Rogue Democracy

In the Washington Post, a scathing attack on our despotic-friendly President, Thabo Mbeki.

The Despots' Democracy

In late April, about the time this e-mail was written, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa -- Zimbabwe's influential neighbor -- addressed a four-page letter to President Bush. Rather than coordinating strategy to end Zimbabwe's nightmare, Mbeki criticized the United States, in a text packed with exclamation points, for taking sides against President Robert Mugabe's government and disrespecting the views of the Zimbabwean people. "He said it was not our business," recalls one American official, and "to butt out, that Africa belongs to him." Adds another official, "Mbeki lost it; it was outrageous." ... Whatever the reasons, South Africa increasingly requires a new foreign policy category: the rogue democracy. Along with China and Russia, South Africa makes the United Nations impotent. Along with Saudi Arabia and Sudan, it undermines the global human rights movement. South Africa remains an example of freedom -- while devaluing and undermining the freedom of others. It is the product of a conscience it does not display.

The article ends with a question whose answer will define the future of this country.

And this debate is clarifying a question across southern Africa: Did revolutionary parties in the region fight for liberation or for liberty? If merely for liberation from Western imperialism, then aging despots and oppressive ruling parties have a claim to power. But if for liberty, those who work for freedom in Zimbabwe must also have their day. So far, South Africa -- of all places -- sides with the despots.

Read the whole thing.

We'll hope to comment on this later.

Comments

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

Gerson writes:
"South Africa remains an example of freedom -- while devaluing and undermining the freedom of others. "

Does South africa remain an example of freedom??
For the refugees living in police stations?
For the hungry unemployed masses in the townships?
For the pregnant women with HIV?
For the middle classes living behind razor wire?

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

Gerson's article has now appeared on Michael Trapido's THOUGHT LEADER blog.

[BLACKLISTED DICTATOR]

The Star on Thursday reported that Mbeki's spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga charged he had no knowledge of the letter. However an official at the American Embassy confirmed it was sent to the White House and that a response was forthcoming. - Sapa