"we could have averted the bloodshed" will be the response of SA, UN and AU in an extended post runoff civil war.

gavin, jhb, RSA

Sadly, if they pull out ,all those people will have died and been tortured for nothing. Why aren't the rest of the world stopping this?

barbara, north east,

I am deeply ashamed that there is no response from any of the western governments to take REAL action to stop Mugabe. If ever there was a dictator who has destroyed his country and his people, embarrassed Africa, and the western governments inaction it's this man. Yet we sit on our hands...

Phil A, Headley, UK

Morgan Tsvangirai is right to tell the politics that they have no legal right to ban the election. Tsvangirai's should not let the violence and intimidation get to them. The citizens do not have anything to lose now. I would like for Mr. Tsvangirai to proceed with the election Friday.

Trent Puelicher, Chico, USA

If only Zimbabwa had oil.

Patrick Conley, colorado springs, US

Did Mugabe suddenly become the monster he is today within a week or two? If not do the UN leaders have cucumbers in their eyes. What on earth was Mugabe doing speaking to the world in Rome? One wonders whether our so called leaders have any brains? Basic trueths are apparent to the rest of us.

John Morgan, Old Stratford, United Kingdom.

What would the international community do if the MDC were to stand and win but find its democratic mandate ignored? History would suggest that those who believe they rule by divine right are overthrown in the end but shall we stand idly by and watch the bloodshed?

John La Bouchardiere, Saffron Walden, UK

I blame South Africa for protecting this despot, through the United Nations and the African States. Mbeki is siding with Russia and China (Mugabe's new colonialist nightmare) in preventing both the UN and Africa in stoping the circus.
South Africa looks to be heading down the same road
Ex Rhodie

Doug Hardy, Muscat, Oman

We need to organise worldwide demonstrations against the Mugabe regime. We did it for the war, are Zimbabweans less important than Iraqis?

The international community should ACT to end Mugabe's regime. Mbeki should resign over this.

It's time we play our part in ending this charade

Aryan Ameri, Melbourne, Australia

What is the UN doing about it. The UN is too busy passing resolution after resolution against Israel to be concerned about Zimbabwe.

Robin, Sydney, Australia

Why isn't Robyn, London, Middlesex doing anything if he/she wanna play the big brother/sister?

hilarie, los olivos, usa

Everyone always relys on the US, the US & has no real ties on Zimbabwe; where as Britain was Zimbabwe's older brother. The UN is ment to represent the world law, unfortunately they have not done that very well. What we need to remember is that Zimbabwe was apart of the UN & played a very important p

Dan, Gold Coast, Australia

Just like what happened in Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur, and Myanmar, all the 'civilised world' does when hearing of these reports is to shake our heads in mock horror and wring our hands as if we cared.

But we don't.

Les M, Sacramento , USA

An the UN is doing what about this. Oh they are talking and SA , USSR, and China are blocking any action.

What about Obama or McCain?

SHow us your stuff. Prove that you can lead. Lead a senatorial delegation to Zimbabwe.

Lima, Justin, USA

Every time things get bad in the United States, I reflect that it is always worse elsewhere. We can pull outselves up by out bootstraps, tighten our belts, and unlike the fetid steaming cesspool that is Robert Mugabe's vision of ZImbabwe, we can just vote the bums out if we want.

L.T., Columbus, OH, USA

The problem with boycotting the election is that Mugabe would still hold it and thus claim a "legitimate" victory. And these calls may simply be a form a black PR from Mugabe. It may be a rigged election, but these are the rules that must be played by. Power never conceded anything without a fight.

James, London, UK

The US is spread to thin in Iraq, no chance for us to go over. It would be nice if another country would not "mind it's own business" for once and stand up as well. Not saying the US has a good track record as of late, but when compared to most other countries it is far better.

Mike, Kennett, Missouri

The ZANUPF-military regime strangling Zimbabwe is perfectly capable of blackmailing MDC supporters into urging withdrawal from the run-off (and telling them they will be killed if they spill the beans). Might this explain part of the sudden "avalanche"? Mugabe is desperate for a propaganda coup.

Ashley Haworth-Roberts, Bromley, UK

There is no way this round can be free or fair. If MDC pull out because of that, then even if Mugabe claimed victory by default, I don't hink anyone would regard it as legitimate (except maybe his friend Mbeki). It's a very difficult choice, but I think pulling out would be the best way to go.

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

I thought we had sen the last of the genicides in Rwanda but no once again the UN stand by and take the money. The rulers of the various countries are gutless and should be ashamed that they let this situation continue Shame on you all

Tim Walton, Bangkok, Thailand

I regret that I ever supported the ANC in its battle against apartheid. It is clear that Mbeki and the ANC, by not condemning Mugabe and Zanu-PF, are more guilty of crimes against humanity than Hitler was. A total boycott on all SA products, to include diamonds and beer, is necessary.

Theo, Minneapolis, United States

The world should step in and interfere. This is when we should interfere, not in Iraq or Afghanistan. Why isn't US doing anything if they wanna play the big brother?

Robyn, London, Middlesex

There is this element of reporting lies in the British society, you want to promote your ideology when ever you want something from a certain country. Zimbabwe will never be a colony of Uk again, either directly or indirect. Leave my country alone, the people of Zimbabwe will chose their leader.

Masunda, Dublin, Ireland

Yes but he won't. I've lost a lot of respect for Mandela because of his appeasement of Mugabi.

Dave Rado, Colchester, UK

Jens Winton....Mandela has said what you want previously. He is old now and keeps out of politics. Read the article on his health in the times Africa news, a few below this one. He broke rocks for 20 years and is now frail, give him a break. I'm sure he regrets his choice of successor though?

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

Ok so when is Mugabe going to be taken out (of this misery that he's caused his country. The entire world community should stand up against this criminal-this murderer! He evidently is throwing his nose at all of us declaring that "only God.." can take him out of his position.

Driene, Killeen, USA

mugabe,s terrified that if he loses the run off he will be tried for murder

steven pezzone, sunderland, tyne wear

Mugabe told a campaign rally last Friday: “Only God who appointed me will remove me – not the MDC, not the British.”

Is he sure fine then God will remove him then Mugabe should suffer not only that this man killed my country, millions have fled all because of man. 27th is Independence Day

julie, london, england

what is the world doing to stop them

John Adams, baton rouge, usa

If inly the Us really believed it's own propaganda, we'd be disposing of Mugabe instead of playing in the sands of Iraq.

Jusitn, Lima, USA

What a wonderful thing if Nelson Mandela would give Zimbabwe a nice birthday gift on his 90th and tell Mugabe to leave now?

Jens Winton, Lewisham, UK