China and Russia veto UN Zimbabwe sanctions

[Tony]

China and Russia tonight rode to the aid of Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe regime by using their UN Security Council veto powers to block sanctions.

More...China and Russia veto UN Zimbabwe sanctions (External link to The Times)

[Paul Carcone]

This problem is becoming increasingly tacky - but in these cases sanctions rarely work. Sanctions only really end up hurting the most vulnerable as the tyrants just find new ways of using the country's resources to line their own pockets.

Also MBeki of South Africa is being very weak (little known fact that Mugabe and Mbeki are half-brothers). Perhaps the impending premier change in South Africa will precipitate a more robust line.

Paul Carcone