News at 10, BBC etc - all the "secret" interviews they have with the people there obviously don't like Mugabe but won't admit it as they know they'll end up 6ft under

Right - but that's anecdotal - its not proof that every one in the country wants Mugabe out. THe nearest thing we have to a example of national opinion is the general election

I'm not supporting Mugabe, obviously, I am presenting the reasons why it is almost impossible to justify invasion.

There is no doubt about his character and the shameful way in which he has behaved.

Invading a country for the sake of regime change is still internationally illegal and to do so would be as big a mistake as the invasion of Iraq. As ever it is down to the people of a country to sort out their own leaders and yes I do know how difficult that would be in this case.

It is to be hoped that in spite of that piker that Tsangvirai will succeed in the second election and that the people will somehow manage to vote him in despite the violence that we are likely to see.

I would not like to think about the Africa wide war that we would be risking if we were so stupid as to invade. As well as yet another bunch of terrorists seeing us as a major target like the present lot.

Les

Zimbabwe: British And American Diplomats Detained At Gunpoint |Sky News|World News

Looks like we wont have to do a thing, when Bush finds out there are US diplomats being held under siege he might be a little more forceful.

Oh dear !
Looks like someone is trying to provoke a reaction from the UK/US now eh.

Has he just been arrested again?!

Something is going to erupt methinks

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | Hunger fears after Mugabe aid ban

Desperation moves to cling to power.

The only way he is going to be removed is forcibly - By Zimbabwese

Why is nothing ever done by us?

Does it take sitting on oil to get some intervention.

Makes me feel sick reading that report.....making sure no one is around to witness the impending violence

Did anyone see the BBC's news story on this last night? 6pm news. It was vertually a passing story. Given 1 minute max. Didn't tell the whole story either.

You mean people with no guns, up against the armed Police & army?

Walk up to an armed Soldier and try to overpower him Pete.
The only chance the people of Zimbabwe have to overthrow Mugabe is with international intervention. I don't mean through political talks either.

apparently various ngo's have been banned before according to my zim girlfriend but not sure about aid agencies :( - all discussion on the countys polotics/fortunes are now on hold cos it causes too much upset ./

The only way we could go in, is under the flag of the UN with the blessing of other African nations, especially South Africa.

As for the comment of overthrowing an armed soldier, get enough people and it happens. History is full of such actions.

Its a nice idea but Mbeki aint going to do anything - i doubt theyd even let the un in ... lol

OK then. Get 100 people together and hatch a plan to attack a few armed Police or soldiers. As you all start running towards them in an angry manner, they point their AK47's at you and start firing.

When the first 10/20 of you start hitting the deck, the 80 behind will stop running at them, and start running away.

Now bring in armoured personnel carriers, tanks etc.
An un-armed man/men stand no chance against armed soldiers.