West trying to build alliances with existing Zimbabwe politicians

Sensing the end of the line for Mugabe and his disastrous policies, ZANU-PF (ruling party) politicians are building bridges with western countries who are keen to move into the post-Mugabe period. Both sides find advantages, as Mugabe has become unpredictable and vindictive with anyone who he thinks might challenge his authority and the western nations are able to plug into the ruling party without pushing for complete revolution. There are continuing doubts by the western nations that the main opposition party MDC can be effective in organizing or capitalizing on the momentum against Mugabe's rule.

Whether this campaign works is another question as the issue of who can best represent the people of Zimbabwe, but if nothing else this should help move Zimbabwe to free(er) elections in the near term without large the more typical rampant voter fraud in opposition areas. It just might also help avoid bloodshed in a country that is fed up and angry.