Mugabe

[may18]

What, if anything should be done about mugabe

Would sanctions just further hurt his population?

Would military action under any circumstances be justified?

[Andy O'Pray]

You ask some very pertinant questions may 18. I will start with your last question first. I believe that contingency plans had been drawn up to get 24,000 whites out of the country had their lives been in imminent danger.

Sanctions against Zimbabwe would only hurt an already suffering people. Just look at Iraq.

Personal sanctions against Mugabe and his regime, such as travel restrictions, freezing of assets, removed from the Commonwealth, etc; could have some effect, however, all countries would have to adhere to them, including France.

Aye - Andy.

[Tab]

Andy can you see France applying sanctions, when they could be putting the boot in against Britain, or when they could clean up on export orders.
They have been stirring the pot out in Africa for years now, just look a what a mess they caused in Rawanda by arming one side that then went out and commited genocide. Then French had the nerve to say it was nothing to do with them, it's not guns that kill it's people that kill, I think I have heard that one before.
:painting:

[jonboy]

I think Britain should have steped in, back when all the trouble started in Zimbabwe, in fact I feel there is more of a reason to act against mugabe than in the middle east. Zimbabwe used to be in the empire and many people from there went to war alongside Britain in her time of need.
So why is it that nothing is done.


May18, (to the reply below) I think Britain could tackle mugabe and his army, on her own without doubt, its probaly some kind of political "thing".

[may18]

The cynical answer would be because there is no oil.

If we had not gone to war in iraq, but had instead took action in zimbabwe. To protect british passport holders.

Could we hae done it alone? if not, perhaps thats why we have done nothing..because we coulnt get international support?

[Andy O'Pray]

Yes Britain could get the British passport holders out of Zimbabwe, however, there would have to be agreement with South Africa or Botswana to use their territory.

In 1964 45 commando landed in, the then Tanganyika and took out their army, who were in the midst of a revolt. The 600 men were supported by HMS Centaur and a frigate. Five days later 45 commando were ready to land in Zanzibar, however, a diplomatic resolution had been achieved.

The Zimbabwe army is not the problem, it is the logistics and diplomatic wrangling.

Aye - Andy.

[Rotary Booty]

Andy

I was with 41 Commando in 1964 when we relieved 45 in Tanganyika, following the Army revolt. For our 'reward' we were allowed to live in the football stadium, open to the elements, and sleeping on the terraces! Some guys managed to grab a spot on the raised saluting dais in the main stand, where they had 'bedside lights'. The spotlights were located high up in the arched roof, but they stopped using them when hints about a sniper were circulated! (I have no idea by whom. ) The local Brits did us proud though, with each family 'adopting' a bootneck and taking us to their beach huts at weekends. I felt sorry for 45 who had to return to Aden, all the work and none of the perks!

I have relatives in Zimbabwe, and they would have left years ago if they were allowed to bring their money out with them!

[barryc]

Yeah Derek, I was with 45 and well remember waiting at the National Stadium for those arriving to relieve us, knowing they were going to get the `up homers' the ex-pats had been offering while we were still busy mopping things up. Then somebody said, Hey! those bas***ds are wearing Green Hats, and up drove 41, smiling smugly, and including in their number fellas not so long before members of our troop in Aden (and who were still listed on troop strength for tots on board). So while you got the up-homers we got a cruise around Zanzibar, a run ashore in Mombasa (remember Andy?) and a mad rush back to Aden to play in the Radfan.


Barry

[Andy O'Pray]

barry c,

Why is it every time Mombasa comes up my name is mentioned? black ham anyone?

Aye - Andy.

[One N@tion]

What, if anything should be done about mugabe

Would sanctions just further hurt his population?

Would military action under any circumstances be justified?

I think its about time some one did some thing about Mugabe .

The man needs to be arrested or shot, he cant be allowed to go on doing what he doing to his own people, looks like another Saddam Hussian to me.

Sanctions, i don't think they don't nothing but kill the people of Zimbabwe. Military action is the only way I can see this problem being sorted out. And if military action is I used I think it will be justified.

[Twenty One]

ONE NATION,I agree with you 100% Mugabe must be shot in the interests of the people of Zimbabwe.He has totally destroyed the infrastructure of that country,caused the total collapse of the economy in that country,and worst of all he still maintains credibility with the likes of France.His regime should be kicked out totally from the Commonwealth and not allowed to receive benefits or help from the UK until he is dead and buried.How long can the decent people of Zimbabwe go on with this Dictator running the show.

[barryc]

Andy,

Your question indicates a measure of conscience about time in Mombasa that only you can answer to. You weren't by any chance amongst the LCA load delivered late to the carrier because of not answering the ship's recall signal to those on shore leave in Mombasa at the time? If so. what could you have been doing that rendered you deaf to the call of duty?

Bl**dy good run ashore though wasn't it?, Casablanca and Nelson bars and the rest,or was it perhaps that we were once young and free of all responsibilities. To answer another thread, I think I still have to rate 45 during that period in Aden as the best commish of them all, notwithstanding later trips to Singers etc. Mind you those post Borneo leave periods with a pocketful of dollars were quite enjoyable too.

Yours Aye

Barry

[Twenty One]

Andy, were you with the commando unit that walked right into our area ambush in the Wadi Taym by any chance in 1966.

Patrols 2 Para.

[Andy O'Pray]

I don't think that I missed the boat during that trip Barry, but I did miss it on a later trip. I still have the African carvings to remind me.

No Twenty One, I don't recall the incident that you mentioned. Check your PM.

Aye - Andy.

[Gearjammer351]

I sadly have to agree with others on this thread-1)something should be done 2)nothing is being done because of the lack of oil(or other valuable commodity)
I have heard about this problem since before I left the US and have waited for my country to do something-anything-about it but not so much as a peep about human rights when there is nothing monetary to be gained from action.