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Article: The Zimbabwe crisis: reluctance, inadequacy or another Rubicon to cross? Jo-Ansie van Wyk backgrounds South Africa's diplomatic efforts to address the Zimbabwe issue.
- Article from:
- New Zealand International Review
- Article date:
- March 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In light of Zimbabwe's persisting economic and political decay and mounting international and domestic criticism of the South African approach to that country, South Africa's inability to influence Zimbabwean events for the better would seem patent. Despite the existence of a Joint Commission between South Africa and Zimbabwe with a dedicated subcommission on foreign affairs, the Zimbabwe issue might appear a foreign policy embarrassment for President Thabo Mbeki. Certainly, South Africa's initial handling of the issue after the June 2000 Zimbabwean elections was a failure. But the South African government's continued engagement and open channels with Zimbabwe is emerging ...