Why are the politicians ignoring Zimbabwe?

[dunwerkin]

Does anyone have any informed opinions on why politicians worldwide are ignoring the plight of the people of Zimbabwe, and the despot who ruining the place, when troups of all nations are crawling all over Iraq and Afghanistan. Is oil the only answer?

[andy-hughes]

They are not in a strategically important position on the globe, and they have no oil, and no nuclear capability.

Simple when you think about it.

[Lonnie]

Everything that Andy has said is true, with at least one other factor, Imperialism,
With this countries past in Africa, its not politically possible for it to get militarily involved.

That said, I don't condemn it, it has to be viewed in the time it happened.

[heathfield]

Western countries take fright at becoming involved.

Any criticism by the West of the Mugabe regime instantly brings accusations of 'new imperialism' from other African countries, who are blind to anything but a 'we must stick together, whatever the cost' attitude.

The West wishes to show that they're totally free of any discrimination in their dealings with black African countries. They are scared witless of doing anything that might give those countries the feeblest of excuses to claim that this isn't the case.

[keyplus90]

Andy is 100% right, Unfortunately we follow Americans. And Americans (in the recent times) only attack where there is OIL. The reason behind is because Bush family's main business is Oil trade. Just put a note somewhere that Zimbabwe has heavy reserves of Oil, and then see what happens.

[jake-the-peg]

Very interesting opinions guys. Just one question.

Where is the oil in Afghanistan? The Balkans? Somalia?

Lonnie is absolutely right any involvement in Zimbabwe without the backing of South Africa looks like an attempt of white recolonisation.

[Bewlay Bros]

British Politicians are not ignoring Zimbabwe. Didn't Jack Straw shake hands with Mugabe a few moths ago?

As well as the reasons stated however, I imagine our forces and more importantly by NATO and the UN are tied up else where. Until the war on terror is over and the axis of evil is obliterated in to the 13th century where it belongs, we are rather short of men, equipment and time.

[jake-the-peg]

That's true and remember Maggie Thatcher's little minion Carrington got him into power in the first place!

She really had the inverse midas touch when it came to foreign policy!

[4GS]

You're right jake,
Thatcher let the Argies and the Eurocrats walk all over us, thank goodness she's gone eh? maybe we can put the 'Great' back into Britain.

Getting back to the question, Lonnie hit the nail on the head when he mentions why the UK can't get to heavily involved, we'd be accused of empire building again