Archive for November 26th, 2008

Nov 26 2008

Legacy of Imperialism: Zimbabwe

Published by buell under History

This was the news a few days ago:
Embedded video from CNN Video

So, what is going on in the former British colony of Rhodesia? Robert Mugabe has been Zimbabwe’s only ruler since indepence in 1980. In recent years his administration has been accused of voter fraud (oppostion leader Morgan Tsvangirai appeared to win the presidential election in March 2008), destroying the homes and businesses of opposition supporters (as part of a program called “Operation Restore Order”) and an economic campaign (price controls and land redistribution that removed white farmers from their land) which resulted in widespread shortages of food and basic commodities. Inflation has risen 100,000%. Everyone is a millionaire, but it costs $1 million to buy a roll of toilet paper! HIV/AIDS is an epidemic and recently an outbreak of cholera. The average life expentancy in Zimbabwe is age 44.

Still, Africa and Zimbabwe in particular is rich in natural resources. One would assume that the value of these resources would remain consistent and help end or at lease alleviate the economic crises. However, this CNN report tells a different story:

Embedded video from CNN Video

This is a link to a BBC report from September. Why is the international community not helping Zimbabwe? 
 

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