Biden’s Haiti Envoy Savages ‘Deeply Flawed’ Approach
A former special envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, has placed the blame on former President Joe Biden for the current woes afflicting the Caribbean nation. Foote served as special envoy to Haiti in 2021 but resigned in protest over what he viewed as the administration’s failed approach of supporting unpopular and unelected leaders.
Foote criticized the Biden administration for backing the then-unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry solely for his loyalty, despite questions about how Henry came to power. He argued that the U.S. has a history of supporting governments in Haiti that do not represent the will of the Haitian people.
Foote, who has been involved with Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake, believes that the country has descended into near-total collapse. He pointed to a recent U.N. report that revealed over 1 million people have been displaced due to gang violence in Haiti, with 85% of the capital under gang control.
Foote claimed that he never met Biden while serving as envoy, suggesting that Biden had deteriorated to the point where he was shielded from meeting people. Instead, he alleged that decisions regarding Haiti were made by Victoria Nuland and U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison.
Foote suggested that Biden’s approach to Haiti was shaped by a remark allegedly made by Biden in 1994, indicating that Haiti’s fate did not matter much to U.S. interests. He criticized the administration for its lack of a clear strategy in dealing with the crisis in Haiti.
The Biden administration committed around $600 million to fund an international security force composed of personnel from various countries. However, Foote viewed this strategy as ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money. He recommended sending U.S. special forces personnel to train an elite anti-gang unit in Haiti and reestablishing a signals intelligence program to monitor gang communication.
Jack Brewer, a former NFL player and founder of a foundation in Haiti, echoed Foote’s assessment, highlighting the dire situation in the country. He emphasized the need for cultural change within Haiti to address issues of corruption and lawlessness.
In conclusion, the situation in Haiti remains dire, with escalating violence and instability. The criticisms leveled by Foote and Brewer underscore the challenges facing the country and the need for a comprehensive and effective approach to address the crisis. The international community, including the U.S., must work together to support Haiti in its time of need.
