More on Haiti

A few more articles, from various perspectives, on 'disaster capitalism' in Haiti. And since this is a Sunday, a link to Devin's review of Badiou and Zizek's Philosophy in the Present.

Peter Hallward on US Imperialism:

Most credible journalists have emphasised the remarkable levels of calm and solidarity in the midst of this catastrophe, but the UN and the US emphasise the dangers of looting and rioting. They talk about the need to avoid another “Somalia”.

Very soon this starts to look like a self-fulfilling prophecy. And the more desperate things get, the more likely it is that the whole reconstruction effort will unfold as a military operation, with UN officials and American commanders – rather than the Haitian people – in charge.

Jeb Sprague, on Haiti's Classquake at Counterpunch.

Benjamin Dangl, on how corporations and mercenaries are viewing the disaster. He takes an example pointed out by Naomi Klein about the Heritage Foundation, which as

"one of the leading advocates of exploiting disasters to push through their unpopular pro-corporate policies," issued a statement on its website after the earthquake hit: "In addition to providing immediate humanitarian assistance, the U.S. response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti earthquake offers opportunities to re-shape Haiti's long-dysfunctional government and economy as well as to improve the public image of the United States in the region."

And some youtube: