Zimbabwe Update

There are now allegations of assassination plans against Morgan Tsvangirai though he is planning to return. It has been put off a couple of times now, but he needs to start campaigning soon, as the date for the presidential runoff is set at June 27.

In the department of Kafka, we have Mugabe accusing the MDC of political violence and arresting newly elected MDC MPs.

In related news, violence against refugees, particularly those from Zimbabwe is spreading across South Africa.

With unemployment among the poor in excess of 30%, and the use of refugee labor to keep down native wages as an unofficial policy of the government, this was foreseeable.

However, a part of this may very be a result fact that the refugee flows have been driven by Thabo Mbeki's unqualified support of Robert Mugabe, and so some element of rage against him, particularly now that he is a lame duck, may be a contributing factor.

Finally, the International Crisis Group is warning of the possibility of a military coup. I agree.

I could see them deposing Mugabe before the elections, as really believes that he cannot be defeated in the election, and senior officials in the state security apparatus harbor no such delusions. They stole the first round.

They realize that investigations into human rights violations over the years would be a personal threat to them.