‘Threat to tighten sanctions null and void’

The United States government’s threat to tighten sanctions on Zimbabwe over its cordial relations with Russia is illogical because one cannot demand loyalty and support from a country it has labelled rogue, political analysts have said.

Midlands State University Media Studies lecturer Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri said Washington’s gripe with Moscow replicated Cold War experiences.

“It simply confirms that the Americans are not well-meaning in whatever action they take as the countries under the same persecution will eventually find common interest. For Zimbabwe to survive, it has to play ball with people under the same predicament such as China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, which have been all-weather friends.

“The current scenario replicates the Cold War era. The only difference is that during that period, Zimbabwe was a member of the Non-Aligned Movement which was still vibrant then.

“The circumstances now will push the country to align itself with certain countries.”

Another analyst, Mr Gabriel Chaibva, said: “Zimbabwe has the best model of democracy in Africa.

So, the imposition of sanctions was rather a futile but spirited attempt by the Americans to control its abundant natural resources.

The Look East policy has rattled the Americans.”

A diplomat from a Southern African country added that the US was being hypocritical as it was seeking to establish relations with Zimbabwe in particular fields despite having imposed sanctions on the country.