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Posted on June 15, 2009

Zimbabwe Tries Coalition Government

In an odd turn of events Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as Zimbabwe's prime minister four months ago by the man widely believed to have cheated him out of the full presidency, President Robert Mugabe.

The 2008 election had brought intimidation, attacks and killings upon Tsvangirai's supporters eventually ending in a power sharing deal.

The two men are now joined in a coalition government tasked with dealing with the consequences of Mugabe's decades-long misrule, raging inflation, empty shelves, disease, and political violence.

This video includes a 2 minute review of Zimbabwe's political turmoil and then an interview with Prime Minister Tsvangirai about his attempts to fix his country.

"We have arrested the hyperinflation conditions from 500 billion percent to about 3 percent within three months." - Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai

"I'm sure the United States and Americans in general would understand that whatever support they give to Zimbabwe is not to help the government. It is to help the people of Zimbabwe." - Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai

"So, much as I would have [liked to take] advantage, through that grief, to blame my opponents, I think it would have been very irresponsible not to tell the truth." - Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai

1. Where is Zimbabwe? What does geography tell you about Zimbabwe's possible role in African politics?

2. What is inflation? What would it be like to live in a country where the money is so worthless, where it takes a wheelbarrow full of bills to go grocery shopping?

1. Do you have confidence in Morgan Tsvangirai? Why or why not?

2. Does it matter to you what happens in Zimbabwe? Why or why not?

3. What should be the Obama administration policy towards Zimbabwe?

4. How would your life be different if you grew up in Zimbabwe?

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