To the Point
Can the Rest of the World Save Zimbabwe?
The western powers call Robert Mugabe's re-election a "sham," but the President of Zimbabwe is seeking legitimacy at today's summit meeting of the African Union. Also, President Bush sings a $162 Billion war-spending bill, and the rhetoric heats up in the presidential campaign.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThe western powers call Robert Mugabe's re-election a "sham," but the President of Zimbabwe is seeking legitimacy at today's summit meeting of the African Union. We look at the prospects for outside intervention and at the politics and economics of a devastated country. Also, President Bush sings a $162 Billion war-spending bill, and with the approach of Independence Day, there's tough talk on the presidential campaign trail about heroism, patriotism and sacrifice.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe walks with a guard to be sworn in for a sixth term in office on June 29 after being declared the winner of a one-man election. Photo: Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesBush Signs $162 Billion War Spending Bill
President Bush today had rare praise for the Democratic-controlled Congress as he signed a $162 billion plan to continue operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The President congratulated both parties for putting politics aside in an election year to "stand behind our troops and their families."
Read the story6 minHow Will the World Respond to Mugabe's Re-Election?
Zimbabwe, which used to be called "the breadbasket of Africa," is now an economic basket case, with half the people depending on food aid and inflation pegged at nine million percent. After weeks of bloody political violence and political opposition, the UN Security Council will debate Robert Mugabe's re-election, despite his already having been…
Read the story38 minCampaign Rhetoric Heats Up
Over the weekend, John McCain said Barack Obama 's "word cannot be trusted." Retired General Wesley Clark, supporting Obama, said about McCain , "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President."
Read the story4 min
