There is that too, although Zimbabwe’s experience was nothing compared to Congo under the Belgians, or Namibia under the Germans.

“WHY must it rain on a every SATURDAY?”

“the inside was so small for how wide the car is.”

He’s a Republican politician, so of course he’s a billionaire.

Oh it is most definitely complicated. Certainly my “all of Zimbabwe” comment was a symptom of my own euphoria and hopeful thinking.

My knowledge of African history is far from complete, but I have a pet theory that there’s a correlation between the degree of trauma experienced by the populace during their liberation struggle, and the quality of their later governance. I’m not sure that a detailed study would bear me out, but it sure does apply in…

Along with “What do you think of western civilization?” “I think it would be a very good idea”

Edit: I think the statement threatening a coup against any non-liberation-war political entity came from the head of the military, not Mnangagwa. Still they are usually, and currently, politically aligned.

The chapter about Botswana isn’t so bad.

Have you spoken to any Zimbabweans about this? Every Zimbabwean I have communicated with since this started (none of them white, by the way) is elated.

Though all of Zimbabwe is united in its desire for Mugabe’s departure, there is less unanimity about the way forward. It is most accurate, I think, to see this as a realignment of power within Zanu PF toward the remaining liberation war vets and away from Grace Mugabe.

WooHoo! I’m movin’ to Halifax! (Am I reading the chart right?)

Plus, the absence of an engine block certainly would help with crumple zone design.

If we could get the twingo-based forfour, I would swoon.

Sure, but no more diesel (sad trombone).

Sweet. Now if you could just get them to install a real clutch.

Rule number one of pipelines: Pipelines always leak.

I used to fly Spirit to Port au Prince, Haiti a couple of times a year, during the immediate post-earthquake period. Haiti’s infrastructure was in better shape than Spirit’s. (This is hyperbole, but my dog spirit is a mess.)

Completely off topic, but by the vertical door handles that looks like a canadian market diesel Smart (or else an import from Europe from before they were officially sold the U.S.) How on earth did it end up in Denver?

There seems to be something about the process of involvement in a liberation struggle that brutalizes leaders. A necessary skill for coming out ahead is the ability to coerce cooperation from an ambivalent populace, and also the ability to consolidate power by whatever means.