Why is Haiti so prone to disaster?

The U.S.-led multi-national forces that moved in when Aristide left have been replaced by U.N. peacekeepers, charged with disarming rebels who helped oust Aristide as well as pro-Aristide militants, but armed groups still operate in outlying rural areas. Most of the country remains beyond the rule of law.

The economic situation is no better. An interim government has taken shape, but it has few resources to be effective. Corruption is rife, the country’s infrastructure is shattered. And government agencies are unable to provide Haitians with even the most basic services.

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