The US Now Has Boots on the Ground...In Haiti?

[Puregonzo1188]

Depending on the source, up to 300 US troops now have "boots on the ground" in Haiti in anticipation of the announcement of election results today, Monday. According to Haiti's BelPolitic and the Miami Herald, there is concern that announced results of the presidential runoff between former first lady Mirlande Manigat and pop singer Michel Martelly could result in violence. "Sweet Micky'' Martelly, 50, has received more than the required 50 percent plus one of the vote. The results of Haiti's March 20 elections were transmitted at 8 a.m. to the executive director of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

Besides the arrival of US troops, the United Nations has stepped up patrols in Cap-Haitien and Les Cays and positioned an armored vehicle near the Provisional Electoral Council headquarters in Petionville.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/georgianne-nienaber/us-troops-in-haiti-before-election_b_844366.html

While there is no official headlines about this yet, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten informed the Haitian media that Marines landed in Haiti in anticipation the hurricane season.

But... Hurricane season does not start until JUNE!

This was a "by the way" type of news buried in an article about Police chief Mairo Andresol unveiling security measures for a post-election Haiti.

"Reiterating its earlier call for calm," the article says, "the U.S. ambassador, Kenneth Merten, said Saturday upon arrival in Haiti of a number of marines..., he said, preparations for the upcoming hurricane season will not open officially in June."

http://www.belpolitik.com/blog.php/328

[Renew Deal]

1. Aren't there always US boots on the ground in Haiti?

A friend of mine that was in the marines was stationed there in the 90's.

[yngdip]

2. thanks for the heads up

Our foreign policy in Haiti continues its shady trajectory.

[happyslug]

3. Given that the Canidate of the party MOST people support, was NOT on the ballot, whats the problem?

Jean-Bertrand Aristide's party was NOT permitted on the ballot, for the simple reason it would win. Aristide is now back in Haiti having been exiled since 2004. His political party, Fanmi Lavalas has been banned from all elections since the coup of 2004. I suspect people are worried about unrest, given how badly the present Government has ruled Haiti.

[snot]

4. +1