SIR – You noted that the “Zimbabwean impasse figured high on the agenda of the G8 gathered in Japan” (“After the storm, the stalemate”, July 12th). If only the G8 could be as concerned with Sudan, Congo, Uganda, and Chad as it is with Zimbabwe.
Thousands are being killed and displaced in Uganda and Chad because of rebel groups their; millions are starving in Congo because of the political crisis; and entire ethnic groups are being slaughtered in Sudan by the government.
It is true that the political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe is great; but the crises in the countries listed above are at least as great. However, the G8 (and, for that matter, most of the world) hardly notices those other crises. In fact, after five years of genocide in Sudan, George Bush still hasn’t taken the simple and basic step of imposing a no-fly zone or giving a
prime-time speech about the conflict. China still continues to sell weapons to that country.
Zimbabwe certainly deserves a high place, but so do the worse conflicts that ravage Africa.
SIR – We shouldn’t embarrass Robert Mugabe with UN resolutions. Instead, the International Olympic Committee should promptly offer him the 2012 summer games. History suggests that the promise of such a showcase will cause his thug regime to hold a real election, permit criticism even of the party, and allow citizens unfettered access to their Yahoo! accounts.
Menlo Park, California