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Haiti's growing gang violence didn't come from nowhere. The government of former President Moise used gangs to shore up its political power, arming the gangs in the process. This article detail the interplay between the police, the gangs, and the government

Gasoline shortages, caused by a major gang boss, pressure Haiti's weak economy.

Haitians resort to participating in gangs due to extreme poverty.

Gang violence, particularly kidnappings and ransom demands, has become another threat to public safety in Haiti, along with natural disaster, political upheaval, and and crippling poverty. Now, gangs are targeting the church, as seen through the kidnapping of 17 American missionaries. The church has long been a pillar of support in Haiti throughout its impoverishment. Breaking this taboo is a sign of how bad the crime and violence has become.

A guest essay, naming Haiti the "kidnapping capital" of the world, and despite failed past interventions, invites international actors to assist the country in its humanitarian crisis, support Haitian law enforcement to combat the gangs, and prevent gang recruitment in marginalized communities, for example. "Until the Haitian government gets crime under control and brings the gangs to justice, the restoration of the constitutional order and the country's humanitarian and economic recovery will remain elusive."

Gangs have long held sway in the country, but their dominance has expanded in recent years and the government has been accused of using them as tools of repression.

An example of a low capacity, low autonomy country. Gangs, not the government, rule about half of Haiti's capital, blocking the ports and causing a fuel shortage that is pushing the country to the brink of collapse.

This is a demonstration of low capacity -- there's no governmental authority able to maintain order.

It seems like gang violence has become one of Haiti's greatest challenges among the natural disasters and political upheaval. Definitely agree it is a sign of a low-capacity country, that is unsurprising, however, given their president's assassination. Similar to Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela, who have all struggled with gang control of major portions of the country's territory. A common theme in this region of the world.

yup yup, thanks Sam, Anay and Ershai!

Rich Haitians have the resources to escape the gang violence of many major Haitian cities, while most live in poverty.

This article states that the region of Baghdad in Iraq has suffered frequent attacks involving car bombings, suicide bombings, shootings, and kidnappings that specifically target members of the Shiite community. Though no group or assailant has claimed responsibility for the attacks, it is highly suspected that they were perpetrated by the Islamic State as "a response to the progress of Iraqi security forces". It is also suspected that the Islamic State hope to accumulate Sunni followers by targeting regions with Shiite-led government. With the threat of ISIS looming overhead (in addition to internal gangs and extremist groups, such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq), the Iraqi Interior Ministry has vowed to "have more discipline on the streets". Additionally, in response to the on-going violence, it has been reported that the US, France, and Britain are conducting 6 airstrikes in Iraq on Monday.

In Athens, members of the neo-Nazi political party Golden Dawn are undergoing a trial for their alleged involvement in criminal gang activity. Many of the members have already been convicted of crimes and now the public is just waiting to see the sentencing results. Given that this hateful party has been able operate for such a long time, their conviction shows that Greece and their democracy no longer tolerate corruption or violence.

In total, 400 Mawozo, a Haitian gang, kidnapped twelve adults and five children. The U.S. is working to get them out, and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. and other countries need to invest and aid Haiti in general.

UN envoy claims that Haiti's economic and political crisis has lead to a humanitarian crisis. Food aid warehouses are being attacked, which is destabilizing the nations food security. There is an increase in the rates of gang violence, as well as protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.