The United States is taking the proper course toward the uprising in Haiti, given the long-standing tensions between the two countries, says a West Virginia University history professor.

The United States, in the Caribbean particularly, always has to consider that anything we do could make things worse,said Jason Parker, an assistant professor of U.S. foreign relations history.That is why we have been treading lightly, even at the risk of acting belatedly. In this case it has been the right thing to do.

Rebels demanding the ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide began seizing major Haitian cities in early February, launching a popular revolt against a leader whose popularity had fallen over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Aristide resigned Sunday as rebels closed in on the capital of Port-au-Prince and is now in exile.

U.S. Marines and French troops, meanwhile, have been deployed to the island nation to protect strategic sites.

At least 100 people have died in the uprising.

Parker said he is optimistic further bloodshed can be limited, given the presence of international troops and the fact that the rebels are not challenging the official next in line for the presidency, Supreme Court Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre .

Even though the process began extra-constitutionally, at least at this point it seems it will be resolved constitutionally,he said.

Haiti, a former slave colony, just celebrated 200 years as a nation and was the second territory after the United States to throw off the yolk of European rule, Parker said.

The nation, however, has suffered through more than 30 coups since its independence, he added. This instability has its roots in several unresolved issues, including slavery, poverty, occupation, colonialism and power struggles with its Dominican Republic neighbor.

There are also the intermittent interventions by America, Parker noted. The United States basically ruled the country from 1915-34 to protect its business and political interests in the region, then increased its investments there in the 1950s.

In 1994 U.S. troops intervened to return Aristide to power three years after a military coup overthrew his elected government.

Despite America’s past interventions in Haiti, Parker said he doubts Aristide’s claims that he stepped down after being abducted and threatened by U.S. troops.

It’s a good chance we gave him a frank, yet diplomatic ultimatum to leave, but I’m very suspicious of his claims that we kidnapped him,he said.

Parker is available to talk to the media about the situation in Haiti. His phone number is 304-293-2421 ext. 5230.