Violence in Haiti —from police and “peacekeepers”

As the media sensationalize reports of looting and violence in Port-au-Prince, police and UN peacekeepers have opened fire on hungry crowds demanding food.

Haiti: anger rises as food aid mired in bureaucracy

PORT-AU-PRINCE — More than 100 people were pressed against the iron gates of the mayor’s office in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Petionville. “When will we get that food?” voices called out to the mayor, Claire Lydia Parent, who stood behind… Read moreHaiti: anger rises as food aid mired in bureaucracy

Israel exploits Haiti for propaganda …and Sri Lanka?

The anti-Zionist blogosphere has been abuzz with accusations that Israel is exploiting the Haiti disaster to cover for its crimes in Gaza. But why is Sri Lanka getting a free ride?

Haiti earthquake refugees may not migrate to US: Napolitano

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that undocumented Haitians who arrived after last week’s earthquake will be sent back to Haiti.

Haiti: US, UN beef up troop strength

The US is sending another 4,000 sailors and marines to Haiti, boosting the number of troops involved in the mission to 16,000. The UN is also beefing up its “peacekeeping” force.

Day Three in Port-au-Prince: “A difficult situation”

David L. Wilson of Weekly News Update on the Americas was in Port-au-Prince with a delegation when the Jan. 12 earthquake struck the city. Because of limited electricity and internet access, he was unable to send this report out until… Read moreDay Three in Port-au-Prince: “A difficult situation”

Doctors Without Borders plane repeatedly diverted from landing in Haiti

A Doctors Without Borders cargo plane carrying 12 tons of medical equipment was turned away three times from Port-au-Prince airport since Sunday night, the group protests.

Day Two in Port-au-Prince: “Young men with crowbars”

In a third account from stricken Port-au-Prince, David Wilson reports “young men with crowbars” working to rescue trapped victims, but still sees little sign of the authorities.

Haiti: reports of violence, fears of “undercover occupation”

Reports rose of looting and vigilantism among desperate survivors as Port-au-Prince awaits the deployment of 1,200 US troops. The 9,000-strong UN force has increased patrols.

Nicaragua’s Ortega raises specter of US occupation in Haiti

As a force of 10,000 US troops begins to arrive in Haiti, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega raised fears about a new Yankee occupation of the stricken Caribbean nation.

US puts removal of undocumented Haitians on hold

Haitian nationals already present in the United States have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and will be allowed to continue living and working in the US for the next 18 months.

Singing and praying at night in Port-au-Prince

David L. Wilson of Weekly News Update on the Americas reports from stricken Port-au-Prince, where there is still no sign of government or international relief efforts.