Zimbabwe, one more reason Obama will need a strong foreign policy.

[ProSense]

Zimbabwe opposition leader pulling out of election

By ANGUS SHAW
The Associated Press
Sunday, June 22, 2008; 4:24 PM

HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of Zimbabwe's violence-wracked presidential runoff Sunday, declaring that the election was no longer credible and the loss of life among his supporters was simply too high.

The announcement cleared the way for President Robert Mugabe to continue his 28-year rule, despite mounting condemnation from even loyal African allies that the former independence hero has become a despot who has bankrupted the country's once thriving economy.

"We can't ask the people to cast their vote on June 27 when that vote will cost their lives. We will no longer participate in this violent sham of an election," Tsvangirai said.

He addressed a news conference in Zimbabwe's capital after thousands of militants loyal to Mugabe prevented opposition supporters from gathering for its main campaign rally.

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On edit: This is where Bush's foreign policy has failed. Zimbabwe's opposition leader could have used support from the international community.

[democrattotheend]

1. Haven't you heard? Obama wants our elections to be like Zimbabwe

Okay, I know this is reopening old primary battles, but I couldn't resist. I think that was up there on my list of favorite ridiculous Clinton spin lines.

[ProSense]

2. No other comments? n/t

[AP]

3. Zimbabwe's opposition is getting support from from outside Zimbabwe...

...which helps Zanu-PF maintain support.

[Number23]

4. Absolutely

Zimbabwe's opposition leader could have used support from the international community.

You're spot on there. Or he could have used the help of something else. Something like a non-governmental organization representing hundreds of countries and whose purpose is to resolve global conflicts and tackle international issues. Too bad nothing like that exists. Zimbabwe desperately needed it.


(Oh, and this is total :sarcasm: in case it's not obvious. I am a huge fan of the UN, but why they haven't involved themselves in this crisis, I will never understand.)