Don't cry for me, Zimbabwe

The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers. ~ Princess Leia

Tsvangirai has apparently been released from custody with no word on why he was arrested in the first place. Mugabe is now limiting himself to a more tasteful and restrained strategy of shutting down opposition rallies and making not-really veiled threats on Tsvangirai's life if he continues to campaign.

This seems very likely to backfire if the election is actually run fairly. The regime must be getting desperate indeed--or, they're just actually planning to take Tsvangirai's life.

It's actually pretty stunning when you think about what an immense and novel achievement peaceful political opposition is.