Memorandum on US policy on Zimbabwe
TO: President Donald Trump
FROM: Matt Fitzgerald
DATE: April 29, 2018
SUBJECT: Memorandum on US policy on Zimbabwe
Introduction
Robert
Mugabe has resigned after 40 years of rule over Zimbabwe. At 93 years old, “he
was the world oldest head of state.”[1]
During his 40-year rule, he worked to stomp out all opposition and violated the
rights of many Zimbabweans. His regime was a kleptocracy thinly veiled with his
decolonization rhetoric. Although Magube has resigned, much of his corrupted
legacy still remains. There is still a disparity in wealth. Of the top ten
wealthiest people in Zimbabwe, nine had ties with Mugabe.[2]
Zimbabwe’s economy is still in recovery form Mugabe’s rule since he lacked an
understanding of economics at the time. the primary education system of Zimbabwe,
left largely untouched by Mugabe, is one of the best in Africa, and it is rich in
natural resources like coal, platinum, copper, nickel, gold, iron ore, and
lumber.[3]
there is potential for economic improvement; however, it will depend on what
its leaders choose. I feel that we must help Zimbabwe out in order to ensure its
recovery and its continuation of democracy.
Option 1
The Unites
States has an obligation to help Zimbabwe out. The U.S. put Mugabe in power during
the Carter administration, but Secretary of State Henry Kissinger involved the
U.S in the conflict first. When Carter won the election over Ford, Carter backed
Mugabe. Because of this, we are responsible for what occurred during Mugabe’s
40-year rule. The country would only need help with infrastructure since Zimbabwe
has plenty of untapped natural resources. they have a strong primary education system
to build off of so that they will only need help with secondary schooling. This
help would be financial and it would go to building mining facilities for their
natural resources and to helping their education system. It might cost us some
money, but it is the right thing to do for a wrong we committed.
Option 2
The U.S
has involved itself in too many countries that ended up doing more harm than
good. All of our Cold War interventions did not end well for the people in
those countries. It looks like the country is moving towards an economic recovery
so there is no need to help them further. There are more important things to divert
our resources to. It would be a mistake involving ourselves with a government that
is still corrupt. Mugabe might have resigned but his legacy still remains.
Solution
The best
course of action to take is option one. Zimbabwe is on the brink of an economic
recovery. If we give them some economic aid, then we will help speed up the
recovery process. A stable economy allows for a stable democracy. We also have
an obligation to help the people of Zimbabwe since we supported someone who was
not a good leader to his people. It is not only the best course of action, but
it is the right thing to do.
[1] Al Jazeera, "Robert Mugabe Resigns:
World Reaction," Israeli–Palestinian Conflict | Al Jazeera, November 21,
2017, , https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/robert-mugabe-resigns-world-reaction-171121191805387.html.
[2] John Campbell, "Robert Mugabe: Icon and
Kleptocrat," Council on Foreign Relations, November 29, 2017, ,
https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/robert-mugabe-icon-and-kleptocrat.
[3] John Muhaise Bikalemesa, "Zimbabwe
Natural Resources," Fortune of Africa DR Congo, March 11, 2014, ,
http://fortuneofafrica.com/zimbabwe/2014/02/10/zimbabwe-natural-resources/.
Great memorandum, Matt! I enjoyed reading your foreign policy position on Zimbabwe and the situation with Robert Mugabe. I agree with your argument that the United States should be involved with the situation in Zimbabwe by helping to resolve the human rights violations issue within the country and help stabilize their economy. In addition, I agree with your policy statement regarding the notion that the United States should take action by providing Zimbabwe with economic aid. In this way, their economy will likely be able to stabilize, which will ultimately help the people of Zimbabwe. Based on the two policy options that you outlined, which one do you believe that current President Trump might be most willing to pursue? If you don’t think President Trump would be in favor of either of the policy options you suggested, is there a third option he might consider? If so, what?
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