Ep 5. Battle for Haiti

In the fifth episode of Frontline's 29th season, titled "Battle for Haiti," the documentary series delves into the tumultuous political landscape of Haiti and the struggles its people have faced over the years. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has a long and complex history of political corruption, economic instability, and natural disasters.

The episode starts off by describing the country's history, from its colonial past to the present day. Haiti was once a slave colony of France and became the first independent black nation in 1804 after a successful slave revolt. However, Haiti has faced numerous challenges since then, including political instability, devastating natural disasters, and economic malaise.

The episode also discusses the rise of Jean-Claude Duvalier, also known as "Baby Doc," who became the president of Haiti in 1971 at the age of just 19. Duvalier's regime was marked by human rights abuses and corruption, and he was ultimately overthrown in 1986. Since then, Haiti has struggled to establish a stable and democratic government.

The episode then focuses on the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti, killing over 200,000 people and leaving millions homeless. The earthquake brought international attention to Haiti and sparked a massive aid effort from across the world. However, many Haitians were unhappy with how the aid was distributed and the way the international community responded to the disaster.

The documentary then delves into the political crisis that has been gripping Haiti recently. President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021, and the country has been thrown into chaos as rival political factions battle for control. The episode features interviews with Haitians on both sides of the political divide, who provide their opinions on the situation and what they want for their country's future.

Throughout the episode, Frontline provides a nuanced and thorough look at the many issues facing Haiti. The program focuses on the voices of Haitians themselves, rather than just providing a Western perspective on the country's struggles. The program explores the legacy of colonialism, the failings of both Haitian and foreign governments, and the difficult road ahead for Haiti.

Overall, "Battle for Haiti" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Frontline. It sheds light on the many complex issues facing Haiti and provides an essential look at a country that has long been neglected by the rest of the world. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in international politics and the struggles of developing countries.