Lim Malaysia.

The west calls for sanctions because we have a clear moral understanding of the difference between right and wrong. Posters here are mostly independent thinkers. Lobbying own government to do the proper thing is the democratic process. That is what we do to get change in the world

Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom

David Ashton, Bathurst , Australia

I am tired too, But please tell me why it is the only the West who calls for sanctions. Is it because the West is rich, powerful and nosy? Do you really think it hurts the target and not the poor. The hurt will trickle down to the poor.
270708

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

I am sick and tired of people who say the sanctions hurt the poor. Targeted sanctions affect the govt figures who are hurting the poor far more than sanctions ever could. Sanctions are one good way of keeping up the pressure for change and letting Mugabe & co know they are way out of line.

David Ashton, Bathurst , Australia

The very fact that Mugabe cautions against outside interference means that the sanctions DO work. Sanctions alone are not going to bring Mugabe into line but that does not mean they are useless. They should be lifted ONLY when a free & fair election is held AND the results respected by Mugabe.

David Ashton, Bathurst , Australia

Why should the West learn when they never acknowledge failure?

Brum, Montreal,

Let Zimbabweans decide their own destiny without outside interference? Is that a lot to ask? Sanctions only affect the poor and vulnerable and not the elites.

Davis, Manchester,

I will say it again - sanctions hurt. They are like ignoring someone and refusing to talk to them. The criminal junta is immensely egotistic, and this kind of thing deeply upsets them. If for no other reason, it's a major reason for maintaining sanctions! Though I think they do work anyway.

Richard Flynn, Huntingdon, UK

Jonathan Clayton asserts that it is Western pressure that has kept Mugabe in power. Surely it is Mugabe’s brutal suppression of the opposition – and the readiness of people like Clayton to allow him to get away with it?

Rose Benton
Co-ordinator
Zimbabwe Vigil

Rose Benton, London, UK

Once again Africa has created a perfect Franz Fanon scenario, truly you are the 'wretched of the earth' . As for the gutless opposition in Zimbabwe, it's hardly surprising you have the government you deserve. You have exchanged evil white masters for greedy Black masters - enjoy your 'freedom'.

Winston Smith, Edinburgh, UK

If not sanctions or some sort of military intervention, what other means of pressuring Mugabe would the author of this article suggest? Should Western leaders come on bended knees before this selfserving, brutal dactator and cajole him into giving up power that he craves with such relish?

Ralph Hoarau, Vienna, Austria

Finally, a sensible article from the UK. It is a classical scenario - whenever an era changes, those who were beneficiaries of that era are the last ones to notice the change. Sometimes it looks the Gordon Brown and co. still believe in the power Cool Britannia had when they were teenagers.

Charles Kanengo, Los Angeles,

Too much faith is placed in Mbeki's ability to move things without any pushing. Mbeki has shown himself to be biased in favour of Mugabe and it is precisely because the west has left him to it that he has done nothing of substance. Even his latest "accomplishment" is only an agreement to talk.

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

So true. As Zimbabweans we need to know what the sanctions imposed on Mugabe and his cronnies in 2002 have achieved. Six years down the line we have not been told how much money was frozen in EU bank accounts or even traced to have left accounts in the EU to Asia or South Africa / the assets etc etc

chihera, guildford, uk

Agricultural subsidies were given to EU and American Farmers whilst African Governments were ordered through the IMF& WB programs. Now the EU wants to give Africa funding, for what, its coming at the time S.Arabia and UAE is pouring billions into Africa contract farming, or the timing is suspicious.

Thuthukani Mkhize, Harare,

Although Abramovic was staying in the resort town of Victoria Falls, he was a guest of the Hwange Colliery Limited amid revelations that the Russian oil magnate is keen to invest in Zimbabwe.While the Hwange Colliery executives might have opted to keep a tight lid on Abramovic's tour.

Thuthukani Mkhize, Harare,