Time for a continuation of politics by other means in Zimbabwe

Times:

For a man who has battled for nearly a decade to become President of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai's decision to pull out of the race against Robert Mugabe only days before polling must have been the toughest of his career.

The former union boss has suffered arrest and beatings at the hands of his rival. His supporters have been murdered, arrested and tortured. Many wanted him to continue the fight until election day on Friday, but he reached the conclusion that staying in the presidential race would only lead to more bloodshed.

As Mr Mugabe has made clear in both words and deeds over the past week, the outcome of the vote was never in doubt. A clear majority of Zimbabweans may want him out, but there is not much that the civilian population can do against the combined might of the Zanu (PF) militia and the security forces, not to mention the electoral authorities, which have still not given a full account of the last vote. In Mr Mugabe's own words, “only God” could remove him from office.

Mr Tsvangirai has probably rightly calculated that he can still prevail, but that he will have to adopt different tactics to oust Mr Mugabe. The battle will now move beyond the country's borders to the international community, in particular the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the United Nations.

In the past South Africa, and in particular President Mbeki, has shielded Mr Mugabe from outside pressure. There is now growing evidence that Zimbabwe has become an embarrassment for African leaders and a burden on its neighbours, where millions of Zimbabweans have sought sanctuary.

SADC members such as Zambia, Tanzania, Angola and Botswana have broken ranks to criticise Mr Mugabe's regime. He has also come under regular attack from South Africa's ruling African National Congress and its leader, Jacob Zuma, Mr Mbeki's likely successor next year.

The aim of the anti-Mugabe forces will be to turn Zimbabwe into a pariah state. As a first move, the international community can refuse to recognise Mr Mugabe when he is sworn in for another term as President. Sanctions can be increased against the leadership, particularly any figures responsible for the latest violence. If South Africa throws its full weight behind the effort, the regime in Zimbabwe will be doomed.

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This is probably a pretty good tactical retreat that will be more productive than a rigged election in proving the illegitimacy of Mugabe rule. Mugabe has done a pretty good job on his own of turning Zimbabwe and his government into a pariah state. This should also put pressure on Mbeki who has stood by the aging despot as he murdered and brutalized his own people. Why hasn't Obama spoken out for the people fo Zimbabwe? Does he know where it is?

The NY Times has more on developments in Zimbabwe including a photo of people being beaten with clubs and iron bars. It will be hard for Mugabe to claim this was made up by the opposition as he has earlier.