Zimbabwe is facing triple digit inflation, shortages of
cash and fuel, and an adult HIV infection rate of 33.7%. The commercial farm sector has been
severely damaged by land seizures, and both food production and tobacco exports are declining. The
government of President Robert Mugabe, now 79, has taken some measures to deal with economic
problems, but these have not proven effective. Meanwhile, the political situation remains stalemated
despite reports of possible talks between the ruling party and the opposition. Opposition leader
Morgan Tsvangirai is facing treason charges, and human rights groups continue to report violence
against opposition supporters. The United States has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe leaders in an
effort to promote change. In July 2003, President Bush said that President Mbeki of South Africa,
who has been non-confrontational with Mugabe, is the "point man" on Zimbabwe. Analysts differ
on whether Mbeki's approach can achieve an early resolution of the Zimbabwe problem. This update
on Zimbabwe reviews the current situation there and assesses prospects for change. For background,
see CRS Report RL31229(pdf), Zimbabwe Backgrounder and CRS Report RS21161(pdf), Zimbabwe Election
Chronology.