The point of sanctions is to put pressure on the government by creating economic discontent among the people.

Unhappy people put pressure on their government.

Seeing people in poverty puts pressure on governments.

Mugabe couldn't give two hoots about the people of Zimbabwe.

He and his military cronies are only concerned that whatever wealth does exist in Zimbabwe belongs to them.

And they'll make sure their nests are feathered at whatever cost to the people.

I agree that action needs to be taken against Mugabe, and I agree that Australia are right to do what they have done. Hopefully the African nations will follow suit.

The solution lies with Mbeki and he won't do anything until he's sure about not being seen to be a mouthpiece for white south africans sympathetic to white zimbabwean farmers.