[Marxism] Stating obvious, SADC says Zimbabwe vote not will of people

[Jscotlive at aol.com]

Ruthless Critic:
 
Artesian's incredible suggestion that the UN shouldn't be permitted  to
do anything in Zim just because the UN doesn't do anything about US  or
Israeli crimes, seems to me to be a classic case of cutting off  the
nose to spite the face. It also bespeaks a horrible disdain about  the
value of Zimbabwean lives, and about the benefit of saving at least  a
few of these needless deaths. No wonder third-word common people  often
don't trust Western leftists.
 
Reply:
 
I agree with Artesian's analysis. The UN is a discredited body, proven  
beyond doubt to be a de facto arm of US led imperialism. You can't just ignore  its 
crimes and depredations carried out against the poor and oppressed of the  
developing world in Iraq (2 million killed as a result of UN sanctions); Haiti  
(the neo colonial removal of a legitimate democratically elected govt followed 
 by UN occupation); Israel (no action or sanction against a state which has  
violated or ignored more UN resolutions - 130 and counting - than every  other 
UN member state combined).
 
No, I disagree with this knee jerk support for UN action in Zim by  leftists. 
Haven't we learned anything from the debacle of the break up of  Yugoslavia? 
The international left, with few exceptions, covered itself in shame  and 
cowardice then.
 
You mention saving lives in Zim. Very important, I agree. But let's not  
forget the 6 million children that perish year on year throughout sub-Saharan  
Africa due to hunger and preventable disease.
 
The problem can never be the solution. The UN is inextricably linked to the  
strategic and geopolitical interests of the West. It therefore has no place as 
 an honest broker in crises which emanate from imperialist capitals and  
chancelleries. 
 
The MDC are now calling for a negotiated settlement with Mugabe. The  
unanimous condemnation of Mugabe by leaders at the African Summit did not  
materialise as the West hoped and had called for. I welcome this rejection of  Western 
meddling in African affairs. The moves by the MDC to engage Mugabe in  
negotiations is the right one under the circumstances.