The Earthquake in Haiti is now considered to be one of the worst natural disasters in history. At this time, the death toll is at 70,000 and is estimated to rise to 200,000 rivaling the 2004 tsunami. Just today the US has sent 10,000 troops to help the relief effort and provide security. The French Foreign Minister and other UN official’s claim that the U.S. action to send the troops was impulsive and that the troops are just occupying Haiti rather than helping it. I believe that isn’t true and to be honest I believe to U.S troops should have gone in sooner.
Through last Tuesday to now Haiti’s stability as a country is fading with all the wide spread chaos caused by the earthquake (This is awful considering even before the earthquake Haiti was barely stable enough to be a country). With thousands off survivors hungry and desperate for water the looting and violence has gone out of control. The Haitian police, who have suffered many casualties from the earthquake, are not a large enough force to keep the peace everywhere. Because of the lack of security U.N. rescue workers, not to long ago, were attacked by a mob who threw stones at them while they were trying to rescue people. Also U.N. relief supplies have been decreasing at an alarming rate and I believe a large military presence is needed in helping provide aid for the people, and security for the rescuers and Haitians stuck in the chaos. The U.S. commanders have agreed that their main priority in Haiti is to help the people and rescuers. The U.S. troops have been very cautious and have been ordered only to use deadly force if necessary and as a last resort. The troops have too been giving large amounts of aid to the refugees as will. Even though the major violence right now is only in certain areas it might get worse overtime and a military presence is needed to keep stability. I do not consider the U.S. troops are in anyway trying to occupy Haiti (like Iraq) and are only there to help Haiti. I too strongly believe that we should make a large effort to help Haiti because Haiti is a near country of the United States. It would be a shame to ignore all the chaos in a country that is only a sea away from us.
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I agree with many of your points, especially that some sort of ground force is needed to keep the country in order. However, it is easy to see how proponents of the U.S.'s decision to send in 10,000 troops view this policy. The Haitian government was already weak, and the quake has since dismantled the fragile republic. By sending in U.S. troops the possibility of a prolonged presence in the country is not unrealistic. Many who criticize the troop surge must be reminding themselves of the prolonged wars still raging presently in the middle east. My suggestion: could we not have sent in FEMA (I know its just for the USA) or Americore or some other non-violent force. Just my thoughts
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