Should Haiti kick out former dictator Duvalier?

Haiti has detained former "president-for-life" Jean-Claude Duvalier after his surprise return from exile. What should the authorities do next?

Best Opinion:  LA Times, Miami Herald, Independent

Haitian police detained former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier on Tuesday, though it remains unclear whether he was formally arrested or merely taken into custody for questioning about human rights abuses and embezzlement that occurred under his rule in the '70s and '80s. Duvalier made a surprise return to the Caribbean nation on Sunday after nearly 25 years in exile, saying that he was moved by the suffering caused by last year's earthquake and that he "came to help." What should the Haitian government do with him? (Watch a Russia Today report about Duvalier's return)

Haiti should give Duvalier the boot: The dictator known as "Baby Doc" stole millions from his impoverished people, say the editors of the Los Angeles Times. Haiti needs international aid to rebuild, and letting such a notorious "kleptocrat" stay in the country would send a terrible message to donors looking for accountability. The authorities should "escort the former president to the Port-au-Prince airport and buy him a seat — economy class — back to France."
"Send 'Baby Doc' packing"

Jailing Duvalier could help Haiti heal: Duvalier "stands accused of a multiplicity of crimes," say the editors of The Miami Herald, including "extortion, theft of government funds, unlawful execution, torture, crimes against humanity and so forth." Haitian President René Préval once said Duvalier would face justice for the deaths of thousands of his countrymen if he returned. "Now is the time to make good on that promise."
"Return of the dictator"

Duvalier should just leave on his own: Jean-Claude Duvalier's government committed "systematic human rights violations," says The Independent in an editorial, as did that of his father, physician-turned-dictator Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier." Some Haitians want "Baby Doc" back; rivals want him thrown in prison. But such "polarization" is the "last thing" Haiti needs as it tries to rebuild — and contends with a cholera outbreak and a botched presidential election at the same time. Duvalier should "go back to France." Haiti has enough trouble already.
"A broken nation's toxic import"

 

Haiti, one year later: Why has rebuilding been so slow?

On the anniversary of Haiti's deadly Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake, the recovery is only beginning

The normally bustling streets of Haiti's capital fell silent on Wednesday, as Haitians stopped to commemorate the anniversary of last year's devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake, which, according to new government estimates, killed more than 316,000 people. There... More

Wyclef Jean's failed presidential bid: The fallout

Haitian officials say the hip-hop star is ineligible to run for president. Is this a victory or a defeat for democracy?

Haiti's election board has ruled that hip-hop star Wyclef Jean is ineligible to run for president in his earthquake-ravaged homeland, a decision some worried could spark protests from his mostly young supporters. Jean had said late Friday that, with a "heavy heart... More

Could 'President Wyclef Jean' turn Haiti around?

The hip-hop star announces his candidacy, but critics say a celebrity president isn't what the earthquake-ravaged country needs

Hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean has confirmed plans to run for president in his native Haiti, saying he feels compelled to help his homeland recover from the Jan. 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people. Jean has no political experience and his candidacy... More

Wyclef Jean: Haiti's next president?

The Haitian-born pop star is considering a run for president. Is that what his earthquake-ravaged homeland needs?

Singer Wyclef Jean is reportedly considering running for president in his native Haiti. Jean's family says he hasn't yet decided whether to declare his candidacy, but that the activist and former Fugees frontman's "commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless... More

Why did George W. Bush wipe his hand on Clinton's shirt?

After shaking a wellwisher's hand during his trip to Haiti, George W. Bush appears to wipe off on Bill Clinton's shirt. Cue the speculation

A goodwill visit of former Presidents Clinton and Bush to earthquake-stricken Haiti is making headlines for the wrong reasons. As captured on video (see below), Bush shakes the hand of someone in the crowd, then appears to wipe his hand on Clinton's shirt. Bush... More