Haitians Ravaged by Dual Tragedies of Political Violence and Devastating Storms

Interview with Larry Birns, director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

The Caribbean nation of Haiti has long been the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, and one that has endured a long history of military occupation and economic exploitation at the hands of European powers and the United States. Now, in this year of its bicentennial of independence, Haiti has suffered yet more shattering blows. In late February, the constitutionally-elected president, Jean Bertrand Aristide, was forced from office by what the popular leader charged was a U.S.-supported coup. After stints in the Central African Republic and Jamaica, Aristide is now living with his family in exile in South Africa.

In September, Tropical Storm Jeanne smashed into Haiti, resulting in massive flooding which has claimed the lives of 3,000 people in the city of Gonaives alone. The storm was so destructive, in part because Haiti is almost completely deforested, as impoverished families cut down trees to make charcoal for cooking and to sell. Torrential rains rushed down the denuded hillsides into the valleys, where people were trapped and drowned. In the aftermath of Haiti's latest natural disaster, political violence has increased, with many Aristide supporters arrested and some killed.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Larry Birns, director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs in Washington, D.C., who discusses recent tragic developments in Haiti and what the future may hold.

Contact the Council on Hemispheric Affairs by calling (202) 223-4975 or visit their website at www.coha.org

Related links:

Haiti Progres newspaper (in English), www.Haiti-progres.com "Violence in Haiti: Colin Powell and Gerard Latortue Blame Aristide, When the Blame Lies With Them," Council on Hemispheric Affairs press release, Oct. 13, 2004

"The Untold Story Of Aristide's Departure From Haiti," by Kevin Pina, Counterpunch, Oct. 11, 2004

"Haitian President Charges U.S. Military Kidnapped Him in Support of White House-Backed Coup" Interview with Michael Ratner conducted by Scott Harris, Between The Lines Week Ending March 12, 2004. In RealAudio.

"Haitian President Aristide Demands U.S. Investigate White House Complicity in Coup Against His Government," Interview with Ira Kurzban conducted by Scott Harris, Between The Lines Week Ending March 19, 2004. In RealAudio.

"Attacks on Haitian Police May be Linked to Anti-Aristide Political Forces," Interview with Ray LeForest conducted by Denize Manzari, Between The Lines Week Ending Aug. 17, 2001. In RealAudio.

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