Freedom and Democracy No Longer on the March

Thomas L. Friedman, International Herald Tribune | May 8, 2008

With high oil prices allowing authoritarian regimes to consolidate power, and US influence and moral authority in decline, the global trend towards democratization appears to be reversing. ++ This is particularly apparent in Zimbabwe, where President Robert Mugabe clings to power by all means and attempts to subvert elections. ++ More than ever a proactive approach by the US is needed to work with democratic African leaders towards a peaceful transition in Zimbabwe, as well as a long-term commitment to develop alternatives to oil.