Submitted by Ian Matheson, Jun 12, 2007 18:16

The above article displays incomplete knowledge of South Africa's foreign policies, some of the more glaring examples:

There was no mention whatsoever of South Africa's mediation efforts in Zimbabwe. All other options simply won't work as the US itself can attest. Some classic examples of the type of actions that Rosenberg no doubt is demanding, include Cuba (sanctions and embargoes) and Iraq (military force). Negotiations and diplomacy were what achieved multi-party democracy in South Africa and are the only way to achieve peace in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, maybe the author would care to comment on why the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair last week said that he "fully supported South Africa's efforts to mediate in Zimbabwe's escalating political crisis." (http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN144150.html for reference).

Regarding Burma, South Africa has been calling for the release of jailed activist Aung San Suu Kyi for and for the restoration of democracy for many years (http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2003/03060509461002.htm). It is also worth recalling that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has stated that Burma is not a threat to international peace and security, this was affirmed in January 2007. This resolution did not fit with the Charter mandate conferred upon the Security Council which is to deal with matters that are a threat to international peace and security.

This article is typical of the poorly researched news / rubbish printed about South Africa. May I respectfully suggest that in future these self-appointed "experts" start reporting on South African issues from at least the African continent, rather than from thousands of miles away.

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