MUGABE’S HIT SQUADS:

Zimbabwe’s opposition have accused hardline supporters of Robert Mugabe of embarking on a campaign of violence and intimidation across the country.

Sky News has seen a document which appears to show that 200 senior military officers have been deployed to constituencies where people voted against the ruling Zanu-PF party in the March 29 elections.

The document, leaked by a senior member of the Zimbabwe military and passed on to Sky News by opposition officials, suggests the serving officers will be leading teams of war veterans in an orchestrated attempt to crush support for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

One hopes that they’ll wind up swinging from trees instead, but I’m afraid it’s probably a vain hope. Mugabe’s opposition seems unwilling to use violence while Mugabe has no such scruples, which means they’re likely to remain in opposition for a long time.

Somewhat related thoughts from Charles Crawford.