Free Republic

Moïse’s death and the lack of a functioning government also serves as a clear cut signal that the U.S. must play a greater role in Haiti’s future, starting right now. It’s clear that Haiti will need both immediate and longer-term guidance to move forward in a democratic way. This is a country that started out with weak institutions, and they’re now virtually non-existent. The U.S., as Haiti’s biggest donor, has no choice but to take the lead — with international partners and, importantly, Haiti’s own civil society — to stabilize Haiti. An international coalition could do immense good very quickly...

As 2nd Lt. Alix Schoelcher Idrache stood at attention during the commencement ceremony at West Point, N.Y., on Saturday, he was overcome with emotion. Tears rolled down both cheeks, but his gloved left hand held firm on his white, gold and black “cover,” the dress headgear that Army cadets wear. The photograph of Idrache, by Army Staff Sgt. Vito T. Bryant, was published Tuesday on the Facebook page of West Point’s U.S. Military Academy, and it almost immediately went viral. Part of that is Idrache’s background: He worked his way through one of the nation’s most prestigious military schools after...

That human action or activity often has unintended consequences is not a new observation. Among the activities that often have results very different from those envisaged or desired is foreign aid. There is probably not a single case of a very poor country being hauled out of poverty by such aid; there are many instances of dictators being kept in power and of civil wars virtually funded by it. ..To the roll of unintended consequences must now be added the likely introduction of cholera into Haiti by Bangladeshi troops there who are part of the UN peacekeeping force there. A...

Dear friends: By now you all know the situation in Haïti. I'd like to ask those of you who have the means to dig deep and contribute to Haïti earthquake relief by donating to Catholic Relief Services. You can trust Catholic Relief Services with your tax-deductible donation. CRS was named a top-rated charity and given a rating of A by the American Institute of Philanthropy in 2008 for efficiently using the majority of its funds toward programming versus fundraising. CRS was also found by the Better Business Bureau/Wise Giving Alliance in 2008 to meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability,...

Sixteen Britons are among the tens of thousands missing after a catastrophic earthquake ripped Haiti apart. They had all been living in the capital Port-au-Prince when the disaster - which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale - struck on Tuesday. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said there were 32 British nationals living in the city - half of whom had yet to make contact with the UK's ambassador.

Emergency workers in Haiti are scouring through sewage and knee-high mud in search of survivors and victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne, which has left more than 1,000 people dead. Haitian officials say at least 1,000 other people are missing, and the death toll could climb as high as 2,000. Most of the victims were in the northwestern coastal city of Gonaives. Reports from the area say sewage and animal carcasses litter the streets, and the stench is unbearable. Workers are burying the dead in mass graves. Health officials fear an outbreak of illnesses, including malaria and tetanus. Jeanne has regained...