 |
|
|
 Editorials | October 2007 
Investing in Mexico's War
 Dallas News
go to original
| | Stability to the South Pays Off in the North |
The traditional time for Mexican presidents to brag about success is early in the administration, long before reality has overtaken the illusion of progress. But in the case of President Felipe Calderón's first 10 months in office, there's genuine reason to believe his government's claim of headway against crime and corruption.
Mr. Calderón took office amid a street war in which drug gangs were turning cities into killing fields. Police chiefs, politicians and journalists were among the main targets of cartel assassins. Ripple effects of the lawlessness reached even into North Texas. Mr. Calderón took the controversial decision to send in the military, and early indicators suggest that this and other strategies are working.
The numbers are still horrifying. Gangland-style executions, according to federal police, were down to 195 per month in August compared with 319 in March. Nearly 140 police chiefs, federal agents or military officers have been so far killed this year. All along the border, serious crime is up – in some cases increasing by more than 20 percent a year. Even so, these statistics are an improvement over the drug-related crime levels Mr. Calderón inherited.
By arresting and extraditing top cartel leaders while rooting out corrupt police, Mr. Calderón is giving new hope to his people that their lives will not forever be consigned to fear. He is telling the noncorrupt among his police and military that they are not wasting their time being honest while their colleagues are accepting bribes.
This signifies an important and welcome change in the Mexican mindset. Washington was right to be skeptical before because evidence was lacking that Mexico was ready to confront its drug and corruption problems.
Now the proposal is before Congress to fund $1.4 billion in counter-narcotics programs for Mexico. It's a lot of money and worth scrutiny. But it's important that Congress encourage Mexico to build upon these early successes.
With cross-border tensions rising, particularly over illegal immigration, Washington needs to send strong signals that we value Mexico's stability and welfare. Moreover, the U.S. has a clear responsibility in this battle. We are the principal market for Mexican-transited drugs – and the principal source of the smuggled assault rifles and grenades fueling Mexico's drug wars.
A well-audited and closely monitored counter-narcotics aid package is the best way to crack down on this scourge and show Mexico that we're more than just the constantly complaining neighbor to the north. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us