Zimbabwe: Get Behind the Fist

**Lemur** · 03-29-2008, 15:29

They're holding elections in that blighted land as we speak. I'm secretly impressed with Mugabe's campaign slogan; no "Ready on Day One" or "Change We Can Believe In" for him, no, that would be too mellow -- his personal and party slogan is Get Behind the Fist.

Lovely.

With most news agencies banned, getting news devolves to bloggers and the few journos who are tolerated.

Extra credit bonus material: Samantha Power's 2003 essay, How to Kill a Country, with its patented ten-step program for utterly destroying your nation. (Yes, this the the same Powers who called Senator Clinton a "monster.")

So what do the Orgahs think? Will Zimbabwe get behind the fist? Will Zimbabwe turn into another North Korea, a blighted, blasted place where people starve in silence while a few elite leaders drink cognac? Or will they descend into revolution? Why haven't they revolted already? Is Mugabe just that good at strangling dissent and killing opponents? What's the idea? Why can't they get rid of the crazy dude?

**Furious Mental** · 03-29-2008, 15:37

I think Zimbabwe will probably turn out like Zaire- collapsing into a very bloody war. I don't think it could become another North Korea. The government there has had half a century to build up the apparatus of indoctrination and intimidation. By comparison Mugabe's methods are crude although still sufficient.

I would say one reason why there hasn't been a revolt yet is that the persons that would start one- urban dissidents in their youth or middle age, have mostly just left the country. By sending back foreign currency to their relatives they also ameliorate the misery of living in Zimbabwe, somewhat. Another reason is that no one doubts Mugabe would meet any revolt with force so success is impossible without arms. However Mugabe has always managed to maintain the loyalty of the army, police, and security apparatus, and I don't think any of the opposition politicians have the mettle (or resources) to become guerrilla leaders (ironically what they actually need is their own pre-1980 Robert Mugabe). In any case none of Zimbabwe's neighbours show any willingness to dole out weapons, money and sanctuary to rebels; alot of them still view Mugabe as a hero of anti-colonialism.

**Kralizec** · 03-29-2008, 20:42

There already is an African North Korea. It's called Eritrea.

Why can't they get rid of the crazy dude?

Because Zimbabwe is a police state, and the elections held thus far have been shams. The only reason that his most important opponent stands a chance is because he's from the same party.

**Big_John** · 03-29-2008, 20:58

what? samantha power is dating a man?? my gaydar is acting a bit wonky.

and oh yeah, zimbabwe.. dang.

but i have to take issue with your phrase "devolves to bloggers" Lemur. blogging is in many ways superior to traditional media. "limited to bloggers" would be a fairer wording, imo.

**Crazed Rabbit** · 03-29-2008, 21:10

Why don't they revolt? I'd imagine it has to do with Mugabe's control of the army and the seizing of firearms from the people. After all, firearms are just for the state, right? (Looks at people who said in the Member profile thread that only the military and police should have guns).

http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=12207

And here's a story several years old about people pleading for weapons:
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=11982

Not the whole reason certainly, but a significant part I'd say.

CR

**woad&fangs** · 03-29-2008, 21:52

80% Unemployment

100,000% Inflation

Millions of homes and business' destroyed

Corrupt Despot who still considers Colonialism a threat

Why the

hasn't a revolution started??!!??! Mugabe can't kill 90% of the population. Even without guns they should be able to pull it off. What is the worse that can happen if they fail? Life can't get much worse than it already is.

**Romanus** · 03-29-2008, 22:03

The problem is that he has the support of a lot of african leaders. Which tells me a lot about the continent as a whole...

**HoreTore** · 03-30-2008, 10:24

Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit

Why don't they revolt? I'd imagine it has to do with Mugabe's control of the army and the seizing of firearms from the people. After all, firearms are just for the state, right? (Looks at people who said in the Member profile thread that only the military and police should have guns).

If there is one thing africa does not lack, it's guns. If someone wanted to make a rebellion in zimbabwe, getting guns would be the least of their problems...

**Crazed Rabbit** · 03-30-2008, 22:14

Originally Posted by HoreTore

If there is one thing africa does not lack, it's guns. If someone wanted to make a rebellion in zimbabwe, getting guns would be the least of their problems...

It doesn't lack guns in the hands of dictators and their militaries. Didn't you read the link? Mugabe has taken guns from the people.

According to a BBC report, many districts are made up entirely of the dead. In a delicious irony, they even found the name of Ian Douglas Smith, the leader of Rhodesia who declared UDI and whom Mugabe finally overthrew, still listed as a voter (he died in 2007).

Ah, reminds me of home. I must express surprise that Ian Smith was allowed to live a peaceful (relatively) life in Zimbabwe.

CR

**Viking** · 03-29-2008, 23:55

Originally Posted by Lemur

Will Zimbabwe turn into another North Korea

If you had seen the documentary posted in the Korea thread I doubt you'd think in that direction. A fascinating, disturbing and interesting documentary, all at the same time. But er, definately not a new NK, no.

**CountArach** · 03-30-2008, 02:51

And what do you know:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...30/2202807.htm

Marwick Khumalo, head of the Pan-African Parliament, says in one Harare constituency, "It has been brought to our attention that out of the 24,678 registered voters more than 8,450 have been registered under block 081083 ... which is a deserted land with a few scattered wooden sheds".

**Banquo's Ghost** · 03-30-2008, 10:20

Crazed Rabbit will appreciate this one.

According to a BBC report, many districts are made up entirely of the dead. In a delicious irony, they even found the name of Ian Douglas Smith, the leader of Rhodesia who declared UDI and whom Mugabe finally overthrew, still listed as a voter (he died in 2007).

**Pannonian** · 03-30-2008, 10:42

Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost

Crazed Rabbit will appreciate this one.

According to a BBC report, many districts are made up entirely of the dead. In a delicious irony, they even found the name of Ian Douglas Smith, the leader of Rhodesia who declared UDI and whom Mugabe finally overthrew, still listed as a voter (he died in 2007).

Does anyone know whom he voted for?