Plan Z for Zimbabwe

Thirty years ago, Robert Mugabe was the rebel hero fighting a civil war against the white minority power in Rhodesia. In 1980, he became Prime Minister of the renamed Zimbabwe in a relatively peaceful final transition to majority rule. Today, President Mugabe is a tyrant, using any means necessary to maintain his rule. His thugs and henchmen forced the withdrawal of Tsvangirai, who likely would've won the run-off Presidential election. What's the world to do?

Zimbabwe is a desperately poor country: 20 million people, average yearly income under $200, beset by HIV/AIDS and inequities in land distribution. No natural resources or strategic advantage will stimulate the 'humanitarian' interests of wealthy, well-armed countries. Like Darfur, where horrors have outlived the righteous chorus of “never again”, the 'plan' for Zimbabwe is to stand back and let it bleed. Call it 'plan zzz'.