by B Alexander

Created on: August 16, 2007

Zimbabwe is a nation that frequently pops up in the news, be it over Mr. Mugabe or its high inflation rate. Before I speak, I would like to say that I write for the No side not because I am a government hack or a hater of the western nations which oppose Zimbabwe, I write for the No side because I like to present an educated view that is different from the mainstream view, in this case, the fact that Mr. Mugabe is responsible for the collapse of Zimbabwe.

To begin, Zimbabwe has not fully "collapsed" as many in Western media will say. There are no opposing factions vying for control as is typical in a country that many would say has collapsed nor are there horrible atrocities that go on when a country is in this state. There may be atrocities in Zimbabwe now, but not on a scale that goes along with a country in peril (i.e Iraq). There is still a sense of government albeit not the way that many prefer. Now on another hand, the economy has definitely fallen to pieces, although there might be room for improvement. Back when Zimbabwe achieved independence there was much promise for the fledgling nation, but as many other former colonies, the economic structure wasn't able to support itself so the economic process slowed almost to a halt. At times like that, a new nation should seek the help of its neighbours or other wealthier nations if its neighbours are in the same state.

The only economic event that I will agree was foolish was when Mr. Mugabe vacated white landowners from their properties and replaced them with inexperienced workers who were usually used to farming animals instead of crops. Other than that, I don't think that we should contribute all the blame of Zimbabwe's current economic situation to Mr. Mugabe. Again I will remind others of its past. It faired well because the white Rhodesians administered it, much like Apartheid South Africa (it too faired well economically). Once the black majority replaced the white minority however, the economy would dip due to the fact that the black majority couldn't do much economically in white-administered Rhodesia. The same went for South Africa, except there were a few experienced black citizens who would help to make South Africa a wealthier nation.

Politically, Zimbabwe isn't different from many of the nations in the world today, specifically Africa. If you'll look at the characteristics of Zimbabwe, you have a ruling party that has little opposition headed by a person with dictatorial qualities. There is also

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