While both the European Union and the United States are extending targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, South African President Jacob Zuma believes that a change is in order: “Our view is that the unity government should be supported so that it can get out of the difficulties that face Zimbabwe … We plead with the countries that have applied sanctions to lift [them]. That would give Zimbabwe the opportunity to move forward.”
Zuma, unlike his predecessor Thabo Mbeki, cannot be painted as especially sympathetic to Robert Mugabe. Still, it is easy to understand why the Europeans and Americans are taking the cautious path. For all intents and purposes Mugabe is the state. Mugabe certainly feels that way.
