Madness begetting madness
Joshua Wanyama, editor for the burgeoning African Path blog and news collective, writes a scathing post on the South African approach to Zimbabwe.

It is shameful when South Africa decides to turn a blind eye to the injustice in Zimbabwe while a lot of countries stood by them during the struggle for independence against the apartheid regime. The government is pursuing what it calls “quiet diplomacy”. That must be the new word for “I stand by you while you oppress your people”.

Is this Thabo Mbeki's reaction to Washington and the perception that George Bush has no right to try and force America's democracy down other nations' throats? If that is so, then it is a weak and ill advised stand. There is a difference between invading a country to oust a dictator and offering public support and asking for better governance and accountability. Or it could be he has learnt from Switzerland. The leadership stood silent and built the Swiss economy on the spoils of war that the Nazis hid deep within their banking system.

South Africa's leadership has stand up and act as a leading light within Africa. Others stood by it during tougher times, it is about time they do the same for their neighbors.

I couldn't have said it better. Whilst many argue that Mugabe was a strong supporter of the ANC during apartheid, one cannot repay that with tolerance of oppression, the very thing Mugabe was supporting the ANC against. Madness should not beget madness.