeees. You are making us a laughing stock.That is not what we call educated. Anyway...

Botswana is a sovereign state like any other country. The basic fundamental duty of any government is to protect its citizens from lawlessless and external agression. The Mugabe regime has failed to provide security for its citizens ans this is a huge betrayal of their allegiance if not failure which in a morally upright man would be a prema facie for stepping down. I therefore do not see anything wrong with Botswana manning its borders to protect its citizens in line with its fundamental duty.

Lets not forget that a country as small as Botswana can not cope with the huge influx of refugees running away from mugabe. Well, like any other country it just has enough facilities for its population and cannot be expected to budget extra to accommodate the ruthless, desperate and defunct Mugabe who is increasingly failing to manage his own country and finds it fit to blame others for his failures.

Botswana lost its sovereingty to the british long time ago. This was when Seretse Khama married Ruth.Since then Botswana became little England.The Batswana are british throughout.They always lean towards the british. They have shown that they are british satrappies.Have you ever wondered why Botswana presidents are easily knighted by Britain?What is this that they have done or keep on doing for London?

I have come to accept Thabo Mbeki as a true African.As an African he has stood by Mugabe.We are sick and tired of Africans who are used by the british as their "klip gooiers" (stone throwers.True sons and daughters of Africa will never turn against Mugabe.

The problem between Mugabe and the british is land and sovereignty.Mugabe understands that for Zimbabwe to be a country, he must defend its sovereignty.The british vampire wants to take Zimbabwe simply because of the land.Zimbabwe is rich in minerals and the british want them.Poor African countries do not exist as countries.They do not have sovereignty.They are ruled by locals on behalf of the colonisers.LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF MUGABE.If Zimbabwe is recolonised, South Africa is next.

This is foolish. Botswana's first two presidents were knighted for the good things they did for the country and the region. (dont ever 4get this). As seen from the political stability, economic growth and a lot of other things thru the years in Botswana, this knighthood was earned. Africans will always have problems becoz of people who want to praise the Mugabes and critisize the Khamas of this continent. Mugabe is wrong and he shud be told that! His initial motives were probably good, but he lost the plot along the way, so he shud let others correct these wrongs. Zimbabweans are suffering and Mbeki and other African leaders prefer to be silent, what are they wishing for - that Mugabe will realise on his own and then make things right..... please grow up, and stand up for the suffering Zimbabweans.

Bots4lf no wonder why you Tswanas surprise me Knightwood for what? where in African do yo need a title like that? for what? No wonder you are Lazy and let the ladies fend for the families. If all the Zimbos in that country come back home that county will colapse within seconds.

I would say good riddance, let them go. As if they would go back to Mugabeland ant time soon.

We are maaarching!

There is a precedent to this: President Nyerere of Tanzania, also a SADC country, helped (Brigadier Oyite Ojok)to remove brutal Field Marshall Idi Amin from Uganda in 1979. African countries can no longer standby no matter what this may look vis-a-vis the western power interests. There are legimate African interests here that are been violated and undermined by Mugabe's brutal rule and regime. More poignantly, it is now apparent that some southern african leaders have been irreversible damaged by centuries of living under white racist rule. To see white racism at every corner of match of history is to be truly paranoid. African cannot progress on paranoia of the west. Paranoid leaders like Mugabe and Mbeki are dangerous for the well being of Africa and African citizens. They are jumping each time they see a shadow of a white man; it is pathetic to see how they can possibly defend their brutality of their own citizens because they seem to see the white hand behind every political challenge they meet. The ordinary, peaceful and unarmed black Zimbabweans have voted with their feet now I think they justifiably need help from other African quarters - a vote cannot go so far. Mugabe's time came and went - sadly on a sour note.

While I cannot speak for the British, Mugabe has seen to it, quite thoroughly in fact, that Americans are to have no interest whatsoever in Zimbabwe. And at what cost? The idea that anyone simply opposing Mugabe is a "puppet of the west" is appalingly absurd and equally paranoid.

the only thing clear here is the delusion!Once the generals and joint operations command have secured their exit strategy ,then poof, they,ll be gone like rats from a sinking ship.If you have sh.t on one hand and sh.t on the other,its time to wash your hands clean and start again with a new perspective.

you guys don't have to debate about Mugabe; people should be able to give up power when they age. if mugabe dies today he really has nothing much to lose; he has stopped to reason and unfortunatly people who advise him are eating from the same plate that the common guy and lady in Zimbabwe are not eating from. Think about the common man before you make a comment!

Mbeki could not call it as it is; and you want all these other countries to emulate him. Mugabe needs to go and let people that have that country at heart rebuild it.

“Give me control of the economics of a Country; and I care not who makes her laws” ………………………………… Amsel Rothschield

In the human family there are three psychological types of personalities and most Military generals know of them It is vital to them prior to the physical or financial occupation of a Country or Territory. These three Types are (1) The warrior class ---(NOTE Some military personnel could be included)They by nature will defend their family, friends, and Country to the death conclusion not very easily defeated uncontrollable (2) The nurturing class ---They will bend and go to great lengths to hold their family and country together ---Conclusion-------(compromisers) not trustworthy (c) The opportunist class-----They are driven only by self interest ,(Controllable) makes excellent surrogates They most often have no scruples and will betray friends, family and country for their own personal gains A predatorily Country will always seek out and collaborate with the their targeted country’s opportunistic class, whom they usually use to destabilize the target Country or state. prior to its financial or physical attack on that country. The Opportunistic class will usually serve their Imperial master interest and themselves. They have no interest in serving the greater good of the state or Country and the citizens in it Always be cognizant to the fact that a countries and its peoples interest are always diametrically apposite and is always in conflict with outside Imperial Interest The most diminutive (small) of birds will fight for her young ones in her nest against the owl, all is the fear and nothing is the love… Macbeth

May Mother Africa Protect Mugabe…

hmmmmm, what you have described as the opportunist class and the Imperial master sounds very much like the relationship between Mugabe and China

So disgusting the comments from posters who feel that any African nation/leader that speaks up for the will of people in a nation like Zimbabwe must be Western "puppets".

You don't have to look at a person's color to tell right from wrong and even some of the most progressive African nations have their "shameful" events to deal with. Yet, Zimbabwe is different. The criminal steps taken by ZANU-PF to steal the election goes far beyond what many nations might turn a blind eye to. The famine in Zimbabwe, caused by ZANU-PF, the flight of Zimbabweans out of their own country, the inflation, well, you name it and ZANU-PF is ruining it there. This isn't a Western white colonial issue, this is a Black nation (Zimbabwe) ruining it's economy, violating it's people's rights, murdering their own people, in order to remain in power. Blaming the "West" for it's problems is just a smokescreen for Uncle Bob. He's the problem, not the West.

What Africa needs is not leaders like Mugabe. I respect his service to his nation. However, we need to move forward as a continent and stop pointing fingers at the West. Should we solve our own problems?, yes. Should we unite behind our leaders in times of crisis?, yes. But we need to understand that the problems of our great continent can be summed up to one word: Leadership. We do not have any inspiring leaders any more. I greatly admired the President of Tanzania. How come our leaders can't respect and treat their people in the right manner. Nobody from the West tells Mugabe to kill and inflict so much hardship on his own people. He could have given power to a younger generation and serve as a national leader. But he wants to clinch on to power like all the other greedy leaders of our beautiful continent. Let us be realistic and understant that we can only achieve progress by giving freedom to our people. We don't have to copy from the West. We can emulate our own cultures and treat and respect our people right.

What Africa needs is not leaders like Mugabe. I respect his service to his nation. However, we need to move forward as a continent and stop pointing fingers at the West. Should we solve our own problems?, yes. Should we unite behind our leaders in times of crisis?, yes. But we need to understand that the problems of our great continent can be summed up to one word: Leadership. We do not have any inspiring leaders any more. I greatly admired the President of Tanzania. How come our leaders can't respect and treat their people in the right manner. Nobody from the West tells Mugabe to kill and inflict so much hardship on his own people. He could have given power to a younger generation and serve as a national leader. But he wants to clinch on to power like all the other greedy leaders of our beautiful continent. Let us be realistic and understant that we can only achieve progress by giving freedom to our people. We don't have to copy from the West. We can emulate our own cultures and treat and respect our people right.

What mugabe doesnt seem to understand is that logistically he wont have the petrol to get his army over the boarder! As for Botswana, they are the most properous and relevantly crime free country in Southern Africa. And yes they will get huge support if they wanted to go to war with zimbabwe. What about Zambia, who will also back up Botswana? And as for South Africa well wimp Mbeki will still be debating to send in troops to help his mate Robert by the time the war is over. Secondly I wouldnt be getting too supportive of Mugabe with three million anti Mugabe supporters inside my country, would you? That can cause a lot of trouble. Hell South Africa cant even keep their own police out of trouble. But it wont come to that, Mugabe is well on his way to doing himself in. Just a matter of time. so lets see how he rots in hell.

"most prosperous" you claim for Botswana .... l dont think so. You are way behind Zimbabwe in all respects and you know it. When l was in Botswana the other day l came across a lot of GRASS HUTS and SLUMS. As for democracy ....there is no such a thing. The KALANGA, a member of the great SHONA nation, are denied the right to use their mother tongue. Their children are forced to learn Tswana and yet from Tuli up to Maun is Kalanga land which has been flooded by Tswana with the help of Gvt policies. The Tswana are literally oppressing Kalangas in a similar way Serbians did to Albanians. Is Botswana going to allow the Kalangas to join their brothers and sisters across the border and form a new country ... a Kalanga republic. LET THE KALANGA GO FREE.

do u know how many tribes are in Botswana? i bet you don't coz in Botswana every tribe is free to speak what ever language they want the language SETSWANA if you come to think about it is one of the reason the country is unified. Botswana found the need to equate every one through the language and instead of someone being called mokalaka, mongwato, mmirwa or mokwena it was found important that everyone be motswana and speak the same common language.this avoided the the strong negativity of one tribe against each other as it is evident between the shona and ndebele in zim.

Are you daft??There only three language groups in Botawana namely, the Tswana speakers ...Mangwato and their numerous cousins/clans, No2 are the KALANGAs who speak a dialect of the Great SHONA language, No3 is the language of the Sarwa. Why should the Kalanga choose to speak a foreign language? Setswana is NOT their NATIVE/mother language. The Tswanas are being racist and carrying out Ethnic cleansing. At leastin Great Zimbabwe we allow the Ndebele use their own mother language at all levels of national activites despite that the number of proper Ndebeles is less that a quarter of a million.The result is there are now over six million Ndebele speakers in Zimbabwe, the majority being native Shonas.Its nice to let the young learn other languages. l woud recommend all your people tolearn to speak and writ as many African languages as possible. Ienvy my relations who can speak ZULU, SETSWANA, CHEWA/Nyanja, KISWAHILI and some Chinese

Dont listen to Akafunboy, he is dumb. He thinks that the first and second world wars were fought only by the English and the Germans and that no one else was involved. He really needs to go back to primary school and educate himself before his comments have any credence.

there is no question that you are shona and that is why you think you own zimbabwe and other tribes are just allowed to be zimbabwens by you. i think you could have done better to research a little bit deeper though, Bayeyi, Baherero,Bahambukushu and Bakgalagadi are just part of the few tribes whose languages are not related to setswana and i wonder where you classify them in your analogy. you know i have been wondering why some people said you think world war was only between Germans and the English. just a piece of advice dig deeper when making comments. i am really disappointed in you.

U r really deluded. I can speak my language Ikalanga anywhere I want. We are free to vote for any party we want. And the man who is criticising the Zimbabwean government, Skelemani is a Kalanga. There is no fighting in Botswana, nor are we running away from our country. Stop the crap and tell mugaberubbish to stop killing people.

Before Mugabe can pump up this war talk, he should remember that there is some estimated 5 million disgruntled Zimbabweans living in South Africa and Botswana. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to see on which side of the war those Zimbabweans would enlist. In the end it is gonna be a bunch of tired, hungry, de-motivated (forced to fight) Zimbawean army fighting a highly resourced coalition of the willing because the whole world including the 5 million Zimbabweans abroad, and massive army deffections from the Zimbabwean army itself will back Botswana. I actually wish Bob follows through with this threat coz this could just mark the end of his dictatorship and the dawn of democracy in Zimbabwe.

What i think the best strategy would be is.

1. setup just inside South Africa and Zambia borders a huge tent city with a huge amount of food and medical relief.Get the word out to the good people of Zimbabwe to come to this safe haven.

2.Block all Zimbabwe aircraft from surrounding country airspaces.No flight movements at all.

3.Move a wave of UN lead forces with large number of ex pat Zimbabwe army recruits in a convex front from Zambia/Mozambique boarder to Mozambique/South Africa boarder and expanded forward to Botswana boarder with Botswana ready on the border!

This would minimise innocent casualties!

That said i would much rather no war and no blood shed what so ever, but i can not see that happening with mugabe and his regime.

I hate war but i also hate people starving for no reason when help is available!

you are very foolish, what you forget is that mugabe supporters aren't just in Zimbabwe. Any aggression on Zimbabwe will have people like myself and many more within sadc blowing up the US, Eu embassies. Whites DUTCH/BRITISH EURO South African will be killed randomly where ever they reside within SADC. This issue at it's core is about land not Mugabe. So all this westeners here debating what route needs to be taken on regards to Zimbabwe,and advocating international intervention should probably look at the racial boiling point within the region, espically in places like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana itself. Many people in Botswana themself unless they are really blind will know that Zimbabwe is fighting a fight that the SACU will eventually face. Land is the predeccessor to development and economic nationalism advocated by Mugabe is the only path to true african utopia. I feel sorry for my brothers in SACU because even though they are independant they are not a sovereign, they my be owners but not the decision makers. All decisions are taken up in EU Brussels and Washington. The fight for true diginity in Africa needs people like Mugabe. The western public opinion fails to see whats going on below the surface. They may of brought the will of the political leaders but not the hearts of the people. In a day of global terror the west needs to back off of Zimbabwe. SADC needs to step up and work towards lifting sanctions against this land lock country were our brothers and their fight is wrongfully portrayed by the western press. SADC need not forget the policy of good neighborliness, whelter it be in The Congo, Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, or Zimbabwe we must not be ignorant of the fact that BANTU UNITY is essential to peace. We shouldn't let western influence dictate how we treat a common brother.

So what you are saying is that even if it was Africa uniting against the Mugabe regime, you would carry out terrorist actions against what you have been told to perceive as the enemies of Zimbabwe ..... That would lend real credence to the already severely tarnished ZANU status, wouldn't it?

What you would do in that event is prove the Rhodesian perception of Mugabes tactics correct, and he would descend from being the liberation hero to being a terrorist commander, would that be what you wanted?

I think the foolish one who needs to think about the effects of his words before speaking is you.

a terrorist and freedom fighter know the difference before you talk.

I know the difference very well, but obviously the two ideas confuse you, because what you stated you would do if ANY attack was conducted on Zimbabwe (specifically "Any aggression on Zimbabwe will have people like myself and many more within sadc blowing up the US, Eu embassies. Whites DUTCH/BRITISH EURO South African will be killed randomly where ever they reside within SADC.") crosses the line quite a long way into terrorism.

you frighten nobody. you are a bloody coward and an idiot.your type need to be dealt with and mugabi and freinds removed forcibly. talk is cheap, when the other guy has a gun too, then we will find out who the real men are. the majority of africans need to weed out these corrupt dogs!

Botswana is right to send a strong signal to the illegitimate President Mugabe that it will not tolerate killings and torture across the border that would, in turn, destabilise its own economy through a flood of Zimbabwean refugees seeking shelter there. No one should close eyes in face of the past hero turned blood-stained monster Mugabe and his clique killing and maiming their own citizens because of opposing political views.

Let all those innocent ignorants who are defending blood stained Mugabe first experience what life is under a blood thirsty monster before airing their views in his defence.

Sooo you think you are living in "Paradise". now you are closing your borders to prevent your brothers and sisters from seeking survival due to sanctions against them. This is a lesson we won't forget remember. How do you want us as Africans to absorb imperialism and racism directed at our people?? Botswana is landlocked as well. Your time will come. Each dog has its day.

Running away from the sanctions? In most cases they're running away from ZANU, the security forces and the CIO ..... whether they have suffered personally or have just got scared at the state sponsored violence getting too close to them, it doesn't matter, the fact remains that most of them are running over the borders so that they don't have to live in fear for their lives and the lives of their families.

Ordinary people of Botswana don't understand what is going on. I would say those from Botswana who are demonising Pres Mugabe are hypocritical. They forgot to mention what they wanted to do to the San people of the Kalahari in this very Land. They lost the case. That is Tribalism at its best. Are you a Model? Not to me.Don't even talk about democracy. Yours is made for you. You have no choice.Congralutaltions to Namibia who are busy uplifting the San People to better their lives. Programs are being put in place to empower them, not to chase them under bridges. Do you know the late respected World reknown Namibian San actor who made headlines in a movie worldwide?? Daahh!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Zimbabwe. Some of us honest Africans who want the best for your rich country encourage you to be strong in these trying times. Pres Mugabe has decided at the right time after trying his best as humanly as possible to negotiate on his people's behalf over years to rightly, conciously part ways with the West to stand up for where he was born and Africa. There is no right time. This is crucial time. Like it or not,Africans all over Africa are being subjected to manipulation and abuse to give their resources almost for free to make others rich and we get dog's food. This is made for us to bag later for handouts and accumulate forced Debt.Debt is not bad when you take it by will, but a forced Debt is detrimental. Aid = Debt. I came to learn this only lately. Now I ask, What Debt are they talking about my country owes to others. Everything will be left for us to engage with the World. That, we cannot avoid. Unity of purpose makes us victorious in the long run. Genuine leaders pave ways for their people. Not to be used against his people to benefit the Masters who call him/her Baboon through their fake smiles. I therefore call on Zimbabweans especially youth to really pay attention when trade negotiations take place to see what is being discussed in and outside their land. I wish you well in your fight for economic empowerment and emancipation. Don't listen to NONSENSE. I can see you are strong by playing Soccer games to qualify for the 2010 WC in South Africa. If qualified, my support is behind you.

As Africanbynature suggests, don't listen to nonsense, and that was about the only sensible thing that was said in that post. I know there is a lot of bad feeling because of the past, but that is the past (as certain people like to say of what mugabe has done to Zimbabwe so far) ..... don't you think it's time that Zimbabweans OF ALL COLOURS AND CREEDS worked together to get Zimbabwe back on track instead of having the government cover up its own follies by simply scapegoating everything out on the west, or denouncing anyone who does not share their view as a 'western puppet'.

And for all those of you who believe the Russian and Chinese states are going to be the big saviours, I would like to remind you of their colonial exploits (yet the expansionist regimes that both countries have had in the past have been bypassed by the blinkered posters who harp on about the Chinese being Gods gift to Zimbabwe) ..... Zimbabwe was self sufficient and ZANU made it dependent, Zimbabwe was stable and ZANU destabilised it, Zimbabwe was safe and ZANU turned it into a place of fear and despair. Yet when Mugabe talks about these mistakes he conveniently blames the west and paraises the east (who will steal your resources just as fast given the chance).

Mugabe worked wonders in the country initially, but became a spent force very quickly ..... Face facts and look at the state of Zimbabwe, then think for yourself ..... Mugabe cares about Mugabe, by his actions he has shown that he cares nothing for the country he liberated ..... liberated straight into a nightmare from which it won't wake until his legacy can be healed.

How much does a loaf of bread cost in Zimbabwe? Mugabe must remember the rise and fall of despotic leaders like Idi Amin, Charles Taylor, Pinochet of Chile and others. If he does not want a viable opposition in Zimbabwe, then he must as well leave office. Again if Tsvangarai is a puppet of the US and UK, then Mugabe is also a puppet of China and Russia who are using their veto power to block sanctions against him.

Do citizens of Zimbabwe have to be denied shelter, food and water so much so that they have to leave their country and travel to other countries to do menial jobs?

I wish people would just stop living in the past. The majority of Africa has been liberated but people like Mugabe have stopped it from moving on. As a result he has now failed the people of Zimbabwe. It is short sighted to say that because Botswana speak out about the atrocities and illegitimate government in Zimbabwe they are a puppet government of the west. Rather they are the new breed of leaders in Africa, the type of leader that is desperately needed. Same goes for Mwanawasa and Odinga for speaking out about Mugabe- good for them! There seems to be an African Renaissance of sorts on the cards where no longer will it be acceptable to allow dictators like Mugabe and his oppresive regime, and quite frankly i think it has got a lot of African leaders running scared. Africans need to look forward to the future and not hang onto their "liberation strings" to stay in power. For goodness sake colonialism ended nearly 30 years ago in Zimbabwe!

It is not surprising that Botswana under President Ian Khama is hostile to Zimbabwe. Ian himself came to power without an election, the president having stood down for him. He is a first son. But he should also remember that even his father and mother suffered racial prejudice and harrassment, when Seretse Khama was exiled to Britain for marrying an English girl. Khama is a beneficiary of a political dynasty, more than actual democracy. His mixed heritage gave him the opportunity to go to school in Rhodesia, at the time when most Africans were denied the vote.

cherly Virtually ALL of the african politicians in the cabinet now went to school in Rhodesia or what they like to call the then Racist South Africa and gained University degrees. It is as a result of this education that most of them are fluent in English and have a basic education. During the Good Smith years there were a lot of black doctors, nurses, lawyers...where do you suppose they got their training??? By Correspondence??? Please check your facts before prattling on about affairs you are not conversant with.

why do people keep on saying Mogae stood down for Khama? for your own information in botswana presidents are allowed to serve for 2 terms only and mogae had to leave office because his term was over. Khama if he will still be president by the end of his second term he will also have no choice but leave office.please be a little bit more educated when you make comments.

Botswana is not a puppet to anyone. Zimbabwe's being failed by its own leader and thus it isn't wrong for Botswana to literally spell what every one can see happening in Zimbabwe. Some of you are talking nonsense. You've got no idea whatsoever how it feels to be a Zimbabwean at the moment, worse, in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's explicit implosion is nothing to debate about. Clearly, old man Mandela needed not to say much more than a complete "failure of leadership".If you are an academic whose like is merely theoretical and your reasoning is confined to what you read, get off your bum and visit Zimbabwe and this will shut your 'parrotic' mouths. Soliderity and oneness with a government thats killing its own people is what Batswana will never attest to. Some of you are the very reason why African States are failing in democracy. You are publicly proving yourselves to parallelly exist with the real world; where in yours you are nothing more than pseudo-clever, misinformed maniacs that a quick to utter judgement about issues that need clear conscience and literally to 'reality exposed brains'. Zimbabwe is not on its knees anymore, but its stomach. CLAIMS THAT A PSEUDOPODIA ZIMBABWE CAN RUN A RACE ARE MERELY DREAMS OF A DOG (MAN'S BEST FRIEND) TO ONE DAY BECOME THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE.

Good work Botswana, there is nothing puppetry about critising the mess Zimbabwe has put her people and its neighbouring countries under. Botswana has had close relationship with Zimbabwe. The thing is, the truth hurts! What Botswana has said is nothing but the truth!! Anyone who disputes the suffering of Zimbabweans under robert mugabe(name does not deserve capital letters! is either blind of which I pity them or just plain stupid!! This issue that Britain and the West are after mugabe is preposterous!! I am a firm critic of the west in Iraq, Afganistan, Israel, Free Trade, e.t.c but on this subject, it is Zimbabwe ZANU-PF & robert TYRANT mugabe who needs some kind of reality check, besides,this tyrant is old and simply does not care! I suppose he knows his demise is closer than we all anticipate! Botswana will never wage war against Zim, let mugabe rattle on over his paranoias and incite his so called war veterans(10-18 year olds) to try it on my country and we will rain unto them like fire from hell!!

K.Koosaletse

Its high time that the african continent woke up and acknowledges that the Zimbabwean people are in trouble due to Mugabe's uncaring and selfish ways. a man who is more concerned with enriching himself and so desperate to hold on to power despite the suffering of his own people cannot call himself a leader.yes,Mugabe did help the Zimbabwean people, but he lost his plot when he adopted the mentality that Zimbabwe belongs to him and not the Zimbabwean people. a leader allows for the people to choose their own leader.a leader protects his people, despite of their different individual political beliefs.that is democracy.that is being a leader.if people call for change, a leader would allow them the change they need,for a leader is more concerned about his people welfare than his own personal benefit.Mugabe forgot how to be a leader.he has become a selfish horroble man who sees nothing wrong with killing and torturing fellow human beings,worst of all his own people.Botswana has raised the first voice,the rest of Africa should follow suit and stop this silent deplomacy.zimbabwean people need africa's help.all we call for is that the people be given the opportunity to choose their own leader democratically.

Zimbabwe really needs a war right now.

If your kitchen is full of ants, do you run out and blame the West, or do you get rid of the ants?

Even if everything is the fault of the West, what can you do about it today? You clean up your kitchen.

I lived for 3 yearsall together as a refugee in Botswana. The people were good not only to me but to all the refugees from more than 10 countries there. I do not recall them killing refugees. In fact, the police never carried guns.

I am willing to fight with Botswana army to protect stability in the region.

Countries on other continents are making progress through inventions, economic restructuring, space exploration. Not in Africa, We are teaching our children that western world is our enemy. What ever happens to you is because of those people. It does not matter that we have thieves, nepotists, murderers. Blame it on somebody else. I would never want to be ruled by Mugabe after 10 years, let alone 28 years. It shows that Zimbabwe with one of the best education system in Africa do not have fresh blood to run the country. Mugabe even knows that there is no one capable to take over because he does nottrust the education system in his own country.

YES, I am in to fight with the people of Botswanaagainst a serial tyrant.

I support the President Of Botswana 100%. Its high time one of the African Presidents stand up against Mr Mugabe in a more direct manner. I don't understand which part of the world all those who criticize the Bots Pres live in. Zimbabweans are going through a hard time right now and as Batswana we sympathize with them a lot and we believe something must be done with the leadership. Zimbabweans are our brothers and that is why we feel confident to correct them when something is wrong. This is called tough love. Even God corrects those he loves. We cannot go on blaming the Western countries for the African failures. How long are we going to do that and what good is that bringing. This is time to take self introspection of our own leadership in Africa and correct those who don't practice Democracy. When I grew up I knew Zimbabwe to be a rich country and it was the resource of food for a lot of African countries particularly in the South and that needs to come back. Zim is a beautiful country and I still believe it can come back to that state. Mr Mbeki needs to be given time to work on issues of his own country such as crime and SADC should appoint someone else to mediate for Zim. We need someone stronger, not someone who compromises a lot. I feel Mr Mbeki is tackling this issue in a personal manner not professionally. Mr Mugabe needs someone who will tell him the truth, as much as the truth hurts, he needs to hear how he is hurting the people of Zimbabwe. How can he be forcing himself in people. I think he has long lost interest in leading that country and he needs to hand over, hand over. Its not a sign of weakness, its called humbleness and putting people's interest at heart not his own interest. But I wana encourage all Zimbabwe to hold on because no one can beat God's timing and when its time for him to act, people will see wonders in Zim and all Zims will testify of the goodness of the Lord.

This article shows how dangerously lowly minded some people are. If Zimbabwe were to fight Botswana it would just be one batallion off Plumtree that will conquer every bit of that country. Even the American base in Botswana can't stop a Zimbabwean manouvre. They do not even need planes to do so and I can assume they won't even have to kill the innocent civillians. Ian Khama must have been offended by the bickering between the half white blood in him and steadfast Mugabe. He is not the elected president of that country and is too new to be saying things that might hurt him and his people!

Let us forgive them for surely they do not know what they are doing. By the way, President Mugabe can become a christian. May be we should pray for him and all Zimbabweans. At least the big old man acknoledges that God can remove him from power. We should also pray for the many offended Africans that they may receive inner healing and forgive Mugabe. This will help them be ready for heaven.

Hey John, check with Mathew, Mark and Luke before you comment- Mugabe is a Christian!

A christian that murders? Whatever!

Indie, wasn't it your western 'christain' Anglican and Roman Catholic brothers that murdered millions of Africans and American Indians in the name of 'God'? And isn't it your western 'christain' countries with Prime Ministers/Presidents that are regular 'church' people responsible for the 100 000 innocent Iraq people that have been murdered? And isn't it YOUR 'christian' western countries making most of the weapons of mass destruction? YOU may be the only 'true christian' left!

And i don't think any real Christian would think any of those people that ordered deaths are real Christians.It is very rare a Christian must kill, but there are times when it is necessary.mugabe and regime killing defenseless people of Zimbabwe, and this can never be excused for any greater good reason. Because someone else kills innocent people does not make it right for you to kill, it just makes the problem bigger and that rule applies to the whole world.

Westie, what defenseless people are you talking about? You guys make it seem as if Mugabe's Zanu pf are killing every mdc member in site. This is simply not the case - on one hand you guys are saying that the people of Zimbabwe don't want Mugabe and the mdc is the large majority. But then on the other hand you are saying that there is murder,torcher and rape. If Mugabe wanted to get rid of the mdc he could have done it eight years ago when the land was first taken.

Kube, you are so stupid. we are saying "the people of Zimbabwe don't want Mugabe and the mdc is the large majority" AND "there is murder,torcher and rape." Nice spelling by the way. So tell us what happened to the Mayor of Harare's wife....

all Botswana needs to do is to arm half of the Zim soldiers who already in Botswana to fight the few remaining in Zim.

How Mugabe learned from the best

Hacking Democracy. video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4463776866669054201

Distorted Morality : America’s War on Terror by Norm Chomsky (Talk delivered at Harvard University ) YOU TUBE or Video Google

The Globalization Tapes Watch Online. Download The Globalization Tapes Documentary By Indonesian workers IFIs and Sukarno Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, the Indonesian economy faced a crisis caused by the sudden drop in the world market price for natural rubber, at that time the country's main export. The US and the World Bank seized on this "opportunity" and lobbied the left-wing Sukarno government to receive a delegation from the World Bank. The delegation offered substantial loans to Indonesia conditional upon the implementation of severe austerity measures and the denationalization of the previously foreign-owned sector the economy. The World Bank package was rejected and President Sukarno confronted the US ambassador before a mass rally in Jakarta with the cry: "Go to hell with your aid!". IFIs and Suharto However the IFIs were back as soon Suharto came to power in a coup de ta orchestrated by the West In October 1966, Suharto adopted a "stabilisation plan" formulated with the "assistance" of the IMF and reversed all the nationalisation measures of the Sukarno government. The IMF insisted on the abolition of all discrimination against foreign investment and all preferential treatment for the public sector. It also demanded the abolition of the system of controls on foreign exchange that had existed under Sukarno, as well as a limit on government expenditure of no more than 10% of national income. As part of gaining the IMF's "assistance", Suharto introduced the Foreign Investment Law in 1967. This gave foreign investors a five-year tax holiday and an additional five years of tax discounts. Control over the Suharto regime's economic policies was exercised by the IMF and the World Bank through the Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI and later re-named CGI). This body emerged out of discussions in 1966 among Indonesia's creditors. By 1967 it included the United States, Japan, West Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Canada, and Australia, as well as the IMF and the World Bank. Each year, the World Bank prepared a "Report on Indonesia's Recent Performance" which was discussed at an IGGI meeting where representatives of the Indonesian government were also present. A few months after that examination, a second IGGI meeting would be held to assess how much "aid" (i.e. loans) would be provided to Indonesia.

What has been the cost to Indonesia ? Massive perpetual debt Loss of sovereignty Relinquish control of the country to outside domination The majority of her citizens locked in economic slavery to the west

Fight on Mr Mugabe you Great AND NOBLEST of Africa’s protector Warriors May the Gods and the Spirits of Mother Africa support you in you fight against the Anglo Saxon Hydra headed monsters and their surrogates

Look my people! Though it is true that Africa has been destroyed and plundered by Arabs and the west, Mugabe is not helping our people. Mugabe has gotten addicted to power. The people of Zimbabwe are suffering on his account. The man is a fallen hero and has erased all the good he's ever done. Botswana should not use force to protect their borders, but they need to control how many people come into their country. The West and Arabs counts on us praising leaders like Mugabe. Dictators come in all races and we should condem it without fooling ourselves into thinking that the people who never wished us well all of asudden do.

I think is a good thing for KHAMA to deploy solidiers on the border .COZ it is for the good of his own people.Let Zimbabweans solve own problems with their problems with their president.Zimbabweans sneak in to Botswana and they cause problems , Stealing ,beating people and prostitution is escalating every mili second, so what do think BOTSWANA should do. SHOULD ZIMBABWEAN ‘S PROBLEM BE BOTSWANA ‘S PROBLEM. I do not ignore that we are SADC member states but what must be done if Mugabe does not want to corporate with SADC,AU and even UN. Pliz don’t interfere on Botswana ‘s government or question certain actions taken by the PRESIDENT. All this would not happen if Mugabe was cooperative enough.

I have read all the comments with great interest. Whatever the case, MUGABE MUST GO. We know he did great things and all that and for that we are thankful but he is no longer doing great things, and now needs to go... All that praise has gone to his head and he shouldn't think that because he liberated Zimbabwe,it belongs to only him. Zimbabwe does not belong to Mugabe but to the Zimbabweans. I'm sure you'll all argue about the sacrifice he made, etc but remember that he's not the only one who did. Many other Zimbabweans did, moreover those that died and didn't get to enjoy the freedom, including others in countries like Zambia who died in the bombings. We can't just watch the country suffer in the name of Mugabe's sacrifice. The past is gone and now we have to deal with the future.

Luwa, if Mugabe must go then it is up to Zimbabweans to decide and not get influenced by the west. We and future generations will always remember Mugabe for his stance for what is RIGHT. Zimbabwean's are not stupid people and know deep down that Mugabe is RIGHT! If he wasn't RIGHT he would have been gone long time ago!

history will remember Mugabe as a hero who fell to be a murderer of his own people.

I can not let go people who are irresponsible attack my country like that, who said we gonna attack people of Zimbabwe, my country it made clear and simply and i dont have to repeat it. people must learn to tell the truth and call a spade a spade.our neighbours problems are our problems in the sense that we spend a lot of money and resources to take care of them when running in our country , when we could be developing our country and people expect our country to just say no there are no problems in our neighbours country sorry we are not able to do that, our country is clear on this one. we leave under four principles in our country, democracy, development,dignity and discipline.our neighbour's brothers & sisters are being denied this and people expect Botswana to recognise a man who can not respect his country's constitutional laws.African people lets move forward not backward."If Africa is not growing Africa is dying"

Motswana, what Mugabe is doing with the land IS Africa growing up! It is narrow minded, puppet blacks being influenced by the west that are attempting to stop the GROWTH!

Areas in Africa are growing, Zimbabwe isn't one of them. Growth in Zimbabwe is around MINUS SIX PERCENT per year. Zimbabwe is contracting.

Botswana has no interest in fighting Zimbabwe.They goverment is only saying Mugaru is not a legitimate president of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has no military, all the soldiers are in Botswana cutting trees or stealing cell phones.

That there are still people who can stand with Mugabe amid all the suffering zimbabweans have been subjected to is saddenning indeed. Botswana is probably the only african country where rule of law prevails, and we cannot just sit back in light of so many human rights injustices, just because other silly africans romanticise pan africanism.

Batsile, Botswana does not have a very good record with grabbing land from the Bushmen does it? So where does human rights and injustices begin and where does it end?

They are San People. Kubatana how would YOU like to be called....remember what the racist South Africans and racist Rhodesian called Africans?

KJRS, a recent BBC documentary i've watched refered to them as 'Bushmen' so what are you talking about? This documentary was about how they are being removed from their ancestral land. So the Botswana government are not as 'angelic' as you think!

I thought the BBC was a biased and untrustworthy source, at least thats what I have read from prior comments that you have made and/or agreed with. If you see the source as untrustworthy, then how can you use it as a point of reference *just* because the subject matter suits your argument?

Much of the commentary of the last few weeks has been between pro and anti mugabe supporters, or Black Africans trying to justify their positions based on outdated colonialist views.

No doubt many of them have walked down a street in London, or New york and seen with their very own eyes the large number of former Black Africans (now termed Afro-Caribeans)working in Finance, Insurance, Retail, Banks, Industry, and supporting their families as it is responsible for all parents (and sons and daughters of elderly parents etc)to do

If those in the troubled regions of Africa began to pursue "ideas" that produced tangible results, instead of blaming the mistakes of the past (whether by Blacks or Whites) then the political and economic systems would gradually move forward, and the l;ives of everyday Africans would improve.

The modern world is based on ONE premise. If I OWN something I have both authority and a responsibility for that thing. Farmers have responsibility for their land. They reap the rewards for their time, skill and effort, but their knowledge helps feed the population. The colour of his or her skin is irrelevant.

Mugabe has taken his colonial extremism to unheard of lengths and the poor unfortunate Zmibabweans who are too ill-informed and un-educated to see beyond this will suffer as a result. A FREE press therefore is important in raising awareness of problems for the masses, and a free political systems ensures a smooth transition of power.

The fact that we in the UK figured it out in the 1650s and many other countries in the 1700's allowed us to prosper first.

China, India, Russia and Brazil have come late to the table, but it eyes the resource wealth of Africa no differently than any White colonialist. China especially, is just playing the waiting game and keeping its cards close to its chest.

Africa COULD have a wealthy prosperous future, as the last under-developed continent, but its social systems - politics, education, health, water, mineral wealth etc etc HAVE to be developed, and those countries could do well to learn from OUR mistakes. (its a lot more painful making your own - mistakes that is.)