| | |  Editorials | Opinions | August 2008 
Can Mexico Solve its Continuing Crime Problems?
 Carlos Luken - MexiData.info
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I often try to believe and transmit my firm premise that with all its problems and idiosyncrasies, Mexico is a country slowly inching its way toward a better lifestyle. I regularly take the position that one step forward no matter how slight, far surpasses any stubborn barrier. Trying to be positive I am constantly searching for the bright side in any situation; at times it’s hard but I believe that any country’s progressive evolution requires time and great patience from its citizens, also mature awareness that despite the seemingly hopeless drawbacks they repeatedly encounter, small advances are made.
But now I am faced with one crucial question: What happens when society’s problems are so overwhelming that it forces its citizens and institutions to lose their patience and faith?
Mexico’s widespread and irrepressible criminal atmosphere besieged and conquered society’s resolve; government and its institutions have made awkward structural adjustments, initiatives have been passed by congress, and the Mexican people have expressed themselves through mass demonstrations, complaints and incessant media reporting.
The results have been negligent, or at best pathetic. Government in general has lost its way and, by refusing to understand an evident crisis, it has endeavored to solve the situation by attempting to fix consequences instead of causes. Congress has made half hearted efforts to give the impression of their concern by dictating laws that are publicly discussed with more partisan objectives than regard for public safety.
The ironic result is the well-known “Mexican standoff.”
Urgent actions have been taken, only to be abandoned afterward when political consequences arise. Government institutions move one way then another, the greater public suffers the consequences; many have simply given up hope, trying to solve their problem they simply fall back into their own feeble safety cocoons; citizens are forced to change their lifestyles in the hope of not suffering the consequences of the criminal state of siege. Fearing the increasing wave of kidnappings and extortions, the affluent are leaving the country in droves in search for safer spots.
There is no doubt that Mexico’s main problem is insecurity. A week ago Mexico was designated as one of the world’s most dangerous places to live; the country had the dubious distinction of being named the earth’s kidnapping capital, surpassing Iraq’s belligerent atmosphere and India’s colossal population.
It now seems that, finally, Mexico’s “crime problem” has been acknowledged and escalated to DEFCON 5 status. During last week’s US-Mexico border governor’s conference in Los Angeles it was shown that the problem is now a true crisis, this as facts were presented to an unusual and impressive congregation in which all Mexican border governors were present, accompanied by several high ranking Mexican cabinet ministers, including Juan Camilo Mouriño, the country’s powerful Secretary of Government.
However as a Mexican I am deeply saddened to write this column.
My concern is to see that my country is continuing with its attempt to “package” the crime tsunami with other unrelated issues; although also important, the contingent’s presentation dealt with such topics as illegal immigration, speedier border crossings and arms contraband. This attitude only reduces focus on crime fighting and dilutes the crisis solution.
Mexican authorities must recognize that crime (drug cartel, organized or individually motivated) has overcome their ability to protect a large part of the population.
One of the main reasons for Mexico’s crime crisis is that it has a traditional and widespread corruption problem in its local and state police agencies. The dilemma was so evident that President Felipe Calderon deputized the Mexican Army into joining and coordinating with civilian police forces and authorities in their crime fighting actions. The measure worked well in some areas, but in others it’s constantly hindered by lack of coordination and infighting between military and civilian authorities. Infiltration and operation leaks to crime organizations prompted many military commanders to disassociate from any coordination and act on their own; when this happens, results are generally swift, tough and encouraging.
It's evident that the Calderon government is genuinely concerned for the population’s safety. But what is also obvious is that gradual change won't work. The army’s intervention is effective but it is constantly fighting two rivals, criminals and corruption. Fighting a two front war is a strategic impracticality, more so when your known enemy is in your front and its fifth column allies are among your main body, or worse, at you rear guard or headquarters.
These are the facts. Is Mexico willing to face them and pay the price to act accordingly? That's the question.
Carlos Luken, a MexiData.info columnist, is a Mexico-based businessman and consultant. |
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