Some people think Mr Mugabe is mad and therefore beyond the reach of reasoned argument. Others say he is merely old and angry - he will be 77 next week. Whatever the cause of his behaviour, Zimbabwe's business and farming community and many former supporters are convinced he is ruining the country. The United Nations and the Commonwealth have been sharply critical of his conduct of elections.
Independent observers fret about human rights abuses.
Britain, the former colonial power, got into a futile shouting match with the president last year. His neighbours, led by South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, have tried a gentler, comradely approach, concerned above all at Zimbabwe's economic implosion and spiralling debts. Even Nelson Mandela has lent his weight to efforts to halt the central African war, centred on Congo, in which Zimbabwean troops are deeply embroiled. But all apparently has been to no avail. Mr Mugabe's objectionable activities continue unchecked, his latest targets being the country's independent judiciary and free press which he seeks to neuter and muzzle.