In November, 2004, a typical headline in a US newspaper focused on the terrible effects of Tropical Storm Jeanne and the continuing political unrest in Haiti. (You can click on the headline to read the article):

Haitians in a vise of nature, politics: Weeks after floods killed at least 1,900 in Gonaives, relief efforts have faltered in a climate of violence over who should rule. (Chicago Tribune, 11/25/04 ).

Compare this article to those below, which are from Caribbean and Brazilian news sources. They put the current problem in the context of international political activity and avoid making the situation seem beyond hope. They point a finger at the US government for backing the ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of the Lavalas party.

Haiti: Canadian premier says Lavalas must be allowed to take part in elections. (Caribbean Media Corporation: Bridgetown, Barbados, 11/15/04).

Brazil wants Aristide to take part in Haiti peace negotiations. (Agencia Estado: Sao Paulo, Brazil, 11/6/04).

Venezuela's Chavez in Rio criticizes Haiti administration "imposed" by US. (Agencia Estado: Sao Paulo Brazil, 11/5/04).

This map shows Haiti's geographic location relative to South American countries like Venezuela and Brazil.

Map is courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.