interesting to see how initial support by the british left for the so-called MDC is waning, now certain unpalatable facts are emerging, such as its involevement with the IMF and WTO, with other, perhaps uncertain charges still pending.

No offence, but have you actually talked to anyone on the left about Zimbabawe?

We know what the MDC is; an alliance between trade unionists and bosses. We know many of its leaders have a neo-liberal agenda. And we always have known.

But we support the MDC against Mugabe's regime, because the first battle to win in Zimbabwe is for the freedom to speak and organise. Without those freedoms, protest and change from below are impossible.

And, crucially, this is also the judgement made by most left groups within Zimbabwe. That's why most trade union activists and socialists campaign for the MDC.

I may get stick for this, but here's a link to what Socialist Worker has to say on the subject: