Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-za.png "Flag of South Africa") | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
South Africa to withhold aid from Zimbabwe
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| Summary |
South Africa’s cabinet has made the decision to withhold aid to Zimbabwe until a representative government is established. South Africa has taken a tougher stance on Zimbabwe stating that the political disagreement cannot justify the current humanitarian crisis. The new South African leader has rejected the “quiet diplomacy” that was being pursued for a firmer approach. With half the population of Zimbabwe projected to be in need of food aid next year and the economy in freefall, the situation looks dire. The political deadlock which is inhibiting this earmarked aid is due to the failure to form a united representative government between the Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Zimbabwe claims that this refusal of aid is not a major concern.
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| Analysis |
South Africa’s attempt to mediate negotiations between the Zanu-PF and the MDC through “quiet diplomacy” has not achieved a representative government. Therefore, the new South African leadership has changed strategies, implicating a tougher stance in hopes to influence and pressure its neighbor by withholding aid. South Africa hopes that this pressure will lead to changes within the government of Zimbabwe and ultimately improve the state’s current situation and the humanitarian crisis and avoid further suffering.
South Africa has an invested interest in Zimbabwe’s affairs. Zimbabwe’s stability impacts its neighbor. South Africa is already weary of the spread of the cholera outbreak that has crossed the border, where three people have died and over 70 people are being treated. In addition to this very real threat to the health of its people, South Africa will be affected in many other ways, possibly dealing with refugees, internal strife and international relations.
South Africa is not contributing aid to humanitarian crisis not because it is unwilling to involve itself with its neighbors, but in hopes that this will be a step towards solving the political deadlock and improve the lives of those who are currently suffering. South Africa is attempting to support and promote a representative and functioning democracy through this action. South Africa’s decision to withhold aid is due the interdependence between itself and Zimbabwe and also due to the notion that lives will if their terms are met.
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| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 20, 2008 at 10:17 pm | |
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