Haiti: Getting the Hang of It

Despite huge problems, a newly molded Aristide has given his country what it never had before: hope

As workmen scrambled last week to apply a glistening coat of white paint to the outside of police headquarters in downtown Port-au-Prince, a tax official standing on a nearby street corner summed up the skepticism that hangs over Haiti like a noxious bouquet. "It will take more than white paint to change this country," he said. "It's all just dressing on the cake."

The remark might have been uncharitably cynical were the official not standing directly across from the National Palace. While that building's facade has also been given an impressive face-lift to honor the Oct. 15 return of President Jean-Bertrand...

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