What role, if any, should foreign governments and/or aid organizations play?
JW: The international community will have to play a very large role in Haiti for the immediate future. The humanitarian needs of the population are very acute at this time. The priority for the next several months will be to continue (and expedite) the delivery of basic humanitarian relief–food, medicine, tents, sanitation equipment, etc. The Haitian government simply does not have the capacity to provide this assistance. As the country transitions toward the reconstruction and rebuilding phase, it will be important to assist the Haitian government. Much of the country’s infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed. The ports, rails, roads, andbridges as well as much of the communication infrastructure, the health-care delivery system, and the education system will have to be rebuilt. These are very capital-intensive undertakings and will require substantial levels of external assistance. QA: Does this tragedy offer any opportunities for Haiti to emerge as a stronger country?
