Chris Owens previews next week’s election in Zimbabwe, that beautiful country in Southern Africa, bordered by Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. The focus is the controversy surrounding its leader, Robert Mugabe, who’s been a magnet for much press attention and criticism. Representing two sides of the debate over Mugabe are NYC Councilman Charles Barron, an outspoken supporter of the president of Zimbabwe, and Carolyn Norris, Acting Deputy Director of the Africa division, Human Rights Watch. Both have very different views on what’s happening there.

Plus, check out our new online feature: We’ll also have posted online Chris’ interview with Boston Globe religion reporter Michael Paulson, with his report on the oppression of Anglicans in Zimbabwe below.