Press Action ::: Robert Novak’s 'Freedom Fighters'

Friday, March 26, 2004

Robert Novak’s 'Freedom Fighters'

Editor
The Washington Post

Dear Editor:

Robert D. Novak passionately writes ("Haiti After Aristide” Washington Post, March 25th) that Haiti’s new Prime Minister Gerard Latortue has designated the rebels who overthrew President Aristide as “freedom fighters.” Novak concurs with Latorture’s declaration that “They are not thugs.” It would, however, have been useful if there was a bit of fact-checking before writing about the motley mix of coup plotters, convicts, and gangsters, including the notorious Guy Philippe, who has created a favorable impression upon prime minister Latortue and columnist Novak. Fortunately the Washington Post’s reporter DeNeen L. Brown ("‘Political Rapes’ of 1991 Still Haunt Haitian Democracy Activists” Washington Post, Sunday, March 21, 2004; Page A18) unearthed that “Among the rebel leaders who contributed to Aristide’s departure into exile the second time, on Feb. 29, were Guy Philippe, a onetime member of the army who has previously been charged with plotting against the government, and Louis Jodel Chamblain, another former leader of FRAPH, convicted of murder and human rights abuses.”

In this context it is surely worth recalling that not too long ago people like Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and his companions were also hailed as “freedom fighters” when their terror services were deemed useful.

Sincerely,

Tanweer Akram

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