Aristide's term has ended and, barred by Haitian law from seeking another term, he has handed over power to an elected successor. Still, the U.N. Security Council is about to approve another extension. The Clinton administration says U.N. troops still are needed to professionalize Haiti's police force. Critics, including Aristide, insist the real motive is to force the impoverished country to accept an austere economic program. There probably is a grain of truth in both explanations.
Crime is rampant in Haiti.
If civilian police are not able to provide security, soldiers will have to do the job - and, one theory holds, that could be the first step toward a new military dictatorship. A healthy economy is needed to stabilize Haiti politically - and to avoid another wave of ''boat people'' sailing toward Florida. The austerity plan presumably would revive the economy, but only after some short-term pain. Aristide, a socialist and a demagogue, wants no part of economic sacrifice. This is not the first time Haitians have resisted foreign occupation.