Changes

Diplomatic relations, always strained, may force donor countries to tread carefully with relief efforts. [[President Obama]]'s initial statement sounds like a man walking on eggs:

Diplomatic relations, always strained, may force donor countries to tread carefully with relief efforts. [[President Obama]]'s initial statement sounds like a man walking on eggs:

:Officials said Obama told them to start preparing '''in case humanitarian assistance was needed'''.

:Officials said Obama told them to start preparing '''in case humanitarian assistance was needed'''. [http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hV0B6fLLw-0m3nvz7lOc9is0M2tA]

Of course, [[humanitarian assistance]] is needed; it's just that the Haitian government has to ask for it (or at least, be willing to accept it). Last time, when a hurricane caused devestating mudslides, the Haitian government was more concerned with maintaining its [[sovereignty]] than with getting [[fresh water]] to disaster victims (see also [[tsunami relief]]).  

Of course, [[humanitarian assistance]] is needed; it's just that the Haitian government has to ask for it (or at least, be willing to accept it). Last time, when a hurricane caused devestating mudslides, the Haitian government was more concerned with maintaining its [[sovereignty]] than with getting [[fresh water]] to disaster victims (see also [[tsunami relief]]).