Getting accurate information on what's shaking in Haiti is very difficult indeed. Some clues from reuters ("The government blames the opposition for the violence, and says it represents a small mulatto elite opposed to rule by the black majority." and "These guys have heavy weapons, weapons that even the police don't have," said Guy Delva, secretary general of the Association of Haitian Journalists.") but little substance really. Far away place of which we know little? There is, however, this prescient article on Haiti from Zmag, last March;

"What seems to be clear is that the United States government is playing the same game as in Iraq - pushing for "regime change" in Haiti. Their strategy includes a massive disinformation campaign in U.S. media, an embargo on desperately needed foreign aid to Haiti, and direct support for violent elements, including former military officers and Duvalierists, who openly seek the overthrow of President Aristide. What is more surprising is Canada's role...."

[....]

"Every Haitian baby knows the game Bush is playing." The game he's playing in Haiti is "low intensity warfare."

[....]

"Recently, independent journalists and neutral political leaders, like Ben Dupuy of the respected Haiti Progres, have pointed to evidence that some opposition elements are preparing a coup d'etat. Since these groups are financed by U.S. interests, they must believe the U.S. would tacitly support such action. It means the U.S. government blocks $500 million in international aid (for water, health, education and roads) depriving the state of sixty percent of its budget."

[....]

"There are indications things are getting worse - as the US blocks aid, as corporations refuse to invest, as the elite removes its money from banks to create panic. Unemployment remains at 60%. Prices for basic foods and gas are skyrocketing. The national currency (the gourde) has plummeted from 15 to 45 to the U.S. dollar. The government gets the blame for this, though it is part of a world-wide economic disaster. (The peso in neighboring Dominican Republic has also dipped drastically.)"

[....]

"Although claims are made that journalists are unable to function freely in Haiti because of political violence, there are far more daily and weekly newspapers and strident, popular radio stations than one could imagine in the US or Canada. Many of them are shrill critics of the government. In media financed by elite business interests, there are constant cries for the overthrow of the government - something that would never be allowed by Washington, and probably not by Ottawa."