Opposition in trouble as Zimbabwe nears political crossroads

[World News]

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Bitter infighting within Zimbabwe's opposition risks fatally weakening President Robert Mugabe's political foes just as the sun has begun to set on his 33-year rule. Within a few rough days, a party faction headed by longtime MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai's erstwhile deputy Tendai Biti suspended him, and the veteran trade union leader promptly responded by expelling all involved in the move to cast him aside. For 62-year-old Tsvangirai -- who has led the party through intimidation and innumerable beatings and arrests since its founding 15 years ago -- it was an unforgivable act of political fratricide. Since 1999, Tsvangirai has lost three successive elections to Mugabe, whose hand rested firmly on the electoral scales each time.

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