Thoughts on Mugabe

via August 12: Thoughts on Mugabe | JPost | Israel News.

In my book, this qualifies Mugabe as the world’s stupidest man.

Sir, – Since 1980, when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has succeeded in transforming a country then known as the breadbasket of Africa into a land where 49 percent of the population is malnourished (seven million citizens are to receive assistance from the World Food Program), at least 85% is unemployed, and 83% lives on less than $2 a day.

Life expectancy is 40.

In 2008, because of a lack of access to clean water, cholera swept the country. In 2009, a 100-trillion banknote of the local currency (since abandoned) was insufficient to buy a local bus ticket.

In my book, this qualifies Mugabe as the world’s stupidest man.

Now, from what we learn in “‘Zimbabwe agreed to export raw uranium to Iran’” (August 11), we can add to Mugabe’s curriculum vitae a very high ranking among the world’s most sinister individuals.

GERRY MYERS  Beit Zayit

Sir, – It is interesting to note that human rights abuses, atrocities and racism instigated by Robert Mugabe generally have been ignored by the rest of the world. With the new information that Zimbabwe might in the future supply Iran with uranium, suddenly everyone is taking note. And for good reason: This could be a threat to world peace, and to Israel and America, in particular.

One also wonders about the conditions under which the uranium will be mined. Readers should Google a BBC Panorama program on diamond mining in Marange.

Mugabe’s “victory” in the country’s recent flawed election is further evidence of his Machiavellian manipulations.

Just a thought.

SALLY SHAW  Kfar Saba