The dictator and thug of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, may have gone too far this time when he sent his goons to beat up opposition leaders at a prayer rally. With the country on the verge of financial ruin, its people starving, unemployment beyond belief and now extreme violence against any opposition, Mugabe may be nearing the end. On the heals of his million dollar party, Mugabe is fast losing the limited support that he once counted on to maintain control of the country.
Britain will try high risk diplomacy by demanding that the Human Rights Council of the United Nations sends a team of investigators into Zimbabwe to gather evidence on the ground about the brutality of Robert Mugabe's regime.
The decision, agreed yesterday by Tony Blair and the Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, is a sign of Whitehall's confidence that patience with Mugabe across Africa, and particularly in South Africa, is wearing thin. Mr Mugabe has responded to every British criticism of his government by reminding his followers of Britain's past as Africa's colonial master - a line which British ministers frankly admit has resonated with other black Africa leaders.
The same note of defiance was struck again yesterday as Mr Mugabe told Western nations to "go hang" after the barrage of criticism that followed the heavy beatings of opposition leaders this week.
