The political intimidation has been deadly. At least 31 persons, mostly black Movement for Democratic Change supporters, have been killed and hundreds others have been beaten, raped, or forced to flee their homes. I should point out that there are veterans of the war who are increasingly speaking out against the terror of these government-directed groups. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe economy is collapsing. The illegal land seizures, designed to intimidate the political opposition, are accelerating the demise of an already troubled and corrupted economy.
Food shortages are sure to come.
The country's health services also are in crisis. Violence and intimidation are undermining the rule of law and the very foundation of democracy in Zimbabwe. This isn't quite right. Sadly, the rule of law and democracy have long been compromised in post-independence Zimbabwe. It has been a de facto one-party state, where political opponents have been intimidated and physically abused.