I agree that the real solution to disarmament lies in providing alternatives to life lived at the bottom. At a recent talk, Madeline Albright brought up the point that Hamas and Hezbollah thrive because they provide 'community service' to their 'constituents.' They're violent, yes, but they help you rebuild your house and make sure your kids get to school safely. Is it even possible that the Haitian government could side-step the gangs and go directly to the source of trouble--life in the slums? As Brian suggests, bring in education opportunities, incentives for small businesses and development, ngos. Instead of meeting the gangs head-on, undermine their power by empowering the people they are trying to control (especially women!).