A campaign poster for President Robert Mugabe is posted along a city street June 21, 2008 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Human rights groups have accused Mugabe's ruling party of mass voter intimidation and violence against the political opposition ahead of the scheduled June 27 presidential runoff vote between President Mugabe and opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai. © John Moore/Getty Images

Focus

Zimbabwe Crisis Reports

Years active: 2008-2012

Mugabe's Turbulent Priests

Relations between Mugabe and Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops continue to worsen, but without the church he would not be where he is today.

Passport Shortage Breeds Corruption

Getting out of Zimbabwe is now a prized activity, so it comes at a high price.

Lawyers Under the Cosh

The regime appears to be trying to deter lawyers from representing opposition activists.

Farmers Lose Out in Illicit Food Trade

Villagers trade their crops for scarce commodities which black-marketeers have bought up in the towns.

Zimbabweans Face Utilities Misery

Electricity and water supply worsen as country struggles to pay for essential services.

Mugabe Benefits From MDC Weaknesses

Tactical failings of Zimbabwean opposition have played into the hands of the regime.

PR Bid Can't Conceal Grim Realities

Officials claim arts festival has bolstered Zimbabwe’s image, but dire state of the country is hard to disguise.

Mugabe Tries to Forge Ties With Business

The president seems to be feeling his way towards a social contract with business leaders, and perhaps also the trade unions.

School Fees Soar

Parents struggle to meet spiralling education costs as conditions in schools deteriorate.