The isolation of the region matters.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Iran uses the conflict to keep others in the region on the defensive and to try to limit its own isolation.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Barreling on, regardless

The region's giant, South Africa, was largely protected by its isolation from the rest of the world during the apartheid years.

ECONOMIST: A global disaster

The BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg says that coming from South Africa - the most powerful country in the region - the ANC statement is a further sign of Mr Mugabe's growing isolation.

BBC: Mugabe defiant as criticism grows