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Refugees

Haitian Refugee Crisis Deepens as US Policy Proves Divisive

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A renewed influx of Haitian refugees has overwhelmed President Bill Clinton's policy of sanctuary, with over 2,656 intercepted by the US Coast Guard in the last four days. The crisis has reignited concerns about the prospect of US military intervention to restore democracy in Haiti. Meanwhile, the US has become embroiled in a new dispute with exiled President Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who has refused US requests to make broadcasts urging Haitians to stay home and offering amnesty to military rank and file. The White House is exploring alternative strategies to avoid military intervention, including bribing the military leadership to depart and buying advertising space on Haitian radio stations to warn people against sailing to the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Coast Guard has intercepted over 2,656 Haitian refugees in the last four days, overwhelming President Clinton's policy of sanctuary.
  • The US has implemented a range of strategies to avoid military intervention, including bribing the military leadership, exploring coups, and buying advertising space on Haitian radio stations.
  • The White House has become embroiled in a dispute with exiled President Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who has refused US requests to make broadcasts promoting US policy.
  • The US State Department has acknowledged that the refugee crisis is heading towards the Coast Guard blockade ships, rather than the US mainland.
  • The policy of processing refugees now seems to be provoking more Haitians to leave the island.
  • The Haitian military leader, Brigadier-General Raoul Cedras, has promised to step down in October, raising hopes of a deal with the army chief of staff, Brigadier Philippe Biamby.
  • The US administration's problem is that it may not be able to make a deal with Brigadier Biamby that would be acceptable to the black caucus in Congress.
  • Time is running out for US policy, with the capacity of the cruise ship _Comfort_ close to being overwhelmed.

Statistics:

  • 2,656 Haitian refugees intercepted by the US Coast Guard in the last four days.
  • Over 1,000 refugees now being processed on the _Comfort_ cruise ship.
  • 70% of refugees are heading towards the Coast Guard blockade ships, rather than the US mainland.
  • Time running out for US policy, with capacity of _Comfort_ close to being overwhelmed.

Sources:

  • "Haitian refugees overwhelm White House policy" by Martin Walker, Guardian
  • "US Coast Guard intercepts 2,656 Haitian refugees in last four days" by Associated Press
  • "Cedras may step down in October, raising hopes of deal" by Reuters

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