ABSTRACT
For Haitians, a significant challenge that remains is that of building a nation from the ruins of a state that did nothing but prey upon its people. Haiti continues to confront the deep and severe polarization and mistrust following decades—indeed generations—of misrule and abuse of power. Haiti is among a handful of countries worldwide where grassroots organizing for change has been pervasive. By September 1994, however, the signals and policies toward Haiti's coup leaders and de facto government had become more consistent, characterized by stronger economic sanctions, high-profile saber rattling, and preparation for a military intervention by a US-led force sanctioned by the UN. Haitians, particularly those accustomed to living within the protection of the predatory state, will have to somehow find ways of overcoming their fear of each other and of living together. They will have to recognize that improvements in the status of the majority can and should be beneficial to the minority as well.
