Magnifisyncopathological: Wham! Sanctions on Zimbabwe

March 07, 2003

Wham! Sanctions on Zimbabwe

President Bush on Friday imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and 76 other high-ranking government officials, accusing them of undermining democracy in the impoverished southern African country.

Following the lead of the European Union, Bush issued an executive order freezing their assets and barring Americans from engaging in any transactions or dealings with them. The sanctions take effect immediately.

"Over the course of more than two years, the government of Zimbabwe has systematically undermined that nation's democratic institutions, employing violence, intimidation, and repressive means including legislation to stifle opposition to its rule," Bush said in the order.

I applaud the political motives and effects this has. Mugabe is a vicious bastard whose racist brand of socialism is starving the country. He is no friend of the US. This is, most importantly, a statement of consistency. If we're against Iraq, Iran, and North Korea (partly because they are totalitarian), then Zimbabwe is a natural addition to the target list.

However, I can't agree with the method, the parts that are market intervention. Cutting off diplomatic ties is one thing, but barring Americans from doing business over there is wrong. Let Americans decide where to do business. If they think Zimbabwean companies and government agencies are worth doing business with, then fine. Consumers will make their choices.

Posted by Drizzten at March 07, 2003 09:39 PM

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