Synopsis "The Troubling Path Ahead for U.S.-Zimbabwe Relations"
After Zimbabwe's elections in July of 2013, another Robert Mugabe victory, achieved through cheating, strong-arming, and harassment, Mugabe has unfettered access to all government posts and all state resources. It is likely that the graft and corruption, which have characterized his regime, will continue. Chromium, platinum, and diamonds have enriched Zimbabwe's leaders, but not its people. Mugabe, the liberation leader, who has led his country since 1980, has always resented that the U.S. Government did not support his war against the previous white minority government. Despite our efforts to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Mugabe's government over the past couple of decades, his regime has spurned our hand of friendship, flouted international law, and convention. Facing international appeals for an end to sanctions on Zimbabwe, and threats from the Mugabe government of economic retaliation, the U.S. must devise a policy that safeguards American interests while maintaining our support for democracy, human rights, good governance, and economic development.
