What is unfolding now in Zimbabwe is what we would have seen in Serbia in 2000 if Milosevic had had his way in the elections which brought him down.

An extended attempt to avoid declaring a result through trite, pompous bureaucratic and legal manoeuvres. This is aimed at taking the psychological momentum out of the opposition’s victory while relying on international media attention to wander away as nothing much happens.

End result? Manifold opportunities to ‘fix’ a new outcome while beating up one’s opponents. Mugabe and his villains ramble on. The country sinks further towards total collapse.

This pitiful behaviour naturally prompts inane calls for ‘dialogue’ at the UN in New York: "The solution to the problem of Zimbabwe lies in the hands of the people of Zimbabwe…"

Indeed it does. As it lay with the Serbian people, who stormed the Parliament building in Belgrade and threw their oppression out of the window.

In these situations outside politicians usually urge ‘restraint’.

Why?

If it becomes clear that a country is being stolen and plundered by its clique of leaders, the only thing the mass of ordinary people can do is rise up and attack them. This is nothing more than self-defence, after all, against the vast violence being perpetrated by the regime against their lives and prospects.

Many people may die. But they at least will die honourably in a good cause, rather than die listlessly from starvation and disease.

Zimbabweans!

Follow the example of Serbia! Go for it!

While there is still something to salvage.