Haiti's earthquake lays bare woeful political and economic dysfunctions, but in the global disaster response, there is a chance to get aid right, writes CFR's Kara C. McDonald.

Haiti's horrific earthquake is a setback for the country's slowly improving development, says Edward Luck, vice president and director of studies at the International Peace Institute. While international efforts are important, especially in providing relief, over the long-term, Haiti's development must be driven by Haitians, he says.

Tracy Kidder's op-ed in the New York Times discusses Haiti's man-made vulnerability to natural disasters.

The Boston Globe's Paul Farmer and Brian Concannon point out that the inaguaration of a U.S. president committed to reversing "the failed policies of the past" provides an opportunity to build a stronger, more prosperous Haiti.

High food prices have swelled the number of people going hungry around the world. Food aid is also a culprit, say some experts.

On the annual occasion of World AIDS day, CFR health expert Laurie Garrett points to problems in tracking and addressing the disease.

An open letter from Amnesty International to the President of the Republic of Haiti, calling on his government to address the failure of successive governments to accompany Haiti’s international obligations with effective action in protecting and promoting human rights.

The election of René Préval as Haiti’s president earlier this year raised hopes the region’s poorest country was finally ready to move toward social and economic stability. But chronic concerns about gang violence and the UN commitment to Haiti have resurfaced again.

With nearly all the votes counted, frontrunner and crowd favorite René Préval wins only 48 percent of the vote in Haiti, forcing a March runoff and prompting violent protests that left at least one dead.

Haitians cast ballots in a chaotic February 7 election, the first since Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted two years ago. But it will take more than the restoration of democracy to cure Haiti's ills.

Haitians choose a president and legislature on February 7 in long-delayed elections seen as crucial in lifting the country out of poverty. The vote takes place during a time of high unemployment and rampant violence but credible polls could lead to much-needed foreign investment.