Sr. Writer Tom Evans

On AMANPOUR. today, we examine Haiti’s history of poverty and government instability in the wake of the devastating earthquake. Will the aid efforts be just a temporary fix or might they provide long term promise for a country that has so much recent experience of natural disasters? We also update the story from Iran of the suspicious death of Dr Ramin Pourandarjani, who refused to sign death certificates at the prison in Tehran where he worked. Kahrizak prison has such an appalling record of human rights abuses that it was recently shut down by the Iranian government. The son of a powerful, pro-government politician was beaten to death there, prompting a rare official investigation into alleged abuses. The investigation though failed to report on the circumstances surrounding Dr. Pourandarjani’s death, which highlights the ongoing tug of war between the different factions within Iran’s government. Now here are some perspectives on some of the top stories today.

Tom Evans; Sr. Writer, AMANPOUR

HAITI – Will international aid reach survivors of Haiti’s earthquake before they start to vent their anger and frustration on the streets?

- reports of rising tension in Port-au-Prince, looting of some food warehouses, and even some Haitians forming barricades from bodies

- relief workers beginning to arrive, but big issue is getting supplies (water, food, medicine) to worst affected areas

- major problem is debris on the roads which is blocking the distribution of aid

QUESTION: When will heavy lifting equipment arrive in Port-au-Prince and when will it get on the ruined capital’s streets?

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Christiane – all ears for the feedback.

AMANPOUR. viewers commented on situations that felt as controversy to most. Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s exchange about security failures in the United States and the ongoing battle between Al Qaeda and the U.S. was thought to produce futile results.  Viewers thought that the “focus on stability in the Middle East” needed a more “holistic” approach for “a visible outcome.”  Additionally, the story of the Yemen Girl who chose not to wear a veil caused most to cheer in favor of her determination to “stand up for her own rights.”  Many felt she was a great example to follow, while wishing her some “needed protection” to continue living in Yemen danger-free due to the governmental and religious implications her actions could unravel.

Below, you will see some opinions from viewers like yourself. We would love to hear what you think.

Dear Christiane, I watched your program last night on the global water crisis. I am a water management engineer by trade without any particular preference for private or public provision.

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