You must know of this new crazy idea by Robert "Bozo the Clown" Mugabe to rid the major cities of his biggest political threat and support base for the MDC - what he calls "a rebuilding exercise".
The human rights violations aside, now the IMF wants to call in about a $1bn debt owed by Zim, but obviously Bob has squandered all the money and has no way to repay it.
The Zim government has now asked my government (among others) to help them out - otherwise Zim will face expulsion from the IMF.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/07/22/afx2152091.html
We are considering to help them out...
OK, firstly, this must not be seen as SA condoning the actions of that monkey.
You have to understand, if Bob goes down, he's taking the whole country with him and although these sanctions and other actions by the UN will get this maniac out of power, it will just kill the Zim economy.
This in turn will mean millions of refugees streaming into South Africa and to a lesser degree, Botswana.
We already have sky-high unemployment in the unskilled labor sector and we have a high percentages of poverty. Can you imagine what an influx of refugees will do to the SA economy?
Botswana's economy is also not looking too rosy anymore and a sudden influx of poor destitute Zimbabweans will mean trouble for them as well.
Are the UN decisions the right ones?
Originally posted by CrowleyWell at least you'll be happy to know that the NZ cricket team is still touring Zimbabwe soon.
Sorry, that should read: Are the IMF decisions correct?
As far as I know, the UN has not called for any sanctions, but their report may lead to further sanctions by nations against Zim.
That's what I meant to say.
Originally posted by CrowleyCalling in the loan like that must have been calculated to put pressure on Bob & Co. The IMF couldn't have expected the loan to be repaid. What result they were looking for, I can't say, but the effect has been to make SA engage more responsibly with Zimbabwe. Nothing like lending someone money to make you examine their actions more carefully.
Sorry, that should read: Are the IMF decisions correct?
As far as I know, the UN has not called for any sanctions, but their report may lead to further sanctions by nations against Zim.
That's what I meant to say.
SA has the opportunity to make a difference now, let's hope Mbeki et al don't stuff it up.
As to whether the IMF did the right thing, I'm sure they acted in their own best interests. Bloodsuckers...
Originally posted by Bosse de NageBob has already said he won't accept a loan if there are strings attached.
Calling in the loan like that must have been calculated to put pressure on Bob & Co. The IMF couldn't have expected the loan to be repaid. What result they were looking for, I can't say, but the effect has been to make SA engage more responsibly with Zimbabwe. Nothing like lending someone money to make you examine their actions more carefully.
SA ...[text shortened]... e IMF did the right thing, I'm sure they acted in their own best interests. Bloodsuckers...
If the IMF decision was geared to pressure us to pressure Zim more, it has probably had an effect - desired or not.
We have to give the money or we'll have to put a million Rottweilers on border patrol. If we don't we'll be overrun by 'refugees'.
If the IMF wasn't thinking past tomorrow, I hope our government is painting pictures so they understand what the ramifications of their decision will be.
I just heard that the Zimbabwean deputy president is asking the UN for money to help the people who've become homeless as a result of the Zimbabwean government's clean-up operation. How's that--you demolish your own citizens' homes and ask someone else to pay for the reconstruction! Chutzpah deluxe.