In a world increasingly numb to the tremors of geopolitical strife, the escalating chaos in Haiti is piercing through the static. The Biden administration is deliberating on deploying Marines to Haiti as the country nosedives into violence, underscoring the dire need for international intervention.
According to Western Journal, the request for military intervention comes as Haiti teeters on the brink of anarchy. The State Department has proposed sending a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) platoon to safeguard the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. This revelation, as reported by Marine Corps Times, highlights the acute security challenges facing the nation.
Maj. Mason Englehart elucidated the plight, stating, "Deploying a FAST platoon is one option at the DoD's disposal should the DoS request assistance with security at the U.S. Embassy in Port Au Prince." This underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential steps being considered to mitigate the risks.
The Dire State of Port-au-Prince
Before the security situation further unraveled, Americans were advised to leave Haiti. This preemptive caution came right before gangs launched attacks on key government infrastructures, including the Presidential Palace, the Interior Ministry, and a major police headquarters. These violent outbursts have painted a stark portrait of lawlessness, with witnesses reporting relentless gunfire and explosions that haunt the capital's nights.
Amid this turmoil, former coup leader Guy Philippe has thrown his hat into the ring of chaos, expressing his desire to lead the beleaguered country. Having been deported from the U.S. after serving time in prison, Philippe's ambitions add another layer of complexity to Haiti's political landscape.
"He should resign," said Philippe, referring to Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has left Haiti seeking assistance to quell the unrest. The Prime Minister's absence, notably to Puerto Rico, has yet to conclude, leaving a leadership vacuum in a time of desperate need.
Cholera, Chaos, and the Cry for Help
The debilitating conditions in Port-au-Prince are far from just political. The Washington Post's vivid depiction of the capital overwhelmed by refuse, the resurgence of cholera, and the pervasive control of gangs over 80% of the city underscores a humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions. The systematic violence—ranging from kidnapping and mass killings to gang-imposed dominion—reflects a society in freefall.
This anarchy has even reached the confines of prisons, airports, and the city’s port, where criminals have been freed amidst the chaos. Such lawlessness not only jeopardizes the immediate safety of Haitians but also poses a significant threat to the prospect of achieving long-term stability.
Thomas Shannon, a voice of experience and concern, warns of the potential rise of a dictatorship amidst the chaos. He opines, "If we’re not careful we’re going to have another brigand claiming to be the rightful leader of Haiti. It’s very distressing. Gangs are the only ones working with completely alienated and disaffected people to address the immediacy of their concerns in a way that neither the government nor the international community can."
Through his experience as a former under-secretary of state, Shannon highlights the stark vacuum of leadership and the nefarious potential for a strongman to exploit the country's desperation for their gain.
Conclusion
Haiti stands at the precipice of total collapse, beckoning for a lifeline from the international community. The Biden administration's contemplation of deploying Marines underscores the critical nature of the crisis.
With eyewitness accounts of attacks on governmental strongholds and the echoing fears of a potential dictatorship, the country's future hangs in balance.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry's quest for international assistance further moots the gravitas of Haiti's predicament. As the world watches, the hope for a resolution that restores peace and governance to this Caribbean nation remains fervent, supported by the unwavering dedication of first responders and international allies alike.
