We cannot, in effect, pick sides in this process.

the United States could mobilize significant resources to contribute toward Zimbabwe's recovery and reconstruction--and at the same time support the political process of restoring Zimbabwe to the community of democracies.

The real collapse, in their economic standing, has nothing to do with the sanctions.

I don't see what the pressure has gotten us.

We should continue to press the government on performance benchmarks, but not let those shortcomings preclude all efforts to support recovery.

I think that those sanctions should remain in place until we are certain that there is clear political movement.

the best way to sideline Mugabe is to reinforce this government.

I think the United States can do the same.

the only risk, in the future, is if we want to--if we decide it's time to engage with the ministry--and it's too soon for that

Put simply: We believe that if you want to sideline Mugabe and his hard-liners, you should support the people of Zimbabwe by embracing the unity government now.

My suggestion, again, is engage in a very targeted way.

if we start to see a major security crackdown, then I think that the United States will have to take a much more forceful stance with regard to the region.

Our attitude is tantamount to shooting ourselves in the foot.

Direct support to the MDC, if that's what you're suggesting, would be a mistake.

This was a deliberate campaign to hold on to power and subvert the will of the people that was expressed in the March 29 elections.

Zimbabwe was recently called one of the worst investment locations in the world, on a par with Afghanistan.

Do you see any hope for any of the regional players to play a more constructive role?

Some courts permitted secret searches in limited circumstances before the Patriot Act as I remember, but they also recognize the need for notice.