Civil unrest has increased in this long-troubled land as students and others opposed to the government have staged demonstrations around the country. Some have turned violent. Large protests occurred in Port-au-Prince, Gonaives, Cap Haitien, Petit Goave and Jacmel. The U.S. Embassy closed Dec. 12 for security reasons and may close again if conditions dictate or to assess its “security posture.” Some international organizations have reduced their staffs as a result of the deteriorating security situation. Americans should defer nonessential travel to Haiti at this time.
