Aid worker: ``I wish I could have 200 soldiers,''

[piedmont]

http://www.miamiherald.com/582/story/1431221.html

Crowds tense as deliveries slow to come
By TRENTON DANIEL
[e-mail]

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Relief workers struggled to get food to desperate quake victims Sunday in efforts marred by sporadic violence, even reports of gunshots, as concerns about unrest grew.

snip

The trucks climbed hills and parked on a narrow street surrounded by crudely made tents. One truck parked on a steep incline. Three peacekeepers from Sri Lanka stood guard. The security presence was much smaller than others. A day before, a distribution in Cite Soleil had about 40 troops. ``I wish I could have 200 soldiers,'' Lopez-Chicheri said.

Hundreds formed and shadowed the vehicles, jostling and pushing to the edge of one truck. A woman lost her T-shirt. A father of three girls punched a man in the back. ``This is not ideal,'' WFP spokesman David Orr said. ``This is not what we'd want. Normally we'd look for an open ground.''

snip

Still, the delivery by the World Food Program on Sunday was calm overall. But it served as a reminder that the country appears on the verge of unrest.
As Haitians complain that food isn't reaching them fast enough, U.N. officials cite poor communication and rubble-strewn streets as hindrances.

The natural disaster had prompted relief workers to tap into supplies reserved for hurricane season. The World Food Program will run out of supplies in 15 days, said Kim Bolduc, deputy special representative for the U.N.'s mission. The U.N. is making a plea for $562 million.

[snagglepuss]

1. I don't understand why American troops aren't in the field since

many were flown in within the first few days. NYT reported that aid groups in fact were angry that troops for security were brought in before aid. Where are they?

[vadawg]

2. doing what needs to be done, they are securing the base of operations

and getting supply routes sorted, you dont roll it out until you have the numbers needed, think of it as any military operation you want to be able to control the area you are working in.. remember we are talking here about having to feed 3 million or so...