A new day is beginning in Tehran. The stories of the brutality are just sickening. I just received word from one person whose intergrity is beyond reproach. At a hospital in Tehran, the number of people with broken bones and bodies were too much to count. There were also five persons confirmed dead at the same hospital. Another eyewitness tells of wanting to help an old woman who was beaten by the regime's goons and was threatened to be shot if he did not move on. Such is the state of things in Iran right now.
Khameini made a conscious decision to shoot his way to preservation. This decision has betrayed the very Constitution he fought for, the beliefs that he has as a clergy for the sake of power. He and his side kick, idiotnejad, view their right to govern as "divine". That "divine" right was gone forever when they decided to shoot on people who only wanted to speak up for their rights. They seem to forget one little factor: The people of Iran.
Mousavi came out with his declaration that he is prepared to die. I continued to truly wonder why this man decided to come back. I listened to his thoughts to truly understand him. This is one of three clips that truly moved me:
Although the clip is in Farsi, the truth was told. The people's desparation truly came out. Mousavi became a symbol of this need for change. I was a bit disappointed when Mr. Obama came out and said that there is not much change between Mousavi and Idiotnejad. Although I understand the diplomatic tightrope, the need to speak up is now. Mr. Obama seems to understand it now with the warning given to the Iranian Regime. I do wonder if he or his staff had bothered listening to these videos that sought to introduce Mr. Mousavi to back to the Iranian Nation. Mousavi, in one of his narrations, talks about how the will of the Majlis (the Parliament) was subverted by idiotnejad. This reminded me of the Bush Years when Mr. Bush signed over 700 signing statements disregarding portions of the law that the Congress had passed. In another one of these clips, Mousavi directly attacks idiotnejad for disregarding the advise of the Professional Diplomatic Staff to go to Switerzland to make that idiotic speech that prompted a massive walkout at the UN Human Rights Conference. Mousavi directly challenged the so-called President and his master to explain what was done with 300 Billion Dollars of Oil Revenue that was just spent with nothing to show for it. In one of his clips, there is a voice-over from Ayatollah Khomeini where he reminds all Government Ministers of their profound responsibility to insure that they take care of the people. Khameini, the loyal student, has betrayed even this. How can he expect to claim the mantle of Khomeini?
In his Friday sermon, Khameini accused Mousavi and others of lying about the record of Idiotnejad's Government. Yet, he is the one who lied. He betrayed the very principles that he is supposed to uphold. I wrote about it and directly laid out certain key questions that the ruling clique in Tehran seem to not want to answer. If the regime in fact succeeds in shooting its' way to short term preservation, there remains but one choice: Isolation. It can work, because history does show that the will of the International Community can work. It took a long time in Zimbabwe partly because the Chinese were one of the Butcher Mugabe's long-time Supporters. But change did occur. Iran is not Zimbabwe. The young are crying out for a better life. The World has to take notice and must have the strength to deal with this rogue regime that has shown its true colors.
As the day begins in Tehran, there is one key question for me right now: What will Rafsanjani do?
Later on Today, Morgan Tsvagarai will be sworn in as Prime Minister. Those within Zimbabwe and those of us who have had a long-standing interest in the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe are awaiting the formation and the start of the Government.
The MDC leader has been busy putting together his government. I have see a number of appointments already. The Parliament passed the necesssary enabling laws. Zimbabwe needs help desperately. I eagerly await Zimbabwe's new day while continuing to stay vigliant.
On a side note, South Africa has announced an election date for April 22. I think this election will be pivotal now that the Congress of the People (COPE) has arisen. This is another exciting opportunity to see how South Africa transforms and renews itself. I view South Africa to be the leading African Nation. As South Africa goes, so goes the Continent. Exciting times indeed......
Freedom, Democracy and equal opportunity is a right that all of godÂs children must enjoy. Governments are there as a facilitator. When Governments fail, the people must rise up to change the system for the better. The remarkable transformation of South Africa into the rainbow nation it is today is a testament to that fact.
South Africa continues to have profound challenges. The wide gap between the rich and the poor is a disappointment. Crime continues to be rampant. The Whites continue to be threatened. But, at least South Africa has understood that Democracy is the way forward for all. The opposition seems to be finally finding its own voice after over a decade of domination by the African National Congress. As I watched Cry Freedom, Lord AttenboroughÂs Film on Steve Biko, I reflected upon the struggle for Freedom in South Africa. Cry Freedom showed the evil and the good that was possible. The humanity of one man, Donald Woods, helped to expose the hypocracy that was apartheid to the world
I have monitoring the proceedings of the SADC meeting hosted by South Africa. SADC announced that the MDC and ZANU-PF have come to an agreement. I thought I better wait before again celebrating. MDC came out right afterwards with a statement stating that the discussions "fell short" of their expectations.
Now, the butcher says he will form a government. The butcher got away yet again. As the bickering continues, people continue to die. The report I saw from the BBC notes that another 100 people just died of cholrea. SADC again showed how useless it is and how spineless the leaders are. I wonder what else they are waiting on? The people of Zimbabwe voted for the MDC and yearned for change. Yet, the butcher and his henchmen continue on
The Saturday edition of the New York Times featured a story on the plight of Zimbabwe's children. According to the story, kids are crossing the border into South Africa to somehow make a meager living to eat and not starve to death. What was particuarly sickening was the plight of the girls and women. I am too ashamed and too sickened to even write about their predicament.
As I continue to monitor Zimbabwe, I saw a story on Al Jazeera about the total collapse of the Zimbabwean economy. The story featured a teacher who had over 30 Trillion Zim Dollars at home. But, he could not spend it anywhere because no one takes Zim Dollars anymore
I am beginning to be concerned further about South Africa. The Appeals Court has found that the corruption case against Jacob Zuma is to proceed. Now, Zuma's lawyers will appeal to the Constitutional Court.
The problem I see with this is the radicals within the African National Congress. When the head of the youth wing said that he was ready to kill for Zuma, that scared me to death. It reminded me of Zimbabwe and what the butcher is doing. Jacob Zuma must be the very example of what the Rainbow Nation is in abiding by the rule of law. Thabo Mbeki is gone. So, this notion of things being political is starting to ring hoolow. Jacob Zuma is innocent until proven guilty. The right thing would have been to step aside and finish this legal fight. But, he decided not to do that. I do agree with him in this respect: it will be interesting. The Democratic Alliance and COPE will give the ANC quite a challenge. It is time.
The butcher has spoken to his band of thugs, cut throats and thiefs. He has said that, "..Zimbabwe is mine..." and no one has the power to remove him but the people of Zimbabwe. First of all, the butcher has forgotten that he lost the elections. The people of Zimbabwe did vote him out. He was able to be "elected" by intimidation and harrasement. He says that he has sent a "letter" to the MDC leader "inviting" him to be Prime Minister. I am glad to see that the MDC leader has given a deadline of January 1 for Mugabe to account for his abducted supporters and get his act together or else he will pull out. Africa is remaining silent, though. For how long will Africa continue to see the suffering of the people? Africa must rise up and rise up now.
I was jumping with joy when I read Raul Odinga's comments that the butcher Mugabe should go. The fact that he and Jacob Zuma have struck an alliance to get rid of the butcher is also encouraging to me. The problem is whether the rest of Africa will have the courage to follow through. If the Cholrea deaths are not a sign for Africans to truly understand the evil and destructive nature of Mugabe, I don't know what else is. The MDC Leader seems to be making headway. The world has to step up to support him.
The BBC is right now reporting that a Cholera Outbreak has broken out in Zimbabwe. I am just trying to imagine what the butcher Mugabe's response to this is. Water and Sanitation is at a standstill. There is hardly any food. No one has any job. All that stands in the way of progress and a new day is one man: the Butcher Robert Mugabe. If SADC had the spine to tell him to go pound sand when the MDC asked it to, we would not be here. Instead, they came up with this ridiculous notion of running the Home Ministry with two ministers. How could that even be possible? They had already created two structures under the agreement worked out by the useless Mbeki which would have caused havoc anyway.
As I see Zimbabwe sink further and further, I see a striking resemblance with Iran. I say that because if Iran was not as blessed with natural resources, it would be in as dire a state. With Iran, though, at least the leaders seem to understand that somehow the people have to be taken care of. Although with the Price of Oil being what it is, idiotnejad will have a tough time selling his so-called populist message. I see only one way out of the abyss: economic and political empowerment. It is a dream right now. But it is a dream worth fighting for and worth dying for
There are two interesting developments I would be watching and writing about. I have written about the split in the ANC in South Africa. There is a war going on because of the name chosen by the new group. The fact does remain that ANC is being given a run for its money after how it used its power to oust Thabo Mbeki. From what I have read of him, he had a very mixed legacy anyway.
Mbeki's work on Zimbabwe is what irkes me greatly. To me, what he did was utterly useless. Right now, Mugabe is firmly in charge and about to name his government. I am quite excited about the split that is going on in the ruling ZANU-PF, though. There is the MDC and its' splinter group led by the opportunist Arthur Mutanbara. Now, if ZANU-PF splits and takes a signifcant percentage of folks with him, then the realities of the ground in Zimbabwe will change for sure. How much that will guarantee the butcher Mugabe's change of heart does remain to be seen, though. Today gave me a "ray" of hope. I emphasize the word "ray". We have been here before
I have begun to develop a keen interest in Africa. I was listening and reading with horror as to the turn of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Joseph Kabila was in Swaziland while the Tutsi rebels began their latest rampage. Right now, things are as bad as they are going to get. Right now, Goma in the DRC may fall. I cannot believe the claims by the DRC Government that Rwandan Army troops are fighting alongside the rebels. As I have said before, Paul Kagame will then be an absolute fool of a leader after having been witness to over 800,000 of his fellow countrymen killed. The images of refugees fleeing the fighting is a shame. The UN seems to be powerless to stop it.
I continue to also read the horror out of Zimbabwe. The hunger for power and self-interest seems to be driving the butcher Mugabe's insistence on keeping everything to himself. The arrogance of the man is absolutely beyond words. I have advocated that South Africa start turning the screws on Mugabe. Thabo Mbeki did not have the spine to do it. His clout now is non-existent. The only person that can do anything is Jacob Zuma. But, he is preoccupied with staying out of Jail. The folks that support Zuma are cut from the same cloth as the Butcher Mugabe. So, I don't know if Zuma will step up. I read with profound concerns the warning by the South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel of the "drift to the left". South Africans are also just as hungry and desparate. I can understand the apprehension. But, South Africa has a regional obligation. The question is whether it steps up or not
The agony of Zimbabwe goes on. Zanu-PF is once again getting away with the power grab. Africa once again is impotent. I truly cry for Africa because it has so much promise and yet, the narrow-mindness of its' leaders is simply sad. There are those who do want to make a difference. I salute Bostawna for speaking up . Yet, South Africa's silence is deafening.
Are these guys expected to solve this mess?
These guys were at a regional summit. I have not seen a simple explanation as to why the fudge heads in Zimbabwe can't issue a passport to the Prime Minister Designate of Zimbabwe. Couldn't the useless Thabo Mbeki figure it out? I do expect too much. You have the King of Swaziland sending his wives on a shopping trip to Europe while his nation is one of the poorest in the world. You have Joseph Kabila who has another rebellion on his hands and the rebel tutsi general just overran a national park full of endangered guerillas. I mean, come on...who are we fooling here? The only person missing is Jacob Zuma. He has to put the screws on the butcher Mugabe. Whether that in fact happens remains to be seen
The King of Swaziland has conveyed a meeting of the SADC trioka responsible for trying to figure out how to fix the ZImbabwe Mess. There is one problem: The key man, the MDC leader, is not going to be there because he has no passport. When will the butcher Mugabe and his thugs stop this nonsense? How come the useless Mbeki did not see to it that the MDC leader had a simple thing like a passport. He is the Prime Minister Designate of Zimbabwe for crying out loud.
This again proves that Mugabe just wants to keep everything to himself. Nothing more...nothing less. Let's see what today brings. I doubt they'll do anything. But, I hope I am surprised for the sake of the down and out in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean (which I trust implicity) is a newspaper published in the UK. It is probably the most authorative source on all that is going on in Zimbabwe. It reports that the deal signed by the MDC, the MDC-Mutambara and Zanu-PF (which I wrote about) was altered prior to the signing without MDC-T's leader knowledge. I called Mutanbara a useless fool. The fact that he participated in this farce shows that he is in it for the power only despite his quite eloquent speech during the signing ceremony. As this crap goes on, the only people suffering are the every day Zimbabweans. They seem to be lost in it all. This failure, to me, has brought home the utter failure of Thabo Mbeki. Why Thabo Mbeki agreed to this also remains a mystery to me. Let's see what the week brings about.
The power sharing talks in Zimbabwe have failed. Morgan Tsvangirai finally stood his ground!!! The MDC and ZANU-PF have agreed to refer it to SADC and the African Union. The useless, opportunistic idiot who is the leader of the smaller MDC faction supposedly said that "partisanship and banrkupt ambition" torpeoded the talks. The first thing he needs to remember that he is at the table because of Thabo Mbeki. As for Thabo Mbeki himself, he failed. As I am continuing to further understand his legacy as President of South Africa, I can't help but be disappointed. What could have been and what it in fact happened are two different divergent paths. That's the tragedy of Thabo Mbeki. Zimbabwe is just the latest manifestation. The question is whether SADC and the African Union will talk some sense into Mugabe's thick skull so that he understands. The butcher says that the talks went in the wrong direction. He is a power hungry thug who does not understand the plight of his people. It is a shame. Unfortuantely, sanctions by the U.S. and others simply do not work. South Africa has to step up and apply the necessary pressure. There is no other way. Maybe Jacob Zuma can do something now......
My interest in Southern Africa goes back to the mid 1980's when I first saw the story of Steve Biko as played by Denzel Washington in "Cry Freedom". By that time, the Anti-Apartheid Movement was in full swing around the world. Nelson Mandela was still in Prison and the grip of the Apartheid Regime was as firm as ever. Rhodesia was now Zimbabwe and seemed to live in peace until Mugabe got drunk with power and became the butcher and the maniac that he is today.
I think that the transformation of Southern Africa has been in large measure due to what has happened in South Africa. Mozambique and Bostwana are indeed success stories. I continue to be concerned about Namibia, though. I also have profound concerns about South Africa. Although South Africa is the economic superpower, the rising inequality and rampant crime is a problem. Maybe, the split within the African National Congress may indeed be a good thing. Despite his shorcomings, Thabo Mbeki got 40% of the vote durnig the leadership election last year. So, the ANC has some major problems. The situation in Zimbabwe, of course, continues to be a major problem. For the sake of Zimbabwe, I hope that Thabo Mbeki will knock some sense into all parties. The people of Zimbabwe can't afford to wait anymore. I am anxiously awaiting Zimbabwe's next day. But, the bigger question is South Africa itself. I have been fascinated by how this nation has transformed itself into the rainbow nation. I hope all the work done by Nelson Mandela will not be undone by the thugs who happen to be part of the ANC Youth League or the tribalism that has been at the heart of the plight of Africa for so long
The MDC Leader in Zimbabwe has finally laid down his marker. Mugabe should stand up and take notice. The Butcher Mugabe has made a mockery of the law and can't even honor his own word. I'm anxious to see what Thabo Mbeki will do when he goes to Harrare later on Monday. Maybe he will talk some sense into that thick head of Mugabe's. Now, it is Mugabe's turn to be bullied. The problem I have is whether Mbeki will have the pull to do what he needs to do. Let's see what happens.
Three weeks ago, I watched in amazement when I saw all parties in Zimbabwe sign the power sharing deal. I was hopeful and optimistic. But, three weeks has passed and the Butcher Mugabe is at it. He has "allocated" key ministries to his party. I also read in the ZImbabwean that he had already appointed all Governors before the parliament sitting. I also read that apparently the MDC leader was forced into signing the agreement. He wanted everything in writing. It appears that the MDC did indeed make a mistake. What would force Mugabe to give up this madness? I can't understand why he is doing this. His country is broke, 80% of the people are unemployed AND millions have voted with their feet.
I should have known better when Mugabe made his rambling speech after the rousing address by the MDC leader. Mugabe used up all his so-called good will from his days as a revolutionary. He gave up that right many years ago when the atrocities happened under his watch. He also gave up any vestage of creditbility when he destroyed the vibrant Agricultural Sector. So what is the solution? To me, It is simple. Just like South Africa cut off basics to then Rhodesia, it must do so now as well. China must also be convinced that Mugabe and his cronies do not deserve anything. I see no other way out
There is a report that the South African Defense Minister is to announce a new party to split from the African National Conference. I think this is a great development for Democracy. The Virtual One-Party rule that the ANC has enjoyed has begun to be a profound problem. This is a development I will be watching quit closely. It has profound implications for the rest of Africa.
I am right now listening to a live broadcast of South African Broadcasting as the nominations for the President of South Africa is taking palce. ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Democratic Alliance National Chairperson Joe Seremane have been nominated. Motlanthe is widely expected to be elected President by the National Assembly. He has been a member of the ANC since the 60's. He did become an MP in May 2008.
The New President of South Africa
I also saw Jacob Zuma, the ANC leader, in the audience gallery of the National Assembly. It seems as if there is a high degree of hope for Motlanthe to hold the alliance together
The transition in South Africa is due to be finalized tomorrow. Yesterday, 11 of Thabo Mbeki's ministers resigned yesterday. I was shocked when I read this. But, in a way, I was not surprised. Is it Democracy at work? I wonder. The key minister, Trevor Manuel, has agreed to stay on if appointed--and that to me is crucial.
Jacob Zuma tried to calm everyone down. He went as far as reminding the world that Thabo Mbeki was a "comrade, brother and friend". But, I think the political instability in South Africa will present a problem for the continent. I am sure that the African National Congress Leaders understood it when they voted to "recall" Thabo Mbeki. Maybe a split in the African National Congress is a good thing for South Africa and Africa in general. Desmond Tutu spoke up against it. I find it strange that Nelson Mandela has not spoken up on this issue
I was checking South African Broadcasting (SABC) Today to see what the latest was. It appears that there is an emerging consesus behind the African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President to take over Thabo Mbeki's responsiblities as President of South Africa. I hope that happens soon. South Africa is too big a player in Africa for it to go through a period of instability. The denial of AIDS would probably be his greatest failure, in my view.
The political instability in South Africa may cause the Zimbabwe Renaissance to unravel. Already, King Mugabe is sticking to his guns. SABC is reporting that that the MDC is already warning that the agreement may unravel. I simply cannot understand why King Mugabe won't let go. I guess if I had absolute power and thought I was a legend in my own brain, I would do the same.
I have been fascinated by South Africa. I was amazed during the Reagan Years when the whole world was agitating against apartheid. Yet, Ronald Reagan used to push the fiction of Quiet Diplomacy. The worldwide movement to boycott South Africa prompted the South African Leaders to begin the process of reconciliation. I was amazed that P.W. Botha, the South African Prime Minister and Subsequent Executive President, started the process to dismantle the inhumane system. I remember when F.W. De Klerk took the decision to release Nelson Mandela and finished off this despicable chapter in human life in our world.
One of the key architects of this transition was Thabo Mbeki. I was quite harsh on him in my writings here and other places because of his work on Zimbabwe. Although, he was able to pull off the historic agreement last week. He was also one of the key players in the transition to Democracy. He served as Deputy President and pretty much ran the country for the past 12 years. When I read about his life of struggle, it was truly a life out of novel. He is a man who joined the ANC at the age of 14 and was part of the very struggle that ultimately achieved South Africa's Freedom. I read that somehow he was aloof and did not have the common touch that Jacob Zuma has had. But, his acceptance of the ANC's verdict to resign speaks volumes to his lifelong committment to the movement that has epitomized South Africa since its' founding. I wish him well. I also will be watching the transition quite closely
Mike Pouraryan
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