Haiti Refuses to Back Down Amid Threat of US Invasion

Strategic Insights -

Haitian military leader Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras has asserted that his country will not surrender to the threat of a US-led invasion to oust the de facto government. Cedras' defiance comes as US officials gear up for a potential invasion if Haiti's military leaders do not step down and pave the way for the return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Despite the high mood of defiance among government officials, the Haitian military appears to be poorly equipped and trained to handle an invasion, with a US Embassy spokesman stating that initial resistance is unlikely.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras has vowed that Haiti will not surrender to the threat of a US invasion, with some experts suggesting that the military is using stall tactics to delay the return of President Aristide.
  • The Haitian military is poorly equipped and trained to handle an invasion, with some officials predicting that they will not put up any initial resistance.
  • US public opinion polls indicate low support for an invasion, with many Americans expressing doubts about the wisdom of intervening in Haiti.
  • Haitians are increasingly worried about the potential consequences of an invasion, with some fearing that US forces will destroy their country and massacre opposition supporters.
  • The Haitian military is spreading rumors of a potential massacre by US forces in order to increase doubts among the US public and further destabilize the situation.
  • Parliamentary elections are planned for later this year, followed by presidential elections, as part of Haiti's efforts to restore democracy.

Statistics:

  • Low US public opinion support for an invasion, with many Americans expressing doubts about the wisdom of intervening in Haiti.
  • The Haitian military is estimated to be poorly equipped and trained to handle an invasion, with some officials predicting that initial resistance is unlikely.
  • Haitians are increasingly worried about the potential consequences of an invasion, with many fearing attack and violence.

Sources:

  • "PORT-AU-PRINCE, Sept. 15 Haitian military leader Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras said Thursday the country will not back down in the face of a threatened U.S. invasion to oust the nation's de facto government." (Source unknown)
  • "William Lacy Swing, the U.S. ambassador in Haiti, told CNN Thursday that the military government's strategy is to use stall tactics to put off any return of Aristide."
  • "The Haitian military is not well-equipped or well-trained to handle an invasion,' said U.S. Embassy spokesman Stanley Schrager."
  • "We believe (Cedras) is just clinging to the belief that U.S. public opinon will dissuade the president." (Source unknown)
  • "Public opinion polls indicate low U.S. support for an invasion." (Source unknown)
  • "A dissident priest who asked not to be identifed said he thought the Haitian military would attempt to blame any such killings on U.S. forces." (Source unknown)