In politics as in our personal lives, just six words comprise one of the commonest falsehoods around. Those six words are: “It can't go on like this.” But it can. I've come to the melancholy conclusion that in Zimbabwe it must.
This weekend there will be voices in our Prime Minister's ear suggesting how in one bound he might cast off his dithering reputation. To help to broker the toppling of Robert Mugabe (they will whisper) might be just the sort of history-making that rescued Margaret Thatcher from doldrums at home, before Galtieri invaded the Falklands. In The Times this week Lord (Paddy) Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon suggested that intervention may become necessary. Mr Brown will think hard about this; list the pros; list the cons; dither; and finally decide it's all too difficult.
Well let's hear it for dithering. Beware the widely held opinion that all we need is Robert Mugabe's head on a stick. In Iraq we called this the decapitation strategy, and duly secured the required head - Saddam's - on the right stick. Then it all went wrong. The ingredients necessary for a liberal democracy were not, it turned out, there. Why should things be different in Africa?
Not even the most hot-headed interventionist (I assume) is seriously proposing a unilateral British invasion; and not many propose invasion by a coalition of Western powers. It should anyway be doubted whether this would be militarily possible. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country and the active co-operation of her neighbours should be key to any kind of occupation, however temporary. That being so, it would make more political sense for the intervention to be African-led, or at least appear to be so, by one or more of her neighbours.
The idea probably being canvassed would be for an African ultimatum to Harare, stiffened by the threat of a Western-backed but African-led invasion, with or without the use of European or American service personnel, but perhaps with a measure of Western military support and reconstruction money behind the scenes. It is possible that a mix of determined international moral exhortation, and private cajolery, development-aid bribery and threats, could secure such an apparently African initiative.
Not only would this invasion be doable, it would probably never prove necessary: the threat alone should be sufficient to trigger a coup within Mugabe's Zanu (PF) party, whereupon the old man would be dispatched, imprisoned or exported, and a leading group of Zanu (PF)-backed politicans and generals would take temporary power, promising to talk to the MDC, and hold elections as soon as practicable.
So far - it might seem - so good. And if there were televised scenes of crowd jubilation as a statue of Mugabe was torn from its plinth in a municipal square somewhere in Harare (or more likely Bulawayo), so much the better.
But after that, what? Stop for a minute and ask yourself this: who has really been running Zimbabwe for the past five years? Do you honestly think it's just an old, deluded man, a King Lear minus the humanity, who has been organising the hit squads, arm-twisting the judiciary and turning the police into a private militia? Is it really only Robert Mugabe who has been diverting Zimbabwe's resources into private pockets?
Of course not. This is the whole culture of the governing party, Zanu (PF). You've seen the TV pictures of Zanu (PF) “thugs” rampaging across the bush with iron bars, in pursuit of Morgan Tsvangirai's supporters. That word “thug” is handy for the Western media because it throws a linguistic cordon round what we want to distinguish as an horrific minority, virtually unconnected with what we assume to be the great majority of peace-loving Zimbabweans... er, Zanu (PF) supporters. Or so they were and continued to be, through all Mugabe's early atrocities, his massacres in Matabeleland and confiscations of white farmers' lands, until the economy hit the rocks so hard that they could no longer be sure of their next meal. Only then did they start to desert, and we may suppose that to this day, millions in the rural areas have still not deserted.
Mugabe is not unpopular in Zimbabwe today because his Government has been autocratic and brutal. He is not unpopular because the minority (but substantial) Matabele tribe have been persecuted, killed and dispossessed by a governing party whose power base is among the Mashona majority. He is not unpopular because he and his wife are greedy and flaunt their wealth, or because corruption in his Government is widespread. He is unpopular because his administration is broken and there is nothing for ordinary people to eat.
Many Zimbabweans hunger not for liberal democracy, but for food. By corollary, much of Morgan Tsvangirai's power base is either an urban minority or among the minority tribes who have received a raw deal from the distribution of resources by Zanu (PF). They too, many of them, hunger not for liberal democracy but a turning of the tables. Unless we are careful, today's TV pictures may tomorrow be thrown into reverse, and we may watch those who were once in flight, now in pursuit; and those who were once in pursuit, now in flight; the iron bars having changed hands. The Matabele in history were always a more warlike people than the Mashona pastoralists. Bulawayo (their capital) means “place of slaughter”. Jacob Zuma, the next South African President, comes from the same (Zulu) family of tribes.
And into this richly complicated picture we Westerners suppose we can charge and, by precipitating the removal of one old madman, conjure into existence a transformed national political consciousness. Do you think that when Mugabe asked last week “how can a pen fight a gun?” he was simply issuing a threat? He was not. It was a populist remark. He was making an observation about the business of politics across much of his continent: an observation that will not have outraged, but amused, his intended audience.
Plenty of people in Zimbabwe, including plenty of white business people and farmers, will have done deals with Zanu (PF). There will be an intricate network of client- relationships, of patronage and of diffused and shared power. It will probably prove possible to shift and replace one or two figures at the top. It may even be possible to seat a couple of opposition figures at the government high table. The West certainly can, and does, run puppet autocracies in Africa. But if anyone thinks this will be the beginning of genuine multiparty politics, the toleration of opposition and the rule of law, such hopes will be disappointed.
For that, an outside power or league of powers would need to occupy Zimbabwe and begin the process of re-creating government, the executive and judiciary; purging the military and police, redistributing land and resources that have been stolen, identifying and prosecuting the culprits... and paying for it. I doubt we have the stomach for this.
“Thanks for that,” you may say, “but what alternative do you propose?”
I have none. To rescue Zimbabwe is beyond not our capacity, but our will. We can only wail and wring our hands.
GK, Calgary. Are you sure you were in Zimbabwe? I was there in Feb/Mar and not one person I met wanted Mugabe to continue. Most blacks have more hatred for him than for any whites, Ian Smith included. He's taken away their standard of living, their hope, their security, their jobs...everything..
David Ashton, Bathurst , Australia
Excellent article, and excellent readers' responses.
I'm all for A DEGREE OF multiculturalism, but where do we draw the line? Public beheadings?
No matter who decides to come here, they must accept This is Britain, and we have our laws.
Tony Huggins, Cumbernauld, Scotland
The real problem in Zimbabwe is not president Mugabe but the western neocolonials who behind the MDC which they fund, are trying to orchestrate an anti-democractic regime change.
brian, canberra, australia
If even South Africa lacks the will to go beyond a wringing of hands, its defies logic that any others would consider intervention in Zimbabwe as a realistic option. I concur with mpho's hint about hostile and ambitious elements within ZANU (PF) as being the real threat for Mugabe.
Anengiyefa Alagoa, London, UK
There were only twelve tribes of Israel and they had problems,maybe today they still have problems.Africa has thousands of tribes, the tribes of Zimbabwe are just a few of them,their problems are many and difficult,getting rid of Mugabe will not solve the problems .Africa is a giant problem
KEEP OUT
Ed Corbett, bridgend, wales
Mr. Parris comes very close to identifying the basic problems that underly the hopeless condition of this primitive subcontinent. Political correctness, one supposes, keeps him from going all the way.
Kapmep, Washington, DC, USA
Throughout the 80's and 90's most people in Zimbabwe were doing very nicely and they want those times back. Mugabe initiated a crisis in 2001 because he was about to lose an election. It could have been about which end of an egg to crack. The MDC is democratic because they are. Keep it simple.
P Carter, Suffield, USA
Zimbabwe has problems beyond Mugabe. No Economy to speak of -No JOBS or Hope. The people are beggers in their own country with a shortage of food. Bitterly divided between 2 camps. The choice of Western or Chinese ownership of resources. Corruption & no effective law/judicary. No easy solution here
Jason Pearson, Toronto, Canada
How very ironic and gutless!
The alternative to invasion is not only handwringing.
South Africa can act, not via it's deluded president Mbeki, but it's trade unionists (COSATU) who have already declared that they are ready to 'blockade' Zimbabwe.
The TUC must support COSATU now.
Brian, Truro
Brian Yule, Truro, UK
Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia:
"A one world government is the answer. National boundaries need to be traversed to by an all powerful body which deals with such matters. A revamped UN could do that role. "
I strongly agree with this.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Really strange but during our visit last year, no one, not one soul by word or deed or imsaid or did anything to indicate anything but admiration of Robert for freeing Zimbabwe of the tyranny of the hated Whites. Not once did we see any indication of mistrust or disloyalty. We did saw hunger, yes.
GK, Calgary, Canada
"Mr. Parris' article would be more convincing if he could give us examples that the British did not steal anything in Africa..." John A Moore, we won't take lessons in honesty from the descendants of people who stole a whole continent - and still keep it.
Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,
Is Mugabe the problem? Yes. Why? All the violence in the last 28 years has come about when his power has been challenged. The poverty of the article is summed by the observation that "Zimbabweans hunger not for liberal democracy but for food". Well, that is rocket science! I thought everybody did.
Anders, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom
most people have highlighted their ignorance about Africa and their superiority complex.Why was Zimbabwe prosperous before 1997?As for tribalism there are irish, scots, welsh and english people in uk with the english being dorminant. one of the reasons why Gordon brown isnt popular is he's scottish!
LBM, Reading, Uk
Mugabe might be celebrating his one men win but they trouble looming ahead for him not from international but from within ! certain elements within regard him as a liability and would assassinate him and his whole family and try to come up with a suitable figure to head Zanu-PF.
mpho, coventry, United kingdom
No comparison to Iraq really. There is no religious sectarianism in Zimbabwe. Not condoning a military intervention but they do work a lot better in African countries.
Morgan, London,
Lets not be short sighted here. Around Africa the situation is not anyway different.Leaders changing constitutions, some refusing to accept defeat like in Kenya. I think we as Africans need to rethink this DEMOCRACY that was imputed on us as poverty + Democracy = what is happening all over Africa
Thomas Ddumba, LIVERPOOL, UK
Charan Muzaya - now you tell us you haven't been to Zimbabwe in nearly 30 years ! says it all really . You owe your existence and you livelihood to white liberals ? My bet is you work in the public sector . ? Your education was paid for by what they were mining and farming out of Zim, don't u get it
Roger Ndaba , St Albans, UK
I'm sorry, Parris, I usually find your articles very illuminating, but I must say this:
Where you describe the tendancies of certain African tribes, you imply that this means we can predict the behavior of members of those ethnic groups on the traditional behavior of their bloodlines. Utter tripe!
Brijit, Paris,
And I have posed the common sense questions; why are white people more concerend about Zim than Blacks? and where are the creams of the Zim society that support Morgan Tsvangarai? In a country highly educated like Zim, we haven't heard about the Univ dons or professionals like Lawyers!
John Iteshi, London, UK
If things are really as bad in Zimbabwe, we would have seen the crteam of Zimbabwean society 9University dons, Lawyers etc ) taking strong actions as we saw in Pakistan. Since they have not, it suggests that Mugabe is not evil to Zims as he is to the white world. Perhaps, Mugabe is still their hero!
John Iteshi, London, UK
The problem in Africa is tribalism. It's even worse than racism. The culture has to change from the inside. Unfortunately, even the Christian community in Africa , for the most part, is fiercely loyal to tribe first. It's horrible! They would rather die than love another tribe as an equal.
Babu Ranganathan, Boyertown, U.S.A.
Tony Edwards, Durham, UK
It's only a land thief that worry like you abnout how badly another person unwisely choses to run his resources! Just keep off Zim and allow them to starve to death as it is non of your business to feed them!
Ezhi Opfu, London, UK
Since we were colonised in 55AD and abandoned it took the Brits 1600 years and a many despots before we achieved a 'democracy' where 51pc can vote to steal the assets of the remaining 49pc.
And we still have a head-of-state thats descended from the medaeval robber-barron with the biggest army.
Pedro, Stratford,
The real problem is satan and his rotten little evil spirits. Christians worldwide need to pray for the nation to give God a chance to split up the demon powers and "save" the witchdoctors.
Maybe even Mugabe will get born again (John 3:3).
G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia
I normally applaud the good sense of this commentator, but sadly I cannot this time.
David Short, London, UK
Parris' suggestion looks a bit like what J.F.K. did in Viet-Nam.
In short, it's doable, if necessary, by the Cousins alone (it wouldn't take a large, but a well-disciplined & well-trained force to push Mugable out-of-office), but the consequences may prove to be unsettling.
William Livingston, El Paso County, Colorado, USA
This is the best argument for benign colonialism I have heard for a long time. And there is such a thing. What would you rather have, a full stomach, or lip service to democracy?
As always, Mattew Parris cuts to the quick. But Ian Smith kept everyone fed and safe.
Tony Edwards, Durham, UK
It is key to note pretty much every african leader with very, very few exceptiosn, has not just proved to be corrpt or greedy but, crucially, incompetent.
The poverty caused by this incompetence leads to mobs, sectarianism and emigration. Let the world bank take over their finance to prevent this
cameron, london,
Africa was, is now and always will be at the bottom of the food chain - nothing will change that. Even slavery - it's most significant export failed economically.
haralambos, joburg,
the best way of removing Mr. mugabe despite fighting on two fronts. send a detachment of traffic wardens,male and female,with half a million box tickers for support, should be plenty enough to do the job, oh also and inexhaustable supply of forms.
Eddy, Bury St.Edmunds,
There is a measure of truth in this piece but its pessimistic tilt about the prospects of genuine democratic change in Zimbabwe is not supported by the facts!
If the Batswana and the Zambians can live under the rule of law, why not their more literate and more educated neighbors? Condescending?
william masekera, Kalamazoo, USA
How could brown have the front to do anything about Mugabe, brown got into power without even holding a pretend election, his power is just as corrupt and undemocratic as Mugabe's. I think the Americans might go in and spread "democracy" if there is enough oil.
Jim, Huntington Beach, USA
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa:
During Rhodesian times, both USA and UK paid for the education of thousands of black Zimbabweans. All you had to do was get here. There was a healthy community of "Rhodesian blacks" throughout the western world. We gain nothing by not acknowledging others' good will.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Roger Ndaba , St Albans, UK:
What am I doing here? I am one of the few wise enough to see in 1980 that the independence under Mugabe was phoney. So I never went back to Zimbabwe and made UK my home. My concern about Zimbabwe is purely humanitarian and the fact that I have family there. OK?
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
James Wong, Macau,
At some point in history, Europe was ruled by dictators and warlords. Africa just happens to be behind in political evolution. What we should be doing is encouraging democracy in Africa. As a black, I owe my affluent life in a London suburb to liberalism - don't denigrate it!
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
If Mugabe did not have sufficient support from people, establishment and military, he would be gone
Why is it so difficult for outsiders to accept the judgment a society makes about its leadership, however ugly or unpleasant it may be
'RESCUE' US from Bush, Russia from Putin, Cuba from Castro.....
Nicholas, California, USA
Roger, I spent nearly 50 years in Rhodesia/Zimababwe and I am convinced that Parris is absolutely right. Whites in England simply do not understand the African mind. Who does? If the MDC is put in power they will be exactly the same as ZANU PF - not immediately perhaps,but after a little time.
Roger Barker, Southampton, U.K.
Umuntu speaks for the continent when he says that he would rather see Zimbabwe drown in an ocean blood than admit that the Evil White Man may have a point.
So long as Africans like Umuntu push their outdated white-hating Marxist dogma, Africa will continue to be doomed to poverty and violence.
DSL, Perth,
Perhaps, Africa might be the problem? Perhaps Africans might be the problem? No matter how politically incorrect this may be , surely this must be obvious by now. Wringing hands and wailing ,hence doing nothing might be an option , but very sad. There are other ways.
Michael S. Castleton-Bridger, montevideo, uruguay
"if anyone thinks this will be the beginning of genuine multiparty politics, the toleration of opposition and the rule of law, such hopes will be disappointed"
Last time Rhodesia had all of those was under the government of Ian Douglass Smith. You idiots should've left well enough alone then.
DN, Perth,
Martin from Newmarket is 110% correct & it must be hard for the liberals to deny what they are seeing with their own eyes
Mark, Manchester, England
The biggest mistakes were sanctions against Rhodesia and against "apatheid: South Africa, as advocated by "liberal" white lefitsts and adopted by PC administrations in Europe and North America. Take my words, South Africa will be going down the road of Zimbabwe once Mandela is gone.
James Wong, Macau,
terry, aid attached to strings is never good? it's much better without it and if countries can trade or interact as equal partners. but why the west's obsession with mugabe? whites now love ordinary blacks much more than during rhodesia!? how do you measure the good and bad in leaders? hyprocrisy!!!
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa
I agree with the views of Mr. Parris. I also believe that South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Kenya will go much the same way when each in time drives out their white and Asian citizens.
FS Tate, Sarasota, FL, USA
"an outside power or league of powers would need to occupy Zimbabwe ... I doubt we have the stomach for this."
No, but I think the Chinese may do - in return for resources.
Peter, Wakefield,
This has to be one of the best articles I have read on the situation in Zimbabwe. There are tribal problems that go back centuries and while colonialism can be blamed for a lot of the ills, the African countries have had many years to get it together.
joy morones, Mexico City, Mexico
You are right to some extent. Getting rid of Mugabe is not the solution , because he never was the problem. The problem is that 'white' people are trying to hoodwink the world into believing that they are fighting for democracy in Zimbabwe when in actual fact they are trying to keep stolen wealth.
chipo, harare , zimbabwe
"We can only wail and wring our hands." Finally, a Euro who has achieved the consciousness to recognize the reality of what Europe now is, in its final days as a secular-progressive entity before it fades into the Muslim sunset to the calls of the muezzin.
Tourbillon, San Diego, US
RN, you're probably right, you are much closer to the tradegy than we are. True, Allied powers would roll over the thugs in Zimbabwe. And true, what then? We are watching one of those moments equal to the killing fields of Cambodia, where the world can can only watch in horror and pray.
DS, Columbia, MS, USA
National boundaries in Africa still correspond to administrative convenience of European empires, not to national (tribal) identities.
Democracy (don't talk of 'western style democracy' unless you can describe another) depends on a demos, and there simply isn't one in most African states.
Paul Giles, Baku, Azerbaijan
why has Mugabe attracted so much attention when almost two-third of African leaders are worse than he is? why do you think African leaders are mute? 'Because the pot can not tell the stove it is too black when in actual fact they're all the same'. why criticize Mugabe when they all the same?
tony acquah, london, u.k
umuntu--free africa! What does that mean? Do you want the West to withdraw completely all aid, etc.? Fine with me.
M. Hynd--There is no progress to support. There is only a long, slow, painful reversion to the pre-colonial mean.
Paul Theroux's book "Dark Star Safari" is a good reference
Terry Walker, Ladson, SC / USA
Mr. Parris' article would be more convincing if he could give us examples that the British did not steal anything in Africa and that the ptactised democracy when they were claiming much of Africa as their own.
John A. Moore, Brooklyn, New York
charan, your relative in zim must be on an island and everybody else around is being hacked to death while they watch. that's how the west is building up a case against zim. tell me why the west is brazenly interested in condemning zim than africans. why britain and us and not the rest of world???
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa
Horace, the West also has a history of despotic regimes, tribal bloodlust, gleeful maimings, mass rape & pillage & slaughter, but it is more than that. Africa is not. Might makes right in Africa; that is the African way. The West can't civilise Africa; Africa will brand you a colonialist for trying.
RN, Cape Town, South Africa
there is nothing ignorant about contributions on this forum muzaya. the only problem is that you don't accept different views which much more dangerous than mugabe. this forum is open to everybody including former rhodesians, zim war vets, students and academics, mentally enslaved individuals, etc.
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Why dont YOU go and help your own relatives. Why should other peoples children help your relatives ? What are you doing in England that is more important than your family ? Money ??
Roger Ndaba , St Albans, UK
Zanu PF politics cannot be described as African. The regime is a left over from cold war struggle between the West and Soviet Union. Marxist/maoist doctrine is at the heart of it. These are imports from elsewhere not original to Africa. Sadly, Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' now seems closer than ever
Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom
I have, within the last hour, spoken to a relative on the ground in Zimbabwe, someone who has seen people hacked to death and sees fear all around. She was shocked when I told her that some people here are suggesting the crisis in Zimbabwe is an internal problem. "Who will save us?", she said.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Its such a beauty when a western journalist actually understands African politics. African politics is tribal politics and removing Mugabe will never change that. Maybe when the european bonehead colonists were drawing the African map they should have considered what tribes they were forcing togethe
Tony Burkson, Avon, UK
Just one part of the article I would disagree with is that the UK and USA would have the stomach to occupy Zimbabwe. However the same can't said for the rest of Europe.
malcolm mcinnes, portsmouth, uk
It's an African problem, and it requires an African solution. As the former colonial power Britain would be precisely the wrong country to lead efforts to find an answer..The real tragedy is the lack of African leadership - in particular, how weak and ineffectual Thabo Mbeki has proved to be.
Richard Walker, London,
Good for you. For the first time I have read something in the British press that is not just the normal smug, moralistic finger-pointing. Mugabe is a brutal tyrant. But the record of the commentariat is dismal. Thoughtless moralising - this is what got us into Iraq.
David, Oxford,
The solution, too obvious for South Africa's leaders, is the occupation of Zimbabwe followed by a referendum on union with South Africa.
Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK
As a Zimbabwean person, I see a lot of ignorant contributions on this forum. Why doesn't the UK government employ Britons of Zimbabwean origin as diplomats to advise it on Zimbabwe? I am not surprised at the poor quality of govt decisions on Africa if this is the general level of people's knowledge!
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
Forget me if I am wrong, but didn't Mugabe recently visit Italy, curious he wasn't arrested for crimes against humanity on this occasion.
Now as we hear the usual rhetoric condemnation from all corners of the earth, he is safely back home inside his bunker happily answering fan mail no doubt.
johny, Rennes, France
In summary - it's not just Mugabe. Lord Carrington still thinks it is!
And I don't think we can rely on Milliband for any depth of understanding.
David, Bromley,
Brilliant, articulate piece. I hope more people read this (preferably politicians) and heed your warning.
v.p, London,
The problem is easily solved if South Africa shows some backbone and leadership. As for setting up a long term system of democratic government the MDC are likely to end up as bad as Zanu PF. The less involved the west is in Africa the quicker Africa will sort out her own problems.
J Nowland, Leeds, United Kingdom
Bismark once said he wouldn't "waste one Pomeranian Grenadier on the Balkans", I would suggest that much the same is true of the southern African continent for the West. Its an African problem, Africans don't want Europe's help, South Africa has the ability to intervene, let it do so if it wishes.
Paul, Carlow,
Mugabe has always been out of step with the thinking of Zimbabweans. When Lord Carrington visited Zimbabwe after independence, one of the advance party of British reporters remarked that the peer's politics was closer to that of the ordinary Zimbabwean than of his "one-party state" oriented host.
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
nothing can be further from the truth (dan from dorset). in fact, the west --- using their huge networks of weapons of mass deception --- is distorting the facts on the ground just to advance their agenda: install a puppet regime in zim. neo-colonialism is alive and spreading it tentacles for sure!
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa
The left like to blame sixty year old colonialism but that is not the reason. People didn't starve in these fertile countries in years gone by.
There are less roads, hospitals,law,schools now in most countries than there were when the British left. But Swiss bank accounts are full up.
Michael, Northampton, UK
i agree that military intervention will not be the same as Iraq. Peace will never be brought to Zimbabwe with out removing Zanu pf and the top level of army who have all been corrupted through out the years. And that can only be achieved through force not mediation.
colin, cambridge,
As to what LDC (Aberdeen) is saying about Germany: right.
However, what about GB? It was only done in far-away places.
In the "West" we might have learned our lesson by now.
In Africa that's apparently not the case. On top of that they are
stuck with borders that were drawn by external powers.
fgb, Heerlen, Netherlands
Westerners still believe that removing opponents of iniquitous regimes from countries ruled by tyrants is equitable, humanitarian. Such a policy makes life that much easier for despots. London is the destination for disempowered 'saviours' of countries, here they can ponder their own irresolution.
Malcolm Turner, Alsager, England
African countries asked for and got independence. in most cases this is over 50 years ago. India and Asia have managed to become economic superpowers, whilst Africa is still a corrupt, violent backwater.
Let Africa sort out their own problems, or not. It is clearly no longer our fight.
christopher Downing, Moscow , Russia
The West is the real problem. We keep acting as we were "morally superior" but, as a matter of fact, from Rome on, we've been just exploiting other people (and their resources). If can perfectly understand why nigerians who live on the delta of the niger keep kidnapping white people. I'd do the same
Horace, Florence, Italy
The amount of aid that has been given to African countries over the years should have made millionaires out of every African. I heartily resent my taxes being thrown away to appease liberal consciences
Liz Brown, Montmartin en Graignes,
Landlocked maybe, airstrike Mugabe's house possible.
In the days of the "old war" one of the lines on the map at Joint Operations in Salisbury was from an imaginary aircraft carrier in international waters of the coast of Mozambique.
RogerK, Briouze, France
We really do have to stop forcing democracy down everyone's throats, as many do not want it yet. What must come first is stability and the rule of law, and the establishment of a powerful middle class. Sometimes a dictator can provide this. Europe prospered for centuries under monarchs.
andrew, swindon, uk
I agree with the analysis, not with the conclusion. An occupation of Zimbabwe by allied forces like the one in Iraq would produce a democracy within two years. Zimbabweans are naturally peaceful people poisoned by this monstrous son of a Malawian immigrant, Robert Mugabe. (I am a Zimbabwean.)
Charan Muzaya, London, UK
What an elightened view Matthew Parris introduces to this complicated situation. It's not enough to demonise Mugabe, demon though he is.
Surely we are dependent on South Africa making an enemy out of Zimbabwe before any sustained change can occur?
Nick Lister, Nr Leamington Spa,
If anyone wanted to give succour to Mugabe and co. they could not have come up with better words than these.
Just because the situation won't change in a way that you consider to be markedly is not a basis for doing nothing.
Gerry, Clydebank,
Dig (not so) deep into these comments and we find the usual unthinking knee jerk "they are all savages" view; the only progress of value is economic etc, etc. The usual refreshing right wing views, hobbesian views of mankind. The Africans are in a process of development. We must support any progress
M.Hynd, Epsom, UK
to jack from perth.....the reason for Africans finding economic equilibrium difficult may be found in your own country by what you have done to your own native inhabitants! You destroyed their indigenous way of life murdered massive numbers of their people and foisted ur culture on them
Dan, Dorset, UK
So the people being oppressed and losing their lives are to do nothing and those enjoying the fruits of this regime can continue their extravagent lives? That may be fine if you believe in something better to come, but not if you believe you have only one life and you are in indefinite misery.
meg, Scotland,
the most abominable thing in zimbabwe is not mugabe, damn it, but the arrogance and double standards of the western world (particularly britain). the west wants to arrogate to themselves the right to africa's resources at the expense of the rightful owners. shame on the west! free africa!!!
umuntu, jo'burg, south africa
In the rush to "return Africa to the Africans" little, if any, regard was given to the lines on the map, of European creation, which did not reflect the tribal territories which had preceded colonisation. Zimbabwe was not previously a nation; Mashona, Matabele and Manica areas were all recognised.
Garry Bean, Birmingham, UK
It's Africa's problem. They will never get rid of tibalism. Please show me one country in Africa where tribalism does not rule. Mugabe will only be replaced by another one of the same ilk. Leave Africa to its own devices and if they don't make it better that's their problem.
Fred, London, UK
Understand - this is Black Africa, what else can you expect. None of these 'countries' has prospered economically, socially or morally since the withdrawal of British colonialism. It is this withdrawal which is THE disgrace by AN incredibly stupid and racist UN, & morally smug British socialists.
Jack, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
If you have principles, doing something to uphold them is better than doing nothing. Even if a better short term outcome is not certain. In the long haul, it is the only way, otherwise we all "dither" and become nihilists.
Graham, Havant, uk
I agree in part- mugabe is propped up by many who have too much to lose. however what about our PC & double standards..britain & usa & sa got rid of smith & abel musarurwa?- the UN is ineffective & fruitless. really the world does not care unless theres oil or some benefit to them.
gill, qld, australia
What we are really seeing is Africa reverting to its natural state after a comparatively brief period of civilisation under white rule.
Martin, Newmarket, Suffolk
Outstanding. Thank you. For all the endless well of outrage at the disposal of government, foreign policy is all too often no more than a diversionary confidence trick, used by politicians to distract from their impotence at home (and abroad). For once, let dithering be our strength ...
luca , cheltenham, england
Tribe rivalries existed before colonization, and they reappeared after it. History proves that nothing can be done to stamp such rivalries out.
Now that the former colonies are independent countries, the residents are now on their own; it is for them to find their own solutions.
Monroe, California, U.S.A.
Well said. Mugabe is deluded and should go, but the ethnic realities wont change. A military solution isnt possible, but with a quiet change of leadership and a plan to restore economic reality, much of the suffering can be alleviated. Food in the shops would do more good than an election right now.
Mark and Ebi, London and Warri, UK and Nigeria
Let's carry Matthew's thesis to its logical conclusion and admit that Africa is broken. Two generations or more after independence almost all the countries are basket cases. In contrast to Asia I cannot think of a single real success story.
Ian, Frederick, USA
Mugabe is not a madman. He simply thinks differently than we do. And he is in similar company. Look how many post-colonial African countries were/are ruled by similar men--some worse, some better, but of the same cloth. It is outlook, not madness. Westerners cannot impose a liberal democracy.
Terry Walker, Ladson, SC / USA
My bet is that give it a few years and his replacement will be just as bad.
Africa will continue to be a basket case until we stop providing aid to support all the dictators who are only out for what they can get.
Gordon, Glasgow,
Disagree. It is easy to sit on your hands and say; we can't do anything! As for giving money to pensioners, if you take money from the government you will end up a slave to the government.
Greg, Des Moines, US
I don't think there are "plenty of white people" left--maybe 30,000, quite a few of whom are not old Rhodesians. Most are pensioners. But, yes, those still doing any significant business will have to have done it with ZANU-PF one way or another, there's no alternative but closing up shop.
Austin Scott, Cape Town, USA
Matthew Parris has expressed what I have been mulling about in the past few days in regard to Mugabe. Every dictator is supported by thousands of followers because what makes a successful dictatorship is not only the use of force which is too often emphasized, but also cooptation of thousands.
MariAngela, Santa Fe, USA
We've been guilted enough over Africa - rescuing Zimbabwe IS beyond our capacity - let there be "African Solutions" or "Chinese Solutions" - just let us stay the hell out, and while we're at it stop all the useless aid projects and spend the money at home on freezing British pensioners.
Phil, Lancaster, England
Mugabe is not the problem. The United Nations is the problem. A one world government is the answer. National boundaries need to be traversed to by an all powerful body which deals with such matters. A revamped UN could do that role.
Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia
You have already forgotten about Idi Amin, hid buddy Mobutu of the Congo, the Md Emperor Bokassa of the C A R (Giscars D'Estaings old pal )and 95 % of all African leaders whos only aim in life is to line their pockets (or Swiss Bank Accounts ) from foreign aid. The only answer is to stop all aid now
M Wilson, Bidache, france
You make good points, but they are points that could have been made about Nazi Germany as well - majority tribe picking on minority tribes (jews and Romany), irredeemably violent tribe (Germans started how many wars?) whose anthem was basically "us over everyone else" - and yet they turned out ok!
LDC, Aberdeen, UK
Finally an article that reflects the realities,and not the hopes of naive liberals.All ex residents of an African country will identify with these views,as for the rest they will see them as racist,biased,and neo-colonial.These are the same people who handed over Rhodesia to Mugabe in 1980,NUFF SAID
Ed Allen, Whitby, Canada
Surely the new international order shouldn't be based on hand-wringing.
David, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Spot on Matthew. Mugabe is just the front for a ruling section of the population. They're not going to become converts to Western democracy overnight, even if Mugabe is removed from power. If they were, he would have gone long ago.
Keith, Cambs, UK
Sadly true I suppose. Mugabe's system of repression will live on just as Cold War Russia did as each of their glacially ancient leaders slowly succumbed in turn.
Angela, Epping, Australia
Yes, even if Mugabwe shuffles off this mortal coil. His Zanuf-Pf pals will have him stuffed and mounted like Komrade Stalin was, and put in a glass case so he can continue being 'President'. There are too many Zanuf-Pf cronies who have much to loose if Uncle Bob gives up his office.
B Clark, Chelmsford, England
...and be ready to help. It is not beyond our power to punish the British who aid the zanu regime (anglo american and the other mining countries announcing investment in zimbabwe at the moment). It will also be within our power to assist with the reconstruction when it happens.
LDC, Aberdeen, UK
My point with the germany analogy was not to offend the Germans, but to point out that maybe we need to look at the causes of these things and work towards solutions, slow though it may be. And not sit back and let it happen again and again. Another example would be the Kosovo crisis....
LDC, Aberdeen, UK
But I agree with you - "To rescue Zimbabwe is beyond not our capacity, but our will." As it has always been. Think, if we had stepped in to stop Ian Smith, then violence would not have been needed to free the majority, then violent men would not have become leaders... maybe...
LDC, Aberdeen, UK