A disconcerting article from the Washington Post describes Mugabe's re-seizure of power in Zimbabwe, and the subsequent attacks on supporters of Tsvangirai's opposition party, which until recently had been expected to win the upcoming election and end Mugabe's 28-year dictatorship.
Tsvangirai himself is holed up in the Dutch Embassy, and refuses to make an appearance on election day. Zimbabweans have done all they can do, he says, it is up to the larger African community to end Mugabe's reign.
The current election is clearly being rigged by Mugabe's supporters, and intimidation has begun to force votes for Mugabe. Police officers, for example, have already been forced to cast their ballots in front of superior officers, and there are rumors that those who do not vote (revealed by purple ink on their finger) will be beaten by Mugabe's militias.
Here is a bit of background on Mugabe.
It seems the only question after such a heartbreaking power grab--and right on the cusp of a new, hopeful era--is what can really be done to stop such dictators in Africa? Mugabe's is not a unique story in African politics. But somehow these dictators are left to run their violent courses with little to no outside interference. National sovereignty and diplomacy are all incredibly important in the international system--so what is to be done when the people of a country, like Zimbabweans, are taking steps for change, but continue to be beaten down by violent regimes?
Invasion and war are rarely, if ever, the answers. My question is whether there is a third option, short of war but beyond strongly-worded condemnations from Western governments. Sanctions usually end up hurting the people more than the government. Perhaps carrots would be more effective than sticks in situations like these. It seemed to work with Kim Jong Il.
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