Saturday, July 09, 2005

Zimbabwe: World Anger Mounts

Will it make a difference? This story from Zimbabwe's Financial Gazette notes that even usually moribund bodies like the African Union are troubled by Robert Mugabe's decision to drive out urban squatters. Outside of Africa, New Zealand's Foreign Minister called Zimbabwe a "rogue" state as is talking about tough sanctions.

The article leaves one key item until the 2nd last graf: the $3 trillion investment in housing the government says its poised to make? It's unbudgeted.

Doesn't that just make you feel better.

6 comments:

wylde said...

I expected some lively pictures from the places squatters occupy. That's far more interesting than just links to some articles. Your blog is somewhat disappointing.

rn said...

Well, I’m a word man, so written accounts interest me. I do have photos, though, and I’m in the process of scanning a bunch of them (more difficult than it sounds, as I don't have a scanner). At some point, I will post a few here. In the meantime, have you read my book? It gives a pretty graphic sense of these communities.

Life-Drive said...

I believe Blogs are not about Photo's its never been like that, RN your blog is very interesting. I love the name, being assign in the Philippines makes it really wasy for me to relate about the big picture.

Anonymous said...

I just received the july 8-14 edition of the Guardian Weekly. Front page article "Bulldozer carve out a bleak reality for poor Zimbabweans" by Duncan campbell, in Harare. After the information part of the article, it goes into analysis, criticizing the international comunity for focusing only on Zimbabwe evictions and not on the similar situations elsewhere: Delhi, Beijing , Jakarta. He goes on adding justifications for the Zimbabwe evictions reminding the "injustice of the colonial land ownership inheritance". Bizare logic.

Hey Neuwirth, how about a letter to the editor about that article ? Seems like the "instant expert" syndrome has struck the Guardian Weekly. They need some putting into perspective.

Best,
Philippe dr, Quebec

Life-Drive said...

That goes for the Philippines! Criminals are hired to burn down squatter areas so the original owners can reclaim the land. Most of the time the casualties are the young and the old.

dru said...

should not all forms, to convey the writer's point, in the most effective rhetorical matter be what ends up being used in a bLog? is that the most import here... not whether or not bLogs should or shouldn't contain images to make the story more visually engaging... i am a TV baby and know like to see what exactly made someone write what they wrote - i need to see for myself what is up...

but beyond that, we need to bring all people back into the mainstream by having compassion for those who are economically challenged for one reason or another... the people who resort to crime in this world, it seems that most are those whom have their backs up against the wall and need to find a way just to eat or get their next fix... and it is these people we need to try and provide a way out - along with those that provide the means to help...

we are the most "advanced" country in many ways, but our ability to help pick up the pieces that still linger are sadly lacking.

ok... done ranting... otherwise - inspiring work... we need to keep this dialog going... we american's fall asleep after the 3rd week... wish i could feed them for the rest of their lives, and provide a home...

and if a building is not used... in some cases, the squatters should get "squatter's - rights" because the building is not being put to use... what a waste... and an oppurtunity.