Zimbabwe's Government Prepares to Defend Itself

Zimbabwe's economy has gone from bad to worse this year, and any hopes that it might improve have all but faded. In July, the government even admitted that it would be unable to pay its civil servants' salaries, which total roughly $200 million a month, for much longer. The country's dire financial situation has sparked protests in recent weeks by groups across the economic spectrum, including unemployed university graduates and the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. When the demonstrations turned deadly in the capital, the government was forced to convene an emergency meeting to address the outbreak of violence. As popular pressure mounts against the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, it may be forced to consider replacing longtime President Robert Mugabe in a last-ditch effort to keep its grip on power. ...