U.N. Puts Bill Clinton in Charge of Haiti Aid

The former president will oversee international aid in Haiti at the request of the United Nations. The U.N. effort has struggled after losing nearly 100 personnel, including the mission chief, to the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. Clinton was chosen for his fundraising abilities as much as his administrative touch.

Some in the international community, notably the French, were already miffed that relief efforts were dominated by the United States military. Now the face of the international effort will not only be that of an American, but an American president. —PZS

Reuters via Washington Post:

The former president would coordinate the work of U.N. agencies, government donors, private investors and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations said.

Several diplomats said Clinton had strong backing from U.N. member states and was the right person for the job because he can combine his U.N. authority with his experience and connections in the U.S. government.

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