Stand Up Zimbabwe

From now until the runoff election in Zimbabwe, I will try to put a reference about that situation in every post I make. Whether I comment on Terry McAuliffe telling Tim Russert that his father is dead (Big Russ is very much alive), or Ronnie Price's block of Luke Walton's lazy dunk attempt, or why LeBron James is shooting so poorly against the Celtics. It'll be a challenge.

From now until the runoff election is an extremely critical junction in the history of Zimbabwe and for its future. President Robert Mugabe has not only turned the country into an authoritarian state, but his policies have destroyed its economy. The opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has perceived through constant obstacles to put himself in a position to wrestle away control from Mugabe for the first time in nearly three decades.

Morgan Tsvangirai has prepared himself to take over the country. But the question is not whether Tsvangirai can fix Zimbabwe. The question is if he cannot, will Zimbabweans be able to choose someone to lead their country who can? Democracy is the key and at this junction, Tsvangirai represents democracy while Mugabe represents repression.

Democracy in Zimbabwe is essential, not only for that country, but for that region, and ultimately for the world. I hope that Zimbabwe will follow in the footsteps of the Rose Revolution in Georgia, the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, and the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan. This is how you create democracy out of authoritarianism, through civic movements and elections, not with the violent overthrow of a government, as in Iraq.

The Orange Revolution in Ukraine is a good model for Zimbabwe. While Zimbabwe does not have the civil society that Ukraine possessed, the parallels are important. The opposition candidate beat the establishment candidate in the first round of elections but didn't have enough to win outright because of rigging. In Ukraine, the establishment rigged the runoff election. That is the moment a million Ukrainians chose to revolt, through peaceful protests in the capital. The protestors were well taken care of. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) must prepare the public to protest after Mugabe steals the runoff. With the runoff election delayed, they will have more time to whip up public support. The U.S. must heed its own calls for democracy and help fund the MDC. Veterans of the Orange Revolution can also help. There must be international supervision of the elections.

This is an extremely important time for Zimbabwe and Africa. Unfortunately, the only outside force in South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, who runs a country with a one-party system. South Africa might become Zimbabwe in ten years, so he is not the man for the job. The world must help Zimbabweans and Zimbabweans must realize that this is a cause worth fighting for. Vote for Morgan Tsvangirai whatever the cost!