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US Aims to Help Zimbabwe, Not Mugabe

Obama set to meet with Tsvangirai today

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2009 12:12 PM CDT
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(Newser) – With Zimbabwe’s prime minister visiting President Obama today, the key question is how the West can help Morgan Tsvangirai without boosting Robert Mugabe. Under the government's power-sharing agreement, the president retains control of the police, justice system, spy service, and media, writes Celia Dugger in the New York Times. “The choice is: Do you re-engage Robert Mugabe, or do you continue to alienate him?” Tsvangirai has said.

Tsvangirai says he’s not out to beg, but he’s "clearly" hoping for more Western aid for his struggling country, Dugger notes. “The government needs resources to fulfill its obligations,” he said, such as paying teachers and civil servants more than a pittance. At home, Tsvangirai is facing growing criticism for playing nice with Mugabe—but he’s still “seen as a savior,” said a political scientist.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe addresses the crowd during the country's 29th Independence celebrations, in Harare, ZImbabwe, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Mugabe, in power since 1980 called on Zimbabwe's inclusive government to work together for the good of the country.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe addresses the crowd during the country's 29th Independence celebrations, in Harare, ZImbabwe, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Mugabe, in power since 1980 called on Zimbabwe's...   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, looks on during his meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, not shown,Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the State Department in Washington.
Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, looks on during his meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, not shown,Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the State Department in Washington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the State Department in Washington.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the State Department in Washington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • aid • power sharing • President Obama

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