2008 Woodie Awards
Marines sent to Haiti for civilian protection
Marissa Koch
Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: News
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While the focus of the public eye may be upon the upcoming presidential primaries of Super Tuesday, it is impossible to ignore what is going on outside American borders.
This week, several countries took steps that could change the face of the world. Topping the list of international events is the Haitian rebellion.
Haiti, home to more than eight million people, has been caught in a bitter fight for power for more than three weeks. At the heart of the deadly street fighting are current President Jean Bertrand Aristide and what the opposition call his corrupt administration.
In 1990, Aristide became the first democratically nominated leader in Haiti's 200-year history. However, since then, Aristide's governing has been riddled with problems. In 1991 a military coup forced him out of the country for three years. He returned to power with the help of the United States. In 2000, he won re-election, only to face severe opposition, erupting into full-fledged rebellion on Feb. 5.
In the past week, several countries, including the United States and France, offered possible solutions to the continuing crisis, but none of these proposals found acceptance. Opposition forces insisted that, before considering any resolutions, Aristide must step down.
Haitian opposition forces were granted their demand, as Aristide fled the country in the early morning hours of Feb. 29. Although it is unknown in which country Aristide is seeking asylum, the important thing for rebel forces is that Aristide is gone.
As reported by Reuters, Charles Baker, leader of a coalition of opposition civic and political groups, said this will be beneficial.
"It's great for the country," Baker said. "That's what we've been waiting for."
For now, Boniface Alexandre, a member of Haiti's Supreme Court, has taken on the difficult task of leading a transitional government.
As reported by the Associated Press, Alexandre said, "Haiti is in crisis. It needs all of its sons and daughters. No one should take justice into their own hands."
This week, several countries took steps that could change the face of the world. Topping the list of international events is the Haitian rebellion.
Haiti, home to more than eight million people, has been caught in a bitter fight for power for more than three weeks. At the heart of the deadly street fighting are current President Jean Bertrand Aristide and what the opposition call his corrupt administration.
In 1990, Aristide became the first democratically nominated leader in Haiti's 200-year history. However, since then, Aristide's governing has been riddled with problems. In 1991 a military coup forced him out of the country for three years. He returned to power with the help of the United States. In 2000, he won re-election, only to face severe opposition, erupting into full-fledged rebellion on Feb. 5.
In the past week, several countries, including the United States and France, offered possible solutions to the continuing crisis, but none of these proposals found acceptance. Opposition forces insisted that, before considering any resolutions, Aristide must step down.
Haitian opposition forces were granted their demand, as Aristide fled the country in the early morning hours of Feb. 29. Although it is unknown in which country Aristide is seeking asylum, the important thing for rebel forces is that Aristide is gone.
As reported by Reuters, Charles Baker, leader of a coalition of opposition civic and political groups, said this will be beneficial.
"It's great for the country," Baker said. "That's what we've been waiting for."
For now, Boniface Alexandre, a member of Haiti's Supreme Court, has taken on the difficult task of leading a transitional government.
As reported by the Associated Press, Alexandre said, "Haiti is in crisis. It needs all of its sons and daughters. No one should take justice into their own hands."