Haiti: a Victim of Natural Disaster...and Much More

Making News

Airport Overwhelmed as Time Runs Out for Haiti Earthquake Victims ()

This afternoon, President Obama said he had spoken to Haiti's President Réne Préval. Observing that the entire world is offering help because of "common humanity," the President said that the US has a special responsibility because of it's "unique capacity" and pledged continued commitment to the government and people of Haiti. He quoted President Préval as saying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Kate Conradt, Emergency Communications Director for Save the Children, is in Port-au-Prince.

Guests:

• Kate Conradt: Emergency Communications Director, Save the Children

Main Topic

Haiti's Troubled History, America's Role and Hope for the Future ()

The human disaster in Haiti is hard to describe: mass graves and street-corner cremations with piles of decaying bodies still growing in Port-au-Prince. Tens of thousands of injured survivors with no access to medical care; the lack of food and water leading to fears of looting and violence. Rescuers with relief supplies are on the way from Latin America, China, Russia, the European Union and the United States, with President Obama leading a massive effort. We learn about a history of homegrown corruption and international exploitation. How much is the US to blame? Is there hope for the future?

Guests:

• David Rothkopf: Visiting Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Robert Perito: Director of the Haiti Program, US Institute of Peace
• Patrick Sylvain: Instructor of Haitian Language and Culture, Brown University
• Amy Wilentz: author, 'The Rainy Season: Haiti Since Duvalier'

Links:

• MINUSTAH (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti)
• 'NewsHour' (PBS) segment on the improving situation in Haiti
• Robert Fatton on the fragility of the Haitian government (Columbia Journal Review)
• Rothkopf's post on learning from the 'foreshocks of the Haiti disaster'
• Rothkopf's 'Superclass: The Global Power Elite and the World They Are Making'
• Wilentz's 'The Rainy Season: Haiti Since Duvalier'

Reporter's Notebook

Which Haiti Charities Should You Give To? ()

In the aftermath of the earthquake, there's been an avalanche of offers to help concerned people render assistance — even by texting. What's the best way to determine who's real and who's running a scam? David Borochoff is President of the American Institute of Philanthropy, a watchdog that's published a list of charities most effective in Haiti.

Guests:

• Daniel Borochoff: President, American Institute of Philanthropy