Thanks to the Us and UK cost of living is up, we have war on our border, and influx of africans (sudan etc) yes, lets condemn Zim, Mbeki isn't right. But this answer isn't black and white. Yes Zim is in trouble, but South Africa will be the country who has to pay!

Aasia Fredericks, Johannesburg, South Africa

Colin , Carmarthen, UK
I really don't see where we agree. The Chinese Govt don't exploit, they deal with all countries with respect and mutual benefits. The US/UK do it with differently. It is either our way or (?) especially to those lesser friendly countries. Globalisation kills off the poor.

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Lim, Malaysia.

At last we agree! Yes. The Chinese Government exploit third world countries precious resources just as much as all of the other big powers. There is no difference. All part of the same big capitalist globalization game.

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

Wow, Colin you really are enlightening. So the US/UK have been doing these things all along, even you know it so well. I wonder whether China has learned a thing or two.
Colin, what other back door things do you know. Mind telling me. I need to wise up. Thank you.
28060

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

If all world leaders were to condemn Mugabe and his thugs and refuse to recognise him as the President of Zimbabwe, wouldn't his "victory" gained through violence be a hollow one? He can only be the head of the country if he is deemed to be so by the rest of the world. Without this, he is nothing.

B Lawrance, Barnet, uk

Those who think they have the might to come fight us in our country will realise that Mugabe is not alone, we well fight for our right to self determination. We are ready for war

george, Harare, Zimbabwe

Lim, Malaysia.
China does step into such shoes along with every other big power. It is grabbing by the back door. You don't have to invade a country to sieze it's wealth. Propping up regime dictators with luxury goods and weapons in exchange for precious raw materials is the way it's done. Wise up.

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

Why do some commentators want Mandela to give his views on Zim? Is this to gain legitimacy to the anti-Zimbabwe brigade?Maybe, Mandela is reflecting on the 28 years of incarceration (with hard labour) imposed by the same people who wants him to join their bandwagon.Let Mandela enjoy his retirement.

Davis, Manchester,

I am absolutely disgusted by the whole thing.Bush and Blair said that a right to freedom for the people of Iraq was the reason they 'Invaded'.Bush said that it was their moral and human duty to overthrow an evil dictator in Iraq. So why not now? Mugabe is a haenous dictator, but alas has no oil !!!!

Adam Matthias, Coimbra, Portugal

Nikki Brown, Harare, Zimbabwe

Forget it. China does not want an inch of foreign territory. It had all along opposed colonialism and imperialism and surely it would not step in such shoes. If you want to call legal trade and assistance colonialism, it is up to you.
D zims know friends from foes.

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

It has been stated that "Mr. Tsvangirai won the most votes in the presidential election on March 29, but the Zimbabwe Election Commission said he did not gain an outright majority. " - where's proof that he did win ouright, who's seen the results?

Richard H, salisbury, UK

Oh super. Peter Carrington to the rescue. After all, he did such a splendid job last time. Shouldn't the man who engineered Mugabe's rise to power simply shut up and go away?

Austin Scott, Chicago, USA

Friends,
The days for colonisation is gone. The world has awaken So just forget the word "colonization" . Any other form of colonization will not do too. We cannot accept strong countries interfereing in a weaker country or the "have" bullying the "have nots" Africa is Africans to move forward.

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Im Zimbabwean, my people are dying, we need help, I dont care who ever it is, we need help

Calvin, London,

keep our troops out of yet another no win situation havent we learnt any lessons from iraq and afghanistan this problem can only be sorted out internaly

david, birmingham, uk

Brown calls the Zimbabwean government "Illegal" The words
"pot" Kettle" & "black" spring to mind. What happened to our referendum on Europe. What about the Postal ballot rigging by his party. It makes Mugabe's government look like a model of democracy.

George Reidford, Kintore, United Kingdom

Mugabe has consistently proven that economic sanctions neither trouble him,or stop him extending control over Zimbabwe.As terrible the repercussions may be, a military solution is the only solution, condemnations only serve as propaganda, citing former colonial powers pulling strings in the shadows.

Dan Heffernan, Hampshire, England

Is there no oil in Zimbabwe ? If there was there would have been loads of help before now.

John, Chatteris, UK

Intervene on behalf of the Zimbabwean people? I don't think Nelson Mandela, should be expected to speak out! He's done that; been imprisoned.Not the actual leader of SA! I respect Mr. Mandela very much!He'll speak but; he doesn't need to be prompted by heckling MPs! Mugabe? Unfit! Age?

Michael Sullivan, Toronto, Canada

Britain and America should send troops to Zimbabwe, take the country from Mugabe and his thugs and let all of us return to our country of Zimbabwe to rebuild our lives and the lives of all the people affected by the Mugabe regime.

Carl, Bridgend, UK

Economic sanctions always rebound on the ordinary people. The thugs at the top control the supplies of food, medicine and other necessities, and continue to live comfortably while the greater population suffers even more. This has been the case in Irak and Burma. The thugs need to be removed.

Felicity Bartak, Melbourne, Australia

i dont think SouthAfrica wants peace in Zimbabwe, since they are benefitting from the situation by being the only place, one can invest in the area, and they will continue to benefit as long as the situation in Zimbabwe remains the same, thats why Mbeki and Mandela are saying nothing solid about it.

Mukanya, London, UK

We hurried out of our African colonies leaving colonial type beaurocracies in place, no gradual development of democracy attempted. Neither was our behaviour as rulers perfect. So it is our responsibilty, by military force if necessary, to stop the slaughter and maiming by the Mugabe thuggery.

George Barker, Ringwood, England

Why hasn’t debatably Africa’s only elder statesman Mr Mandela (or reformed terrorist, often a fine line) not come out and condemned what is so blatantly ‘old’ Africa and help consign such characters to where they belong – History.

David , Perth, Western Australia

BTW :: Edgar Wallace's insightful and entertaining "Saunders of the River" was written in the Congo. Well worth reading.

Dion Per Sona, Cardiff, UK,

Erm, that is what the white South African Government told Mr Wilson tribes killing tribes. Tribalism in those regions is horrific. All the time we were there Zulus killed Xhosas and the Matebele killed the other guys. The word Xhosa to a Zulu means Dog which riles Xhosas. During Empire we stopped it

Jas, Alders, UK

Africa wanted independance, we gave them what they wanted. The fact that they are not capable of self governance in a just manner is their problem, and only they can solve it. The same situation has arisen in all the old colonies in Africa, why else have so many South Africans moved to Britain?

Luke, Maidenhead, UK

Those who are advocating military action and more sanctions against Zimbabwe show a callous indifference to the suffering Zimbabweans.You are all inviting a civil war that would be very bloody. Why are you so concerned about Zimbabwe?Let Zimbabweans solve their own problems without this interference

Davis, Manchester,

Rusununguko. There is nothing to stop you returning to Zimbabwe. After all, if things are so bright why would you not want to return?

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

In his withdrawal speech, one of Tsvangirai's more memorable points was that Zimbabweans do not want war.

Surprise, Surprise the west has already been planning for one!! This will be an unwinnable war since the physical removal of Mugabe does not kill the historical facts and basis of his ideas.

shumba muroori, london, uk

Once again we have a Western politician clamouring to invade another country, without a thought to the long term aftermath. Remember Colonialism is partly responsible for the mess that country is in. Any change in Zimbabwe must come from within, backed by strong support from other African countries.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

I think the only way to take down the regime is from within, by an army revolt, by mid-level officers.
Until that occurs, I'm afraid we are stuck with him.

Tim, Toronto,

Of course the UN should get involved. I hear regular, very depressing, reports from my family there of murder, destitution and starvation - from one very small corner of the country. I hate to think what is happening elsewhere. Those who stand up to Mugabe are incredibly brave - they need support

Caroline, London, UK

Feelings are running very high in Zimbabwe at the moment. Any military intervention will be resisted by over 80% of Zimbabweans who view such a move as recolonialization. The land issue is very emotive and Zimbabweans are prepared to fight to the last man to defend their land.

Davis, Manchester,

it is not our place to invade. this is something that needs to be resolved by dialogue to extensive ends.

it is africa's problem at the moment i'm afraid. pressure needs to be put on the african union and mandela. they have the greatest influence over mugabe - not gordon brown.

Deno, Preston,

I totally agree with John from Placentia on this

Jane S, London, UK

Am surprised it hasn't happened yet but then maybe I shouldn't be as Zimbabwe doesn't have any oil...

cww, Ipswich,

Talk, talk, talk. Let Africa sort out this problem. Whatever any other ocuntry does will only be resented for centuries. If Africa can't sort it out, we'll just have to try and contain the fallout. Meanwhile, don't try andplay cricet with Zimbabwe.

helen, Norwich,

I hope we do not get involved in this problem. People can vote with their feet and leave over the border. We are not the World's policeman. It is usually us who step up and in truth we cannot afford the lives or the financial cost

V Cooper, Yeovil, UK

Why not ask Lord Ashdown to head a UN team to stop the violence but use African Union troops to stabilise the violence. South Africa have a modern Defence Force that are conveniently close to be on site swiftly.

Bugsy, Burley-in-Wharfedale, England

Mugabe must be stopped at all cost, how can he possibly be a leader when his people are starving and being murdered. However diplomatic you would like to be, military action has to be the last and finanl option and is possibly the only way to remove him.

Nate, London,

I can't believe some of you people saying that, 'It's Africa so why should we worry about it?' It is so easy to turn up your nose and say that it isn't our problem. Where is the humanitarianism? the fact is that human rights are being violated on an empirical scale but you refuse to acknowledge it.

Matthew, London, England

What's new? Mugabe and his thugs have used these tactics since he entered politics back in 1960. The intimidation in the 1980 election under British supervision was just as bad, but more discrete. Zanu party is no worse than previous, just more open because they know the world is BLIND!!!

John, weymouth, england

All talk but no action. What the heck are they waiting for? oil?

jayil, london, uk

How stupid and lying people are. No outrage as Mugabe orchestrates the torture and murder of white farmers. Not a peep out of the BBC. Now we are to sacrifice still more young white soldiers sorting out alien disagreements. Welcome to world government. What has this to do with defending a homeland?

Edward, Lincoln, England

What a shame the UN has no BALLS. They should be kicking in Mugabe's door and putting him and his thugs on trial. Instead they're nothing more than a massive waste of money.
As for the other African nations they should be ashamed. The rest of the world is watching them as they cower to a bully.

Mark Sheppard, Retford, UK

I agree with most of what Lord Ashdown says. However I disagree that Britain should be deterred by its historical colonial role in Zimbabwe. Mugabe is setting the agenda if you make Britain's colonial past an issue. How come it's not an issue in Britain's dealings with other countries like India?

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

Come on South Africa - intervene to save the lives of thousands of Africans

Paul Singh, London, UK

Whatever the hand-wringers decide to 'do', lets forget any talk of 'sending in british troops'. Nothing will inflame the situation more than the sight of (white british) troops on the ground. Further our A/F are now at full stretch and beyond in Iraq & Afghanistan. There is no-one left to send.

Alistair Philip, London, UK

I have to agree with all those that say it is time for Africa to look after Africa. I think the era has passed where the UK and USA sort out all the problems in the world.

stephen henry, banbridge,

I take exception to the poster that calls South Africans spineless...what about ZIM'S other neighbours ? Namibia,Mozambique,Botswana,Angola,Zambia ?? They might have made some half-hearted protests,but nothing real. I am totally against military intervention by South Africa-we are not Zims keeper!

Carina Kennard, Durban, South Africa

Africans are a different lot. Their problems cannot be sorted out by the west or other non-africans. Let africans, like Mbeki, deal with them ( problems).

Subramaniam, Paris,

Oh God! Not another politician advocating British interference in another country. Don't they ever learn? The recent debacles Iraq and Afghanistan should have taught them something but I despair! This is an African problem that needs to be resolved by Africans, not invasion by Europeans.

Oxford Don, Oxford, UK

Zimbabwe's crisis has failed to stress that Mugabe is a puppet for the Chinese who continue to plunder the natural mineral wealth of Zimbabwe in exchange badly made electronic equipment, arms or transportation. Mugabe may indeed rail against their old colonial masters but he has a new one - China.

Nikki Brown, Harare, Zimbabwe

Alan, Bristol said 'The Khmer Rouge ruled through terror, with tacit Chinese support.' The terrible events in Cambodia are being repeated in Zimbabwe. Zanu PF have said they are prepared to kill up to 40% of the population. The footprint of the CCP and extreme Maoism can clearly be seen.

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

Stop this pussy-footing around, afraid of upsetting other African leaders. Offer Mozambique huge aid and development package in return for launching pad for military intervention by civilised world. Oust Mugabe, purge the military/police, hold fair elections, maintain peace. Stop the torture!

Matthew Hetherington, Cheltenham, UK

This is exactly the kind of situation in which UN forces have a moral obligation to intervene. We cannot treat an escalation of this violence in the same apathetic way as we did in Rwanda in 1994.

Antony, London, UK

What about my family in Zimbabwe?! We were encouraged to settle in Rhodesia by the British at the turn of the last century and they have been left to the wolves by the British Government. Africa is not just full of black Africans, there are white Africans as well. Wake up and offer support.

Nikki Brown, London, UK

The African Union CANNOT and WILL NOT do anything for the simple reason that they haven't got the funds to intervene! They are ill equipped in Darfur - where the slaughter of innocents happens daily, while the rest of the world simply looks on. The UN is a failed body which should be disbanded!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

If ever there was a necessity for regime change this it! Lets get our friends in Mossad to carry out their efficient way of dealing with undesirables!

HJM, Southampton,

There should be NO military intervention in Zimbabwe, least of all by the UK. We should have given up getting militarily involved in other countries when we stopped being an Empire., we cannot afford it.

We should stop ALL aid to ALL African Nations until they get their house in order. I am

Keith Sloan, Winchester,

Its ironic that we play host to Mandela, the one African that could , with a few words, shoot mugabe down in flames. It Sad that this man, who, as a student I demonstrated for his freedom, will not speak out. Looks like he cares more for Mugabe than the African People. So very Sad.

barry, London, UK

A CommonwealthEU force (ex-US) of KiwisAussiesGurkhasIndiansCanadians under jt control of UKFrance with other former african colonial powers of ItalyHollandPortugalGermany seems a credible solution re military intervention. Waiting for genocide is NOT an option. Africa is paralysed as SA watches.

Richard Hoblyn, Limoges, FRANCE

Paddy Ashdown is yet again trying to justify military intervention with delusional warnings about possible genocide which is not in sight. After his disgraceful dictatorial rule in Bosnia, he's trying to re-invent British colonial power. Mugabe is an old man, let the nature take its course.

miconi, Belgrade,

Paddy's right. Any white run country would have already been taken care of and it's ruler in the international Right's Courts

richard jones, Athens, Greece

Justification of intervention with the warning of non-existing genocide. That was the case when Serbia was bombed in 1999. The real motive was to rearrange Balkan borders. Why Mugabe, why not some other dictator? Ashdown should be quiet, media should examine his shameless rule in Bosnia.

miconi, Belgrade,

When a British politicain makes statements that intervention in other countries can be justified, I recall the 'no' response of the UK when it was suggested, at the height of the troubles in NI, that a UN peacekeeping force be allowed in. It was an internal affair. Goose, gander come to mind

Jim O'Sullivan, Sligo, Ireland

what i find annoying is that the same people here that want action will be the same that moan about the uk/us being imperialists if they do go in.
Frankly let the africans sort it out.

billy, edinburgh,

Africa needs to sort out it's own problems. It is the only was that it will mature and long term, that is the only way there will be stability. Those countries that have matured (e.g. South Africa) really need to take on the responsibility. If they ask for assistance then that is another matter.

David, Aylesbury,

I agree that freedom in Zimbabwe needs to come from within (or at least from other SADC countries) rather than the West, but Zimbabweans need hope from the international community. We feel abandoned. If sanctions and international peacekeepers are a way of giving that hope, bring it on.

Andrea Mitchell, Christchurch, New Zealand

I want to see our Marxist politicians apologise for ending White rule in Rhodesia. They were wrong, why can't they admit it. If a nation is a corporation all they did was sack a successful management team.

keith bentham, wigan, uk

Only Africans can change Africa. Colonial imposition of artificial borders meant that homogenous populations were divided and the parts amalgamated with fractions of other tribes. Concentrate on minimising the tribalism in our own societies and keep talking to the leaders that we want to change.

David, sydney, australia

The African Union has done absolutely nothing to help its fellow black people. Yet again the west has to invervene and will take the blame for it. Ian Smith was right.

CA, Manchester, UK

Colonial rule gave peace and prosperity to much of Africa.BUT history shows that intervention in Africa in any way is a temporary measure.Learn from that and let Africa evolve and mature as every other nation in the world has done, in their own time and their own way

Michael W, Telford, UK

Mugabe and Zanu PF have bankrupted the rascist and nationalist argument in Africa. Their actions and now disastrous outcomes clearly demonstrate where such misdeeds and hypocrisy lead to. This is also a lesson for other would be rascist/nationalists around the world. You are clearly wrong headed.

Colin , Carmarthen, UK

Mugabe and all of his criminal associates have almost certainly moved their money out of the country

They should be charged with committing crimes against humanity, and their bank accounts frozen pending their appearance to face those charges.

Jim Laflin, Somerset,

The ideal, of course, would be for the African Union to remove Mugabe and bring him to stand trial for crimes against humanity (with international funding and support). Seeing as that's unlikely, the best thing to do is to pressure Mbeki. Mugabe's an 84-year-old man; I bet nothing really scares him.

Brett, Salt Lake City, USA

This problem is a 100% making of African man, no involvement from Europeans whatsoever and shows you a little insight to what whole of Africa would like had Europeans not colonised or where its going

Nonetheless it doesn't mean we should let the government of Zimbabwe kill its people and not help

Dan, London, England

This is a humanitarian problem not just an African problem. As powerful free countries the west should intervene to protect human liberties. A international army must take control of the government to pass to MDC. Like churchill knew there are some people you can't mediate with.

Coin, Cambridge, England

Mugabe has already declared war on the vast majority of his country. It would be good to see him have an opponent.

The real shame is that we live in a world of borders and we are all complicit in Zimbabwean's fate. If they could live anywhere, they all would have left 10 years ago.

Kevin Heisey, New York,

It's an African problem. Let Africa solve it. If Africa won't (and it won't), that tells you lots about Africa and nothing about the West. Who on earth do you think would thank us afterwards for intervening? And WHAT makes people think Tsvengirai is going to be a better democrat than Mugabe?

Bernie Kells, Oxford, UK

A free people must learn to free themselves. The reason for our
failure in Iraq is that democracy was given to people who did not
obtain it by their own blood. The English-Speaking world
understands this hard lesson which is why we fight along side each other so often. This fight is not our fight

John, Placentia, Republic of California

I honestly cannot understand why the West keeps interfering in African countries whether politically or humanitarian.( stop foreign aid)
The only way to deal with Africa is to let it be and grow up by itself. It may take another 100 years, but it will get there.

robert, vancouver, BC

Mugabe took power in the same year Pol Pot was overthrown. The Khmer Rouge ruled through terror, with tacit Chinese support, over a pitifully poor agricultural society. Only the Vietnamese invasion liberated the Cambodians. Only South Africa can liberate Zimbabwe through military intervention.

Alan Wilson, Bristol, UK

Two wars on behalf of an unsupportive international community are more than enough. We need our few good remaining servicemen to defend the UK. The politicians won't.

Brian Gilbert, HAMPTON, Middx

Mugabe may be no saint but the essence of what he says is true and that is that Africa is in name only and does not belong to the Africans.
What people of any other continent would tolerate that?

K Urban, London, UK

Didn't President Mugabe remind the world just a few days ago that under Zimbabwean law vote rigging carries the death penalty? Quite right too. Time then for the President to prove his legitimacy, lead from the front and apply this law which he himself has enacted without fear or favour!

Lyonnais, Lyon, France

I can't see how more sanctions will solve anything. He's a communist, money has no value...Inflation is already at something like 2 million %. Do they really think it bothers Mugabe? Refuse to aknowledge the presidency, have another UN summit, arrest him when he attends and send him to trial.

Wessels, London, UK

Hey, what about letting the Africans sort their own mess out this time? Why should our troops go and lay down their lives when the spineless South Africans show no interest in bringing even the slightest pressure to bear on Mugabe and his thugs? Let them sort their own problems out.

Garley, London, UK

Everybody deserves the right to a vote... The G8 should do all within its power to enforce a fair election (and maybe transtion of power) in Zimbabwe. The cost to the British taxpayer or to anybody else pales in comparison to what is going on now...

Chris G, Bangor, N. Ireland

"Why help Zimbabwe, there are also other countries with similar problems".

By this logic, I shouldn't donate money to my favourite charity since there are other charities that need my money.

Rosihan Hadi, Kuala Lumpur,

Zimbawe was granted independence by an act of parliament. Acts of parliament can be repealed. Zimbawe, reverting to a British territory, troops could be stationed there to train local volunteers. Mugabe can terrorise locals, but doesn't have the numbers or discipline..to oppose, say NATO. Move it!

Dion Per Sona, Cardiff, UK,

It is quite disgusting how the world has sat by and done nothing to-date & allowed Mugabe and his cronies to run a once vibrant country into the ground & to get away with mass murder. It's actually laughable how after 28 years he lays blame for Zimbabwe's economic ruin at the feet of the"white" man!

Shaun Benecke, Perth, Western Australia

Military intervention is the way to go. Britain and America must "persuade" South Africa to give them support to bring down this tyrant who is killing his own people. Mozambique can also play a pivotal role by providing its airspace. This is the time for the international community to end Mugabe.

Tendai , Nottingham, Britain

Have these people heard of Darfur and Congo?

Jonathan L, T, Israel

These poor souls are paying the price for Iraq. The rest of the world is too afraid to "liberate" another country in case, it too, all goes horribly wrong. Pressure on the rest of Africa is probably the only way now. Truly a tragedy and a terrible waste of what could have been.

Angela, Epping, Australia

First, the UN has never had the willpower to take action against brutal tyrants, be they in Iraq or Zimbabwe. Remember, Saddam had committed far more massacres and genocide than has Mugabe.

But why bother? Once foreigners leave, all of these despotic nations have always reverted to form.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Please put pressure on SADC and Mbeki (Mugabe's business partner) to isolate Zimbabwe immediately. A lot of people are already dying while you decide to be politically correct to intervene. Thank you for keeping this story alive

Natshambwa Murove, Toronto, Canada

What, like Iraq? If the african countries are not willing to stop things escalating then we are not to get involved. South Africa could stop it tomorrow. We should stop sticking our nose in.

Fred, London, UK

A military intervention would only perpetuate the problem. Even if Mugabe was deposed, it would only brand Tsvangirai as a White puppet. The self-destructive "winner takes all" attitude in African politics wasn't created by Europeans and can't be solved by Europeans. Africa has to mature by itself.

Steve, Dublin, Ireland

Have people learned nothing from the invasion in Iraq? Military action should be only considered as a last choice. If it turns into a slaughter like Rhwanda then its justified but only then. The people of Zimbabwe need to be supported but they must work this out themselves.

Bruce, Eureka, U.S.A.

surely this proves the need for a commonwealth that has more than just ceremonial significance. Britian, along with OZ, NZ, India, Canada etc surely have a moral duty to defend the values of the commonwealth whether they are under attack from without or within.

will, grimsby, uk

Paddy Ashdown should be quiet and would do well to remember that colonial interference in Africa has done it no good whatsoever. Mugabe must be stopped, but Africans should do it because no African nation would welcome interference by EU nations, especially the UK. African nations must act now.

Len, Western Australia, Australia

With all due respects Rusununguko, Britain is hardly going to invade. If you have a riot and police are called to sort it out then that is not an invasion its morally and democratically correct to bring order to the situation I challenge anyone to show what good Mugabe has done for his country.

Mie, chelmsford,

A UN or Commonwealth backed Security force should be used to oversea a free and proper election. Any other form of invasion will not take place nor should it, Zimbabwe wanted independences and they have got it. Zimbabweans have made this mess now its up to them to sort it out.

Chris, Perth , Australia

If europeans dare invading our country we are prepared to defend our country at all cost, I will go back to Zimbabwe and defend our motherland Zimbabwe. This is my position and I knew from start that the British wants to invade my country. You deny our people Zimbabweans to live here in UK.

Rusununguko, London, UK

Launching military action so far from home in a landlocked country would be difficult but not impossible given the state of our forces....but more importantly why is the British media obsessed by what is happening there......its got nothing to do with us ANYMORE. The BBC give it way too much cover

Peter, Beverley,

Sanctions don't work a position I recall echoed by Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia some 30 yrs ago

Ian Smith fell not because of sanctions but because of the former Apartheid regime in SA withdrawing its support.

Why will be different now? SA is the key over to you Mr. Mbeki.

Jason Pearson, Toronto, Canada

Two pointers, guys. (1) ONLY intervene to hold free and fair elections, don't make any martyrs, and (2) involve the rest of Africa, there are plenty of supportive countries around.

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

An opportunity was missed when Mugabe left Rome to force his plane to land at an undisclosed location to put an end to this madness. There is a precedent when the US Navy brought down an Egyptian flight into Italy with fighters from the USS Saratoga.The Italians however let the individual escape.

Woody, Paris, France

"Britain would work for a “deepening” of existing EU sanctions against 130 leading figures in the Zanu" are you serious!!!Stop all this talk declare it know before this goes any further!I really don't understand why this wasn't done years ago God knows it's more than warranted.Shut them down!!

Claire, Brisbane,

I know it's a last resort and with whats going on with our forces today, but i feel that Milatary action will be the only course,it will be the only thing that Mugabe will understand and the only thing to stop all this shameful violence. War is terrible but sometimes it is needed.

Jamie , Plymouth, UK

I could not agree any more. the danger in not forcibly removing mugabe is he may well be replaced within his tyrranical party by another hardline nationalist.

military action which seeks not only the ouster of mugabe but the party will save the counntry and region.

steven shumba, Basingstoke, uk

Total madness! Has nothing been learned from interfering in Iraq? Why Zimbabwe? White farmers maybe? Yes, Mugabe needs to go, yes conditions are very bad but similar problems exist elsewhere. Britain can't wait to get back in to pour in aid money, meaning more business and jobs for the boys.

Jacqui, London,

This is as unhelpfull as sanctions.

Does this not play into the hands of Mugabe who says the West has a secret agenda to recolonise? Tsvangirai and MDC are accused of doing its work, now we say this.

Mugabe is comming mass murder but this statement gives him credibility he does not deserve

Jason Pearson, Toronto, Canada

Great, stuff.
Send in the boys on a shoestring while we stay at home and fiddle the expenses.
What do these polititians, who have so sensibly pruned our services past the core, think we will send? Frazzled troops that are doing back to back tours or maybe a contingent of the Met Police or W.I?

Pete, Ipswich, uk

Surely America or Brittain have a way to have Mugabe assassinated or alternatively to start military action and bring this tyrant to a similar end as Sadam Husein. Thiese are the only possible solutions to end this unjust repression in Zimbabwe.

Tibor, Gold Coast, Australia

Cutting economic ties is a good start to weaken the regime in Zimbabwe. However, if we actually intend to solve the situation and help the citizens, they gain nothing from us haltening their economy. Looking as it does, military intervention is justified. Political situation going the wrong way!

Mikael Pallin, Stockholm, Sweden