Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Latin American Herald Tribune - Two Hurt in Grenade Attack in Mexico
What: Two Hurt in Grenade Attack in Mexico
Where: municipal government offices in the northern border city of Matamoros, Mexico [Brownsville, Texas area]
When: Early mid-morning on 29Sep10
Who and Why: Not clearly stated, but believed to be because of drug cartel activity.
Other: Article reports, "More than 28,000 people have died in drug-related violence since President Felipe Calderon declared war on Mexico’s cartels shortly after taking office in December 2006.This year’s death toll has already topped 7,000. EFE"
source: Latin American Herald Tribune - Two Hurt in Grenade Attack in Mexico
Where: municipal government offices in the northern border city of Matamoros, Mexico [Brownsville, Texas area]
When: Early mid-morning on 29Sep10
Who and Why: Not clearly stated, but believed to be because of drug cartel activity.
Other: Article reports, "More than 28,000 people have died in drug-related violence since President Felipe Calderon declared war on Mexico’s cartels shortly after taking office in December 2006.This year’s death toll has already topped 7,000. EFE"
source: Latin American Herald Tribune - Two Hurt in Grenade Attack in Mexico
General Barry McCaffrey Warns Obama Administration in 2008. Death Rate Appears to Have Quadrupled.
Retired Army General Barry McCaffrey warned the incoming Obama administration in 2008 that instability in Mexico “fundamentally threaten US national security”.
As you read the report, look at the numbers, particularly the numbers of those killed. Look at the level of penetration the cartels achieved during this period as well...the killing and corruption of government leaders... Mexico was dealing with an insurgency then.
After reading this report, then ask yourself if the situation has gotten worse. Here's one metric for example according to the General's report; from 2006 to December 2008 there were 7000 murders. Estimates today have the murder rate up to 27,000-28,000. If true and accurate, this means the murders have quadrupled just within the last 2 years.
Ask yourself what the US is doing to prevent bleed-over into the US.
It appears right that Clinton called the situation in Mexico is morphing into an insurgency.
Also, Calderon IS NOT WINNING the war agains the cartels.
It appears right that Clinton called the situation in Mexico is morphing into an insurgency.
Also, Calderon IS NOT WINNING the war agains the cartels.
Here’s an excerpt from the report for the incoming Obama Administration.
“The incoming Obama Administration must immediately focus on the dangerous and worsening problems in Mexico, which fundamentally threaten US national security. Before the next eight years are past – the violent, warring collection of criminal drug cartels could overwhelm the institutions of the state and establish de facto control over broad regions of northern Mexico.”
Someone's Editorial on Mexico: "The War Next Door"
Click on the source link to the full editorial below; it captures some interesting points.
-The author compares the threat in Mexico with Al Qaida in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan...beheadings, killing of local leaders...etc, all while the DC beltway watches...US actions seem virtually carefree.
-The author recognizes the cartel is not simply a police problem, but growing into a national problem [Mexican].
-"President Obama can't even be bothered to visit the borderlands in Arizona, where, for the first time in history, U.S. control and sovereignty over our own territory is being ceded to foreign cartels."
-"The Los Angeles Police Department even warns that five cartels have set up logistics operations in America's second-largest city."
- US commitment to the fight is in the form of "400" million dollars a year, while the cartels bring in billions of dollars of year. It should be a national security crisis of the highest priority, right?
-Additionally, the US is giving Mexico the money provided it follows certain restrictions and rules.
-Article notes the US does little to curtail the aquisition and use of drugs in our country.
-Cartels ARE killing innocents; " The latest outrage was the murder of a 6-year-old girl. She was murdered as she slept in her bed Monday, shot point-blank in the face by a cartel gunman."
-"Over 230,000 residents of Juarez, population 1.3 million, have fled for their lives from cartels, a citizens group reported last week, with 54% of them gone to El Paso."
-"Last week, the U.S. granted the first threatened Mexican journalist asylum from Juarez."
-"The Mexican government reported that at least 11 mayors of Mexican towns have moved to the U.S. out of fear for their safety, six from the state of Tamaulipas across the Texas border."
-"Three years ago, about 50 Mexicans under threat from cartels were recommended for asylum. This year it's 176 - and rising."
-"Maybe the saddest sign of the state of this trouble is the fact that more Mexicans celebrated their country's bicentennial this year in El Paso and Los Angeles than in Juarez."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mexican Mayors Seek Refuge in U.S. After Another Assassination
Key take-aways from this article:
Article C AHN -
Source: Mexican Mayors Seek Refuge in U.S. After Another Assassination
- Mexico is so unsafe in some areas the leaders don't live there; they only work there during the day...they sleep on the American side of the border. This is clearly noted by Mexico's Secretary General.
- Some city leaders hide...don't even show up for work...
- Calderon does not run Mexico; the cartels do...Mexico is the North American version of Afghanistan...because like Afghanistan only a few areas are under government control.
- What does this say to the people?
- What example does this set for the people of Mexico?
- Who has the best control and influence over the People?
- Can you see why this is an insurgency?
- Can you see the cartels are subverting local governments and institutions?
Mexican Mayors Seek Refuge in U.S. After Another Assassination
by davidguide / September 28th, 2010
Tom Ramstack - AHN News Correspondent
Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico (AHN) - Another murder of a Mexican mayor on Monday is contributing to the security concerns of officials from towns near the U.S. border, who are now seeking refuge in the United States amid the ongoing drug war.
The body of Gustavo Sanchez Cervantes, mayor of the small town of Tancitaro in western Mexico, was found with his secretary in the back of his Ford pickup truck.
Both men were bound, gagged and suffered severe head wounds, apparently from having heavy rocks weighing as much as 44 pounds slammed into their skulls, an initial police investigation showed. The rocks were found nearby with blood stains on them.
Cervantes was the 11th Mexican mayor murdered so far this year, apparently at the hands of drug cartel assassins.
The same day the bodies were found, Mexico's General Secretary, Hugo Andres Araujo de la Torre, said during a press conference that the mayors of some border cities were staying in the United States and returning to their towns only to conduct business.
They "sleep" on the American side of the border but "they are fulfilling their duties in their towns," de la Torre said.
"Each one has his own security concerns and they make their own decisions on where to sleep but they work in their municipalities," de la Torre told the Mexican news media.
He said he did not have figures on how many Mexican mayors are seeking temporary refuge in the United States.
However, on other occasions, government officials have said the mayors of Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo cross the border almost daily to escape their own cities.
The mayors of small towns like Abasolo, Mendez, Jimenez and San Carlos have either disappeared from public or leave for weeks at a time, Mexican government officials have said.
"Conditions are not easy and in all cases of those authorities, who at times are absent because of conditions of insecurity, there is a town council that attends to the normal and regular business of each municipality," de la Torre said.
Other mayors from central Mexican states where drug violence is common have been seeking refuge in Victoria City, where the Mexican government has a large federal police and military presence.
He denied the drug cartel violence had made some parts of Mexico ungovernable.
Mexico's Interior Ministry issued a statement condemning the murders of Tancitaro's mayor and his secretary and offering sympathy to their families.
The statement also said government officials would monitor the investigation.
Police are investigating whether assassins from the Michoacan Family drug cartel, which is active in western Mexico, might have killed Cervantes and his secretary. Their bodies were discovered on a dirt road in a rural area outside of town.
Cervantes, originally a teacher, took over as the interim mayor of Tancitaro last December after the elected mayor and the city council resigned, saying intimidation by organized crime syndicates made it impossible to do their jobs.
One of Cervantes' first actions as mayor was to fire 60 municipal police officers suspected of corruption.
Another interim mayor was appointed to replace him after his death.
The persistent violence has torn the Mexican government between political leaders who want more U.S. assistance and others who say it would interfere with their sovereignty.
Diplomats from the Mexican and American governments said this week they are working on an agreement to replace the Merida Initiative, a joint security agreement that expired earlier this year. Under the initiative, the U.S. government gave Mexico $1.5 billion and technical assistance to help in their fight against drug cartels.
Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry official Benito Andion and U.S. Embassy representative John Feeley made their statements during a seminar at the Mexican university Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores of Monterrey.
Source: Mexican Mayors Seek Refuge in U.S. After Another Assassination
Monday, September 27, 2010
Cartel Bleed-Over into San Diego: Law Enforcement Sweep Surfaces Ties "Between Street Gangs and Drug Cartel"
Article notes gangs help the cartels smuggle people, money, weapons and drugs into the US.
This activity is causing increased competition amongst gangs who want to make money via cartel related activities.
Gangs are serving as "distribution points" for the cartels.
This is leading to increased gang violence in local neighborhoods.
Source: SD County Gang Sweep Reveals Cross-Border Connection By Ana Tintocalis - September 27, 2010
This activity is causing increased competition amongst gangs who want to make money via cartel related activities.
Gangs are serving as "distribution points" for the cartels.
This is leading to increased gang violence in local neighborhoods.
Source: SD County Gang Sweep Reveals Cross-Border Connection By Ana Tintocalis - September 27, 2010
Bolton: "Drug cartels taking over Mexican government"
Bolton: "Drug cartels taking over Mexican government"
John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN, stated the following regarding the situation in Mexico:
-He agrees with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's assessment that Mexico shares similarities with Colombia with respect to narco-terrorism and elements of insurgency.
-Bolton understands Calderon is in a "tricky position" in that there is a lot of pressure from Mexicans that he "appease the drug cartels" and allow them to continue their corruption of Mexican society.
Watch the video:
John Bolton: Drug cartels taking over Mexican government (video)
John Bolton, former US Ambassador to the UN, stated the following regarding the situation in Mexico:
-He agrees with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's assessment that Mexico shares similarities with Colombia with respect to narco-terrorism and elements of insurgency.
-Bolton understands Calderon is in a "tricky position" in that there is a lot of pressure from Mexicans that he "appease the drug cartels" and allow them to continue their corruption of Mexican society.
Watch the video:
Video identifies different forms of penetration the cartels are conducting to influence/takeover the Mexican Government:
-Cartels are penetrating the Mexican national governing bodies...once sworn in they are immune to prosecution. This allows them to influence the laws of the state.
-Cartels TTPs are identified with respect to what means they use to influence the media
-Other TTPs are identified....
John Bolton: Drug cartels taking over Mexican government (video)
Democracy In Mexico Dying - Another Mexican Mayor Killed - Indications of Insurgency Continue to Surface
Another Mexican Mayor, Gustavo Sanchez, was killed. He was the 11th mayor killed in 2010...the "third Mexican city leader to be attacked in the past five days". Sanchez served as intereim mayor beginning in late 2009 because the former mayor resigned due to pressures from local criminal groups.
Location: Uruapan; Michoacan State
Method of killing: Possible Stoning
Cartel targeting of public officials is on the rise in Mexico...indications of a growing insurgency continue to surface...possible insurgent goals appears to usurp local authorities to secure cartel logistics nodes...
For more info read: Mexican Mayor Becomes 11th City Chief Killed in 2010 as Drug Deaths Surge
Location: Uruapan; Michoacan State
Method of killing: Possible Stoning
Cartel targeting of public officials is on the rise in Mexico...indications of a growing insurgency continue to surface...possible insurgent goals appears to usurp local authorities to secure cartel logistics nodes...
For more info read: Mexican Mayor Becomes 11th City Chief Killed in 2010 as Drug Deaths Surge
Mexican Government In Denial: Read Hayden's Piece - DRUG CARTELS & US WEAPONS
I think this is a must read. The article was written by a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel who has a strong background in Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, particularly Latin America.
Here are a couple key points Hayden notes in this article:
1. The data set used by the US State Department that blaims the US for their illegal weapons problems are "skewed".
2. The article claims the Mexican government intentionally deceived the public into thinking that most of the weapons used by the cartels were from the US, when it actually appears that only 5% of the 30,000 weapons came from the US.
3. Weapons used by the cartels are being purchased on "the international market" from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Iran as well as other countries.
Read Mr Hayden's article in detail.
Here are a couple key points Hayden notes in this article:
1. The data set used by the US State Department that blaims the US for their illegal weapons problems are "skewed".
2. The article claims the Mexican government intentionally deceived the public into thinking that most of the weapons used by the cartels were from the US, when it actually appears that only 5% of the 30,000 weapons came from the US.
3. Weapons used by the cartels are being purchased on "the international market" from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Iran as well as other countries.
Read Mr Hayden's article in detail.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Time to Be Fair and Balanced: Obama Does Recognize the Cartel Problem
Out of curiousity I researched the whitehouse website for any updates regarding the US government's perceptions regarding the situation in Mexico. That said, the piece below was posted...not widely noted...but posted regardless. The posting appeared on 16 September 10.
To be fair, I thought I would post this for all to see. While I do not necessarily agree with the perception of no, to slow, US response to the problem it [the problem] remains on his mind.
It can be challenging sifting through the media hype for accurate information, but such is research and such is todays media world.
-----
To be fair, I thought I would post this for all to see. While I do not necessarily agree with the perception of no, to slow, US response to the problem it [the problem] remains on his mind.
It can be challenging sifting through the media hype for accurate information, but such is research and such is todays media world.
-----
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2010
Presidential Memorandum--Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries
September 15, 2010
Presidential Determination
No. 2010-16
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT: Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2011
Pursuant to section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228)(FRAA), I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
A country's presence on the Majors List is not necessarily an adverse reflection of its government's counternarcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United States. Consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or drug producing country set forth in section 481(e)(2) and (5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), one of the reasons that major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced despite the concerned government's most assiduous enforcement measures.
Pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the FRAA, I hereby designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and take the measures set forth in section 489(a)(1) of the FAA. Accompanying this report are justifications for the determinations on Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, as required by section 706(2)(B).
I have also determined, in accordance with provisions of section 706(3)(A) of the FRAA, that continued support for bilateral programs in Bolivia and limited programs in Venezuela are vital to the national interests of the United States.
Afghanistan continues to be the world's largest producer of opium poppies and a major source of heroin. The United States Government recognized the Government of Afghanistan's ongoing commitment to combat narcotics and the range of initiatives undertaken in this regard under the auspices of the government of President Karzai. A noteworthy achievement is the reduction of opium poppy cultivation from 157,000 hectares in 2008, to 131,000 hectares in 2009, a 17 percent decline.
The connections between opium production, the resulting narcotics trade, corruption, and the insurgency continue to be among the most challenging obstacles to reducing the drug threat in Afghanistan. Poppy cultivation remains largely confined to provinces in the south and west where security problems greatly impede counternarcotics efforts. Nearly all significant poppy cultivation occurs in insecure areas with active insurgent elements, although progress has been made in stabilizing these regions. Nevertheless, the country must demonstrate even greater political will and programmatic effort to combat opium trafficking and production nationwide.
Pakistan is a major transit country for opiates and hashish for markets around the world, especially for narcotics originating in Afghanistan. Pakistan also is a major transit country for precursor chemicals illegally smuggled to Afghanistan where they are used to process heroin.
Pakistan is still challenged by extremist groups who have power over parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, particularly where most of Pakistan's poppy is grown. These extremist groups are also found in settled areas of the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province such as its capital, Peshawar, and the Swat Valley. The Government of Pakistan is forced to divert law enforcement resources and equipment from poppy eradication efforts to address these incursions.
The Government of Pakistan remains concerned about opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan and is working to return to opium poppy-free status soon. A joint U.S.-Pakistan survey in 2009 estimated that 1,779 hectares of opium poppies were under cultivation in Pakistan, approximately 130 hectares less than was under cultivation in the country during the previous year.
The range of U.S.-Pakistan initiatives, which include programs to defeat the insurgency on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and prevent terrorist safe-havens, have the spin-off effect of helping Pakistan to fortify its land borders and seacoast against drug trafficking and terrorists, support expanded regional cooperation, and encourages Pakistan to return to opium poppy-free status. United States Government support focuses especially on upgrading the institutional capacity of Pakistan's law enforcement agencies.
Although Brazil no longer qualifies as a major drug transit country to the United States, narcotics control in this country which occupies such a large landmass in the hemisphere is of serious concern. Dynamic drug trafficking trends from Brazil are directed primarily at other countries, especially to and through Africa, and onward to Europe. For example, seizures of maritime vessels that departed Brazil in 2009, primarily to European destinations, recorded an unprecedented 2.2 metric tons of cocaine. With its vast terrain and shared borders with so many other countries, Brazil faces unique challenges in terms of patrolling so much illegal land, air, and sea activity. Brazil is seeking to reduce its growing domestic drug use at home, especially the use of cocaine, cocaine base, and crack cocaine, primarily from Bolivia; and marijuana. The United States recognizes Brazil's emergence as a forward-leaning regional leader for cooperation among neighboring states to thwart drug production, trafficking, and use. Like all hemispheric countries, it is important for Brazil to place narcotics and crime control at the top of its national security agenda to thwart these negative influences.
As Mexico and Colombia continue to apply pressure on drug traffickers, the countries of Central America are increasingly targeted for trafficking of cocaine and other drugs primarily destined for the United States. This growing problem resulted in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua meeting the threshold for inclusion in the Majors List. Panama and Guatemala, already on the Majors List, are especially vulnerable because of their geographic location. Enhanced and effective counternarcotics measures are needed to thwart smugglers from moving illegal drugs through the seven countries on the isthmus, as well as the waters along the region's long Atlantic and Pacific coastlines between the coca producing Andes to the south and determined and flexible criminal trafficking organizations based in Mexico. United States Government support through the Central American Regional Security Initiative provides Central American countries with the opportunity to boost their rule of law institutions and promote greater regional law enforcement cooperation to counter drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
United States and international data show a continued strengthening of illegal drug trafficking between Latin America and West Africa, especially via Brazil and Venezuela, with a considerable portion of illegal product destined for Europe. Nigeria, a worldwide drug trafficking focal point, makes counternarcotics a top national security concern for the country, but Nigeria's efforts are often thwarted by lack of resources, institutional capability, and corruption. A number of U.S. projects in Nigeria and other West African countries are aimed at building limited capacity to investigate and prosecute organized drug traffickers.
Drug traffickers continue to move significant quantities of cocaine through West Africa. For example, Gambian officials recently discovered over two tons of cocaine being stockpiled in the country. The crash of a Boeing 727 in Mali, which was believed to be carrying cocaine, points to new trafficking methods being used in the region. Drug trafficking remains a threat to security, good governance, and increasingly, public health in West Africa. Many countries in the region have weak criminal justice institutions and are vulnerable to corruption. The facilitation of drug trafficking by government officials continues to be a significant challenge, especially in Guinea-Bissau. The United States is encouraged that some countries are actively investigating illegal drug traffickers. Liberia, for example, worked closely with the United States to arrest suspects and deliver them into U.S. custody to stand trial.
The assistance of international donors and organizations to West African governments to improve their counternarcotics capability is increasingly urgent. The United States fully supports all efforts to promote, preserve, and protect the stability and positive growth of countries in West Africa.
The United States continues to maintain a strong and productive law enforcement relationship with Canada. Both countries are making significant efforts to disrupt the two-way flow of drugs, bulk currency, and other contraband. Canadian criminal groups continue to produce large quantities of MDMA (ecstasy) and high-potency marijuana that is trafficked to the United States. The frequent mixing of methamphetamine and other unknown substances into pills marketed as MDMA by Canada-based criminal groups poses an emerging public health risk in the United States, as well as in Canada.
The stealth with which both natural and synthetic drugs including marijuana, MDMA, and methamphetamine are produced in Canada and trafficked to the United States, makes it extremely difficult to measure the overall impact of such transshipments from this shared border country, although U.S. law enforcement agencies record considerable seizures of these substances from Canada.
At the same time, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that of the amount of MDMA seized in the United States, about half was traced to Canada as its country of origin in 2009.
You are hereby authorized and directed to submit this determination under section 706 of the FRAA, transmit it to the Congress, and publish it in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2010
Presidential Memorandum--Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries
September 15, 2010
Presidential Determination
No. 2010-16
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT: Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2011
Pursuant to section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228)(FRAA), I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
A country's presence on the Majors List is not necessarily an adverse reflection of its government's counternarcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United States. Consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or drug producing country set forth in section 481(e)(2) and (5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), one of the reasons that major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced despite the concerned government's most assiduous enforcement measures.
Pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the FRAA, I hereby designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and take the measures set forth in section 489(a)(1) of the FAA. Accompanying this report are justifications for the determinations on Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, as required by section 706(2)(B).
I have also determined, in accordance with provisions of section 706(3)(A) of the FRAA, that continued support for bilateral programs in Bolivia and limited programs in Venezuela are vital to the national interests of the United States.
Afghanistan continues to be the world's largest producer of opium poppies and a major source of heroin. The United States Government recognized the Government of Afghanistan's ongoing commitment to combat narcotics and the range of initiatives undertaken in this regard under the auspices of the government of President Karzai. A noteworthy achievement is the reduction of opium poppy cultivation from 157,000 hectares in 2008, to 131,000 hectares in 2009, a 17 percent decline.
The connections between opium production, the resulting narcotics trade, corruption, and the insurgency continue to be among the most challenging obstacles to reducing the drug threat in Afghanistan. Poppy cultivation remains largely confined to provinces in the south and west where security problems greatly impede counternarcotics efforts. Nearly all significant poppy cultivation occurs in insecure areas with active insurgent elements, although progress has been made in stabilizing these regions. Nevertheless, the country must demonstrate even greater political will and programmatic effort to combat opium trafficking and production nationwide.
Pakistan is a major transit country for opiates and hashish for markets around the world, especially for narcotics originating in Afghanistan. Pakistan also is a major transit country for precursor chemicals illegally smuggled to Afghanistan where they are used to process heroin.
Pakistan is still challenged by extremist groups who have power over parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, particularly where most of Pakistan's poppy is grown. These extremist groups are also found in settled areas of the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province such as its capital, Peshawar, and the Swat Valley. The Government of Pakistan is forced to divert law enforcement resources and equipment from poppy eradication efforts to address these incursions.
The Government of Pakistan remains concerned about opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan and is working to return to opium poppy-free status soon. A joint U.S.-Pakistan survey in 2009 estimated that 1,779 hectares of opium poppies were under cultivation in Pakistan, approximately 130 hectares less than was under cultivation in the country during the previous year.
The range of U.S.-Pakistan initiatives, which include programs to defeat the insurgency on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and prevent terrorist safe-havens, have the spin-off effect of helping Pakistan to fortify its land borders and seacoast against drug trafficking and terrorists, support expanded regional cooperation, and encourages Pakistan to return to opium poppy-free status. United States Government support focuses especially on upgrading the institutional capacity of Pakistan's law enforcement agencies.
Although Brazil no longer qualifies as a major drug transit country to the United States, narcotics control in this country which occupies such a large landmass in the hemisphere is of serious concern. Dynamic drug trafficking trends from Brazil are directed primarily at other countries, especially to and through Africa, and onward to Europe. For example, seizures of maritime vessels that departed Brazil in 2009, primarily to European destinations, recorded an unprecedented 2.2 metric tons of cocaine. With its vast terrain and shared borders with so many other countries, Brazil faces unique challenges in terms of patrolling so much illegal land, air, and sea activity. Brazil is seeking to reduce its growing domestic drug use at home, especially the use of cocaine, cocaine base, and crack cocaine, primarily from Bolivia; and marijuana. The United States recognizes Brazil's emergence as a forward-leaning regional leader for cooperation among neighboring states to thwart drug production, trafficking, and use. Like all hemispheric countries, it is important for Brazil to place narcotics and crime control at the top of its national security agenda to thwart these negative influences.
As Mexico and Colombia continue to apply pressure on drug traffickers, the countries of Central America are increasingly targeted for trafficking of cocaine and other drugs primarily destined for the United States. This growing problem resulted in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua meeting the threshold for inclusion in the Majors List. Panama and Guatemala, already on the Majors List, are especially vulnerable because of their geographic location. Enhanced and effective counternarcotics measures are needed to thwart smugglers from moving illegal drugs through the seven countries on the isthmus, as well as the waters along the region's long Atlantic and Pacific coastlines between the coca producing Andes to the south and determined and flexible criminal trafficking organizations based in Mexico. United States Government support through the Central American Regional Security Initiative provides Central American countries with the opportunity to boost their rule of law institutions and promote greater regional law enforcement cooperation to counter drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
United States and international data show a continued strengthening of illegal drug trafficking between Latin America and West Africa, especially via Brazil and Venezuela, with a considerable portion of illegal product destined for Europe. Nigeria, a worldwide drug trafficking focal point, makes counternarcotics a top national security concern for the country, but Nigeria's efforts are often thwarted by lack of resources, institutional capability, and corruption. A number of U.S. projects in Nigeria and other West African countries are aimed at building limited capacity to investigate and prosecute organized drug traffickers.
Drug traffickers continue to move significant quantities of cocaine through West Africa. For example, Gambian officials recently discovered over two tons of cocaine being stockpiled in the country. The crash of a Boeing 727 in Mali, which was believed to be carrying cocaine, points to new trafficking methods being used in the region. Drug trafficking remains a threat to security, good governance, and increasingly, public health in West Africa. Many countries in the region have weak criminal justice institutions and are vulnerable to corruption. The facilitation of drug trafficking by government officials continues to be a significant challenge, especially in Guinea-Bissau. The United States is encouraged that some countries are actively investigating illegal drug traffickers. Liberia, for example, worked closely with the United States to arrest suspects and deliver them into U.S. custody to stand trial.
The assistance of international donors and organizations to West African governments to improve their counternarcotics capability is increasingly urgent. The United States fully supports all efforts to promote, preserve, and protect the stability and positive growth of countries in West Africa.
The United States continues to maintain a strong and productive law enforcement relationship with Canada. Both countries are making significant efforts to disrupt the two-way flow of drugs, bulk currency, and other contraband. Canadian criminal groups continue to produce large quantities of MDMA (ecstasy) and high-potency marijuana that is trafficked to the United States. The frequent mixing of methamphetamine and other unknown substances into pills marketed as MDMA by Canada-based criminal groups poses an emerging public health risk in the United States, as well as in Canada.
The stealth with which both natural and synthetic drugs including marijuana, MDMA, and methamphetamine are produced in Canada and trafficked to the United States, makes it extremely difficult to measure the overall impact of such transshipments from this shared border country, although U.S. law enforcement agencies record considerable seizures of these substances from Canada.
At the same time, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that of the amount of MDMA seized in the United States, about half was traced to Canada as its country of origin in 2009.
You are hereby authorized and directed to submit this determination under section 706 of the FRAA, transmit it to the Congress, and publish it in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA
Sinaloa Cartel Leader is Arrested - Margarito Soto Reyes, aka "The Tiger"
Margarito Soto Reyes, aka "The Tiger"
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| Source link - Purported weapons belonging to Sinaloa Cartel members; photo reportedly date May 2010 |
Keeping Perspective- Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy drug cartel shooting incident questioned - In The Aggregate – Arizona's political blogs
While it is responsible to report and maintain situational awareness regarding the concerns of cartel bleed-over into the US, it is also our responsibility to try and ensure the source information for the reporting is accurate.
The report below appears to claim that there may be some doubt regarding a drug cartel shooting incident. Forensics experts dispute claims made by the sheriff. Additionally, there appears to be some elements of the sheriff's report that do not make operational sense e.g. a lone sheriff pursuing cartel members.
The good thing about this incident is that due diligence is being conducted to ensure reporting is accurate. This is not to say the incident did not occur as reported, but the report raises additional questions.
Source: Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy drug cartel shooting incident questioned - In The Aggregate – Arizona's political blogs
The report below appears to claim that there may be some doubt regarding a drug cartel shooting incident. Forensics experts dispute claims made by the sheriff. Additionally, there appears to be some elements of the sheriff's report that do not make operational sense e.g. a lone sheriff pursuing cartel members.
The good thing about this incident is that due diligence is being conducted to ensure reporting is accurate. This is not to say the incident did not occur as reported, but the report raises additional questions.
Source: Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy drug cartel shooting incident questioned - In The Aggregate – Arizona's political blogs
First the Media, Now the Government nearing Capitulation- Mexico Considering to Legalize Drugs in General, NOT just Marijuana
The cartels appear to be succeeding in their efforts at forcing the government of Mexico to change its policy towards legalizing drugs.
This week we have the media surrendering to the cartels, now we have the Mexican government considering to surrender as well. Yes, this is the same government that claimed it is winning the war on drugs against the cartels. The same goverment that stated his country is not facing an insurgency.
If the laws change, what does this say to the good and honest Mexican people?
It will potentially say this...
1. Crime pays...put enough pressure on the government, be patient, and things will work out.
2. Laws are relative...forget morality, ethics, sense of justice, honor and fairness.
3. You can kill and not worry about being held accountable for your actions...eventually, everyone will forget about it.
4. Kill and make as much money as you can now, so when things are legal, you have a business to run in the open.
5. Once legal businesses are established, we now need to make stronger inroads into the US.
Awesome...
Where is the Secretary for Homeland Security on all this?
What is she telling the president and his cabinet regarding the potential implications this could have on US interests?
What does this say about Hillary Clinton's assessment regarding the MX situation morphing into an insurgency?
What does this say about the judgement and leadership of Obama? He obviously cannot see a national security concern when its sitting in front of him...and ignores his State Department advisor on the issue...even downplaying it and undermining her credibility.
visit the source: Mexico looks to legalisation as drug war murders hit 28,000
This week we have the media surrendering to the cartels, now we have the Mexican government considering to surrender as well. Yes, this is the same government that claimed it is winning the war on drugs against the cartels. The same goverment that stated his country is not facing an insurgency.
If the laws change, what does this say to the good and honest Mexican people?
It will potentially say this...
1. Crime pays...put enough pressure on the government, be patient, and things will work out.
2. Laws are relative...forget morality, ethics, sense of justice, honor and fairness.
3. You can kill and not worry about being held accountable for your actions...eventually, everyone will forget about it.
4. Kill and make as much money as you can now, so when things are legal, you have a business to run in the open.
5. Once legal businesses are established, we now need to make stronger inroads into the US.
Awesome...
Where is the Secretary for Homeland Security on all this?
What is she telling the president and his cabinet regarding the potential implications this could have on US interests?
What does this say about Hillary Clinton's assessment regarding the MX situation morphing into an insurgency?
What does this say about the judgement and leadership of Obama? He obviously cannot see a national security concern when its sitting in front of him...and ignores his State Department advisor on the issue...even downplaying it and undermining her credibility.
visit the source: Mexico looks to legalisation as drug war murders hit 28,000
Saturday, September 25, 2010
BLEED-OVER: Hunters cautioned about Mexican Drug Cartel | hunters, drug, mexican - Top Stories -
Even Hunters in the US have to worry about the cartels.
Agencies within Oregon are warning hunters that the Mexican Drug Cartels are growing marijuana inside US forests. Hunters are being warned to be wary of their surroundings...and to pay attention to the vegetation, irrigation materials, etc.
"Local and Federal law enforcement and Oregon Hunters Association are warning hunters about the marijuana growth sites in the forest operated by Mexican Drug Cartels."
"People who see anything unusual or suspicious in the forest are being asked to call local police."
What is the Department of Homeland Security doing about this?
Why is there not a larger US effort to disrupt these activities?
Why are we not hearing these issues discussed more widely in the news?
Note, this activity is not on the Mexican border, but near the US/Canadian border....this is penetration.
source: Hunters cautioned about Mexican Drug Cartel hunters, drug, mexican - Top Stories -
Agencies within Oregon are warning hunters that the Mexican Drug Cartels are growing marijuana inside US forests. Hunters are being warned to be wary of their surroundings...and to pay attention to the vegetation, irrigation materials, etc.
"Local and Federal law enforcement and Oregon Hunters Association are warning hunters about the marijuana growth sites in the forest operated by Mexican Drug Cartels."
"People who see anything unusual or suspicious in the forest are being asked to call local police."
What is the Department of Homeland Security doing about this?
Why is there not a larger US effort to disrupt these activities?
Why are we not hearing these issues discussed more widely in the news?
Note, this activity is not on the Mexican border, but near the US/Canadian border....this is penetration.
source: Hunters cautioned about Mexican Drug Cartel hunters, drug, mexican - Top Stories -
Another Mexican Politician Is Shot - Don't Worry, the Cartels Are Not Interested in Politics- It's Not An Insurgency Per Calderon and Obama
24 Sep 10
CNN reports a Mexican politician was reportedly shot approximately five times at a veterinary clinic in a Mexico Border town.
CNN notes that at least four mayors have been killed within the last 2 months.
Source
CNN reports a Mexican politician was reportedly shot approximately five times at a veterinary clinic in a Mexico Border town.
CNN notes that at least four mayors have been killed within the last 2 months.
Source
Something Mexico Needs to Copy
This add is too good to not copy, paste and share...Kudos to the Houston Police Department on their community policing effort. Houston's approach is spot-on. Source link is noted below.
"We Need Your Help
Helping WITHOUT Having to Call the Police
Everyone in the community can now participate with minimal effort ANONYMOUSLY.
Gangs are a community problem requiring a collaborative approach of intervention, prevention and suppression.
This website operates like a local / regional "crime watch" that allows residents and businesses to communicate about criminal gang activity impacting their neighborhoods and businesses on a real time basis in an effort to prevent the community from being further victimized. This public safety partnership allows the community to become additional eyes and ears to law enforcement to fight gang crime proactively.
Gang Members Hiding in the Cracks
Because gang members hide in the cracks of our community as they commit crimes in the Houston area, we need your help identifying them and their criminal activities. Our web site allows businesses and the public to report gang related incidents no matter how trivial on an anonymous basis; if that is your preference. Our website is for members of the community trying to keep their neighborhoods and families safe from gangs and related violence. Your participation is greatly appreciated and collectively can provide significant help is thwarting criminal gang activity.
Why Anonymous Reporting?
Law enforcement can be made aware of the incident / tip without having to involve you as a witness. All leads can be submitted on a confidential basis to the Houston Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Partners. All tips are anonymous unless the submitter provides their contact information. Your IP Address is not being logged and/or transmitted during submission.
Reasons Why People Don't Report Gang Violence & Related Crimes
They are not sure who they should report the incident to
They are not sure the information is of any significance
They don't want to be witnesses or get involved
They are apprehensive about reporting anything to the police
They are fearful about becoming a target of retaliation"
Visit Source
"We Need Your Help
Helping WITHOUT Having to Call the Police
Everyone in the community can now participate with minimal effort ANONYMOUSLY.
Gangs are a community problem requiring a collaborative approach of intervention, prevention and suppression.
This website operates like a local / regional "crime watch" that allows residents and businesses to communicate about criminal gang activity impacting their neighborhoods and businesses on a real time basis in an effort to prevent the community from being further victimized. This public safety partnership allows the community to become additional eyes and ears to law enforcement to fight gang crime proactively.
Gang Members Hiding in the Cracks
Because gang members hide in the cracks of our community as they commit crimes in the Houston area, we need your help identifying them and their criminal activities. Our web site allows businesses and the public to report gang related incidents no matter how trivial on an anonymous basis; if that is your preference. Our website is for members of the community trying to keep their neighborhoods and families safe from gangs and related violence. Your participation is greatly appreciated and collectively can provide significant help is thwarting criminal gang activity.
Why Anonymous Reporting?
Law enforcement can be made aware of the incident / tip without having to involve you as a witness. All leads can be submitted on a confidential basis to the Houston Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Partners. All tips are anonymous unless the submitter provides their contact information. Your IP Address is not being logged and/or transmitted during submission.
Reasons Why People Don't Report Gang Violence & Related Crimes
They are not sure who they should report the incident to
They are not sure the information is of any significance
They don't want to be witnesses or get involved
They are apprehensive about reporting anything to the police
They are fearful about becoming a target of retaliation"
Visit Source
A Need to Emulate Success - Increasing Community Policing
The first step in disrupting the psychological control gangs hold over the population begins with community policing efforts. The articles and links below just serve as one example.
Unfortunately for Mexicans, however, is the possibility of limited computer access and crooked police, but the concept still shows promise.
On a related segue, gangs affiliated with the Mexican cartels are noted on the site.
"HPD announces new anti-gang effort, website Tell a friend by Keith Loria published September 23, 2010 01:10pm
...
Unfortunately for Mexicans, however, is the possibility of limited computer access and crooked police, but the concept still shows promise.
On a related segue, gangs affiliated with the Mexican cartels are noted on the site.
"HPD announces new anti-gang effort, website Tell a friend by Keith Loria published September 23, 2010 01:10pm
Police officials gather to announce new gang initiative.
The Houston Police Department has created an anti-gang website in a new effort to help stop gang violence."
...
The website, www.stophoustongangs.org, can be used to inform and educate the public about criminal gangs and provide a way for residents to report anonymous tips about potential criminal gang activity, according to a police department statement.
...
"This is a perfect example of what community policing is all about," Chief McClelland said. "If we can improve communications with our residents and stop one act of violence, then it's a success."
Central American gangs: a mafia with a thousand heads
This post is from the US based National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers.
This piece notes the relationships between the Mexican drug cartels and other criminal organizations.
September 24, 2010 by m3report
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FORMER BORDER PATROL OFFICERS
Visit our website: http://www.nafbpo.org
Foreign News Report
The National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers (NAFBPO) extracts and condenses the material that follows from Mexican and Central and South American on-line media sources on a daily basis. You are free to disseminate this information, but we request that you credit NAFBPO as being the provider.
Friday, 9/24/10
La Prensa Grafica, San Salvador, El Salvador (9/22/10)
Central American gangs: a mafia with a thousand heads
The mafia-like gangs that lash Central America, known as maras, have various governments in tenterhooks, enacting laws and regulations to combat the thousands of members of these groups which arose a quarter of a century ago from the Hispanic barrios of Los Angeles. The mara phenomenon is concentrated in the so-called North Triangle, composed of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, countries characterized by poverty and family disintegration due to emigration.
In El Salvador, where this phenomenon is strong, maras are true mafia organizations involved in drug and weapon traffic, extortion and kidnappings. El Salvador’s new law states that ”the so called gangs or maras are illegal and are banned” and sets prison terms of seven to ten years for their leaders and six years for others, just for being a member.
Currently some 7,000 gang members are in prison in El Salvador, but police estimate that there may be 9,000 to 20,000 more out on the streets, because many adolescents are recruited daily. The “maras,” actually an abbreviation of “marabunta,” the devouring ant of the Amazon, have thousands of members in countries like Guatemala and Honduras, where the rate of criminality is also among the highest in Latin America. Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes stated that “It’s necessary for the government to increase control over this type of groups (gangs) to implement actions that may allow combat and prevention of violence.” Some Salvadoran judges have warned that the law “does not solve the problem of lawlessness,” while other Central American countries – Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – fear that it might cause Salvadoran gangsters to emigrate there.
The gangsters’ activities are added to those of the drug cartels. Mexican and Colombian drug traffickers have had “ties” for years along Central America, a passageway for cocaine that they move from South to North America, which has deteriorated the levels of security.
http://www.laprensagrafica.com/el-salvador/judicial/142765-las-pandillas-centroamericanas-una-mafia-con-mil-cabezas.html
This piece notes the relationships between the Mexican drug cartels and other criminal organizations.
September 24, 2010 by m3report
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FORMER BORDER PATROL OFFICERS
Visit our website: http://www.nafbpo.org
Foreign News Report
The National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers (NAFBPO) extracts and condenses the material that follows from Mexican and Central and South American on-line media sources on a daily basis. You are free to disseminate this information, but we request that you credit NAFBPO as being the provider.
Friday, 9/24/10
La Prensa Grafica, San Salvador, El Salvador (9/22/10)
Central American gangs: a mafia with a thousand heads
The mafia-like gangs that lash Central America, known as maras, have various governments in tenterhooks, enacting laws and regulations to combat the thousands of members of these groups which arose a quarter of a century ago from the Hispanic barrios of Los Angeles. The mara phenomenon is concentrated in the so-called North Triangle, composed of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, countries characterized by poverty and family disintegration due to emigration.
In El Salvador, where this phenomenon is strong, maras are true mafia organizations involved in drug and weapon traffic, extortion and kidnappings. El Salvador’s new law states that ”the so called gangs or maras are illegal and are banned” and sets prison terms of seven to ten years for their leaders and six years for others, just for being a member.
Currently some 7,000 gang members are in prison in El Salvador, but police estimate that there may be 9,000 to 20,000 more out on the streets, because many adolescents are recruited daily. The “maras,” actually an abbreviation of “marabunta,” the devouring ant of the Amazon, have thousands of members in countries like Guatemala and Honduras, where the rate of criminality is also among the highest in Latin America. Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes stated that “It’s necessary for the government to increase control over this type of groups (gangs) to implement actions that may allow combat and prevention of violence.” Some Salvadoran judges have warned that the law “does not solve the problem of lawlessness,” while other Central American countries – Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – fear that it might cause Salvadoran gangsters to emigrate there.
The gangsters’ activities are added to those of the drug cartels. Mexican and Colombian drug traffickers have had “ties” for years along Central America, a passageway for cocaine that they move from South to North America, which has deteriorated the levels of security.
http://www.laprensagrafica.com/el-salvador/judicial/142765-las-pandillas-centroamericanas-una-mafia-con-mil-cabezas.html
Friday, September 24, 2010
Napolitano to McCain: Yes, Mexican Cartels Pose Terror Threat to U.S. | CNSnews.com
While it is nice to know the Homeland Security Secretary acknowledges the Mexican drug cartels pose a threat to US interests, what is being done?
This appears to be inaction in action...
Where will the US government go from here?
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano cites some facts and figures of what's occurring at the border from an informational standpoint. NOWHERE in the video does she state what successful impacts have been made against the bleedover of criminal activity into the US or Mexico. If anything she notes that while increased technology, personnel, gun seizure activities etc are now at the border, SHE DOES NOT NOTE any decrease in the the real SO WHAT in Mexico...that is ARE OUR ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT at degrading cartel activities and operations? That appears to be the real SO WHAT here.
I highlighted elements in the previous parargraph to note that statistical data DOES NOT necessarily correlate with activities on the ground. In other words, she has not indicated anywhere that the current US efforts on the border equate to a diminishing threat.
I wonder what effects are we attempting to achieve at the border...are they token? Where's the substance of our actions? How is the quality of life and sense of security for Americans living in the border areas improving?
"Friday, September 24, 2010 By Edwin Mora
Under questioning by Sen. John McCain (R.-Ariz.) in the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano conceded that Mexican drug cartels pose a terrorist threat to the United States."
Napolitano to McCain: Yes, Mexican Cartels Pose Terror Threat to U.S. CNSnews.com
Mexico Is Not Facing An Insurgency - Mexico is Winning the War Against Cartels
Yes, the title is sarcastic...only to highlight the fact the leaders of two nations; leaders responsible for protecting their people are failing at their job. Calderon for failing to admit he is only in control of a small segment of a splintered Mexico...and for Obama for being a living example of "evil exists where good men do nothing".
"Reporting from Mexico City — Armed assassins have killed a fourth Mexican mayor in less than six weeks' time as drug war violence continues to engulf formerly calm parts of the country, authorities said Friday"
I've not even commented on the fact that journalists of Mexico are now caving into cartel demands and force.
While Politicians are stuck on terms regarding what defines an insurgency, an insurgency continues to grows in Mexico...albeit criminal...not political in the conventional sense. It appears that while the cartels may not be fighting for political offices and/or ideals, they continue to shape the environment in order to secure nodes to support their operations.
All this continues to happen as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's assessment of Mexico is morphing into an insurgency is downplayed by Calderon, Obama and members of their administration.
There's an old concept that Department of Defense planners use to employ to assess the stability of the state. The acronym was DIME. DIME stood for Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic. There's a new phrase now, but we will keep this simple.
Right now it appears the cartels run, or shaping, the local governments in various parts of Mexico- D...this article is evidence of that.
The cartels control and shape the information and perceptions of various parts with Mexico - I...the prior postings on this blog addressing this issue is evidence of that.
The cartels have bought off local security forces and penetrated parts of the Mexican government so badly the government does not investigate all crime - M...the prior postings on this blog commenting ont the BBC video series is evidence of this.
The cartels money is infused and washed into local economies where legitimate economies are made noncompetitive- E...again, the commenting made in prior postings pertaining to the BBC video series supports this.
I ask you this...what out of DIME does the government Mexico truly control?
I ask you who runs Mexico?
I ask who is winning in Mexico?
I ask who appears to dominate the narrative in Mexico?
One does not have to have a degree in international studies or government to recognize the fact that Mexico appears to be growing increasingly unstable.
Mexico mayor killing: Fourth Mexico mayor killed in under six weeks - latimes.com
"Reporting from Mexico City — Armed assassins have killed a fourth Mexican mayor in less than six weeks' time as drug war violence continues to engulf formerly calm parts of the country, authorities said Friday"
I've not even commented on the fact that journalists of Mexico are now caving into cartel demands and force.
While Politicians are stuck on terms regarding what defines an insurgency, an insurgency continues to grows in Mexico...albeit criminal...not political in the conventional sense. It appears that while the cartels may not be fighting for political offices and/or ideals, they continue to shape the environment in order to secure nodes to support their operations.
All this continues to happen as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's assessment of Mexico is morphing into an insurgency is downplayed by Calderon, Obama and members of their administration.
There's an old concept that Department of Defense planners use to employ to assess the stability of the state. The acronym was DIME. DIME stood for Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic. There's a new phrase now, but we will keep this simple.
Right now it appears the cartels run, or shaping, the local governments in various parts of Mexico- D...this article is evidence of that.
The cartels control and shape the information and perceptions of various parts with Mexico - I...the prior postings on this blog addressing this issue is evidence of that.
The cartels have bought off local security forces and penetrated parts of the Mexican government so badly the government does not investigate all crime - M...the prior postings on this blog commenting ont the BBC video series is evidence of this.
The cartels money is infused and washed into local economies where legitimate economies are made noncompetitive- E...again, the commenting made in prior postings pertaining to the BBC video series supports this.
I ask you this...what out of DIME does the government Mexico truly control?
I ask you who runs Mexico?
I ask who is winning in Mexico?
I ask who appears to dominate the narrative in Mexico?
One does not have to have a degree in international studies or government to recognize the fact that Mexico appears to be growing increasingly unstable.
Mexico mayor killing: Fourth Mexico mayor killed in under six weeks - latimes.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Watching a Nation State's Democracy Die
Calderon may be doing the best he can at the moment, but the bottom line is that he is ineffective and not considered able to protect journalists, not to mention the population.
"Calderon received a joint delegation of editors and press advocates from around the hemisphere Wednesday. Afterward, his office announced that it would establish a warning system and plan of protection for journalists, and it reiterated a promise to make attacks on journalists subject to federal investigation.
However, skepticism about Calderon's pledges was thick Thursday among newspaper editors at a forum hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Inter American Press Association, a hemispheric press affairs group.
Thousands of police officers and soldiers patrol the streets of Ciudad Juarez but they don't make residents feel safer, said Diario de Juarez director Pedro Torres, because "they have taken part in kidnappings, in extortions and in robberies."
source article: Killings of journalists lead to news blackouts in Mexico McClatchy
"Calderon received a joint delegation of editors and press advocates from around the hemisphere Wednesday. Afterward, his office announced that it would establish a warning system and plan of protection for journalists, and it reiterated a promise to make attacks on journalists subject to federal investigation.
However, skepticism about Calderon's pledges was thick Thursday among newspaper editors at a forum hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Inter American Press Association, a hemispheric press affairs group.
Thousands of police officers and soldiers patrol the streets of Ciudad Juarez but they don't make residents feel safer, said Diario de Juarez director Pedro Torres, because "they have taken part in kidnappings, in extortions and in robberies."
source article: Killings of journalists lead to news blackouts in Mexico McClatchy
Monday, September 20, 2010
Mexico and The National OODA Loop: US Vulnerability to Strategic Surprise in the 21st Century
The National OODA Loop
The National OODA Loop: US Vulnerability to Strategic Surprise in the 21st Century
Despite a number of organizational changes made to enhance security within the United States since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States remains vulnerable to strategic surprise. According to studies and observations by the RAND Corporation , members of the intelligence community , media reports and academic sources, the vulnerability exists due at least seven basic issues. Of the seven issues the most important two are a lack of national resolve and the lack of appropriate authorities to allow appropriate organizations the ability to rapidly adapt to changes required to identify, monitor, avert, engage, preempt and/or eliminate strategic surprise. Resolve and authorities serve as the basis to establish both offensive and defensive capabilities against strategic surprise.
US vulnerability to strategic surprise in the 21st-century will be based upon the following:
• lack of national will
• lack of legal freedom to maneuver
• inadequate/inflexible laws and rules of engagement
• money/logistics
• dynamic threat
• inadequate training
• unrealistic expectations
Despite a number of organizational changes made to enhance security within the United States since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States remains vulnerable to strategic surprise. According to studies and observations by the RAND Corporation , members of the intelligence community , media reports and academic sources, the vulnerability exists due at least seven basic issues. Of the seven issues the most important two are a lack of national resolve and the lack of appropriate authorities to allow appropriate organizations the ability to rapidly adapt to changes required to identify, monitor, avert, engage, preempt and/or eliminate strategic surprise. Resolve and authorities serve as the basis to establish both offensive and defensive capabilities against strategic surprise.
US vulnerability to strategic surprise in the 21st-century will be based upon the following:
• lack of national will
• lack of legal freedom to maneuver
• inadequate/inflexible laws and rules of engagement
• money/logistics
• dynamic threat
• inadequate training
• unrealistic expectations
Infiltration, Subversion, Sabotage, Espionage and Terrorism the Mexican Cartel Way
Infiltration, Subversion, Sabotage, Espionage and Terrorism the Mexican Cartel Way
The source article for this commentary highlights the greatest potential threat posed by Mexico’s Narco-Insurgents- the ability to infiltrate trusted networks and subvert the stability, safety and security of US neighborhoods. As one can see, they’ve already done this in Mexico.
If the US fails to mitigate infiltration within its own borders, the US will also see an increase of instability in areas of the US.
The article alludes that some of this is already occurring within US borders.
· The cartels had a US government female insider who was both facilitating cartel logistics operations, as well as intelligence recruitment. There are likely other cartel operatives, she just happened to be caught…AFTER a four-year long investigation. Meanwhile, how many other potential agents were possibly ignored due to lack of resources?
· It appears the cartel intelligence network was managed by a controller who managed the overall network. The female US official basically spotted and assessed persons of interest who may be of value to the cartels.
· The source article notes that corruption investigations have tripled to quadrupled from 2006 to 2010.
· The source article also notes how the cartel targeted people for intelligence recruitment. They concentrated on the traditional MICE- Money, Ideology, Coercion and Ego. Sex, personal problems were sought after in persons who had placement and access to facilitate cartel operations.
The US Needs A Vibrant Counterintelligence Program
Disrupting such influences requires thorough background checks and increased monitoring. Instead of sending National Guard with no legal authorities to reinforce the border, maybe some of them could be used to conduct thorough background investigations, or help oversee border checkpoints alongside the border security elements. This may help disrupt some cartel cross border activity.
Additionally, profiles need to identify who is a target for recruitment. Who can be blackmailed? Who has family members in Mexico and can be extorted? Etc… These are some basic questions security professionals should be asking about their employees and their families.
Visit Washington Post Link for the full report: Woman’s links to Mexican drug cartel a saga of corruption on U.S. side of border; 12 Sep 10.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Cartel Personality Of Interest- "El Coss"
Eduardo Costilla "El Coss": The warlord in Tamaulipas
Sunday September 19, 2010 |
Eduardo Costilla, El Coss,
-Strongman of the second most powerful drug cartel in the country, the Gulf Cartel
-Reportedly has a presence in over 15 Mexican states and the United States.
-This article reports the US DEA and the US Department of the Treasury consider El Coss a national security threat.
-The article also reports the US FBI is offering a 5 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture.
For more info click on El Coss
Gulf Cartel Traffickers: Juan García Abrego, Arturo Guzmán Decena, Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sánchez
Mexican Drug War: Mexican Drug War, Timeline of the Mexican Drug War, Sinaloa Cartel, Juárez Cartel, Tijuana Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Los Negros, Los Zetas
Mexican Criminals: Beltrán-Leyva Cartel Traffickers, Colima Cartel Traffickers, Guadalajara Cartel Traffickers, Gulf Cartel Traffickers
MEXICO'S GULF CARTEL SAID TO BE RECRUITING GUATEMALAN COUNTERINSURGENCY FORCES TO WORK WITH ZETAS.: An article from: SourceMex Economic News & Analysis on Mexico
CONTROVERSIAL VIDEOTAPE SAID TO REFLECT CONTINUING WAR BETWEEN SINALOA & GULF CARTELS.: An article from: SourceMex Economic News & Analysis on Mexico
Sunday September 19, 2010 |
Eduardo Costilla, El Coss,
-Strongman of the second most powerful drug cartel in the country, the Gulf Cartel
-Reportedly has a presence in over 15 Mexican states and the United States.
-This article reports the US DEA and the US Department of the Treasury consider El Coss a national security threat.
-The article also reports the US FBI is offering a 5 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture.
For more info click on El Coss
Gulf Cartel Traffickers: Juan García Abrego, Arturo Guzmán Decena, Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sánchez
Mexican Drug War: Mexican Drug War, Timeline of the Mexican Drug War, Sinaloa Cartel, Juárez Cartel, Tijuana Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Los Negros, Los Zetas
Mexican Criminals: Beltrán-Leyva Cartel Traffickers, Colima Cartel Traffickers, Guadalajara Cartel Traffickers, Gulf Cartel Traffickers
MEXICO'S GULF CARTEL SAID TO BE RECRUITING GUATEMALAN COUNTERINSURGENCY FORCES TO WORK WITH ZETAS.: An article from: SourceMex Economic News & Analysis on MexicoCONTROVERSIAL VIDEOTAPE SAID TO REFLECT CONTINUING WAR BETWEEN SINALOA & GULF CARTELS.: An article from: SourceMex Economic News & Analysis on Mexico
Witness Democracy, Freedom of Speech, in a Nation-State Being Subverted
While the governments of Mexico and the US claim the government of Mexico is winning the war against the cartels, they fail to see democracy, freedom of speech, is being subverted before their eyes...
Obama Says Clinton is Wrong, There Is No Insurgency In Mexico
"Of the bodies found, eight were decapitated
The policemen killed, had gone to an operation in the northern region of Guerrero, they were ambushed..."
Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security | Center for a New American Security
"Date:September 30, 2010 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:Willard Intercontinental Hotel's Crystal Room1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NWWashington, DC 20004
Date and Time:September 30, 20104:30: Guest check-in and registration5:00-6:30: Event6:30-7:30: Reception.
Last month, the Mexican government announced that the drug wars have claimed 28,000 lives since 2006. These drug trafficking groups have evolved to pose significant challenges not only to Mexico and the United States, but to governments and societies across the Western Hemisphere.
On September 30, 2010, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) will host an event to launch Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels, and U.S. National Security, a groundbreaking CNAS report that surveys organized crime throughout the Western Hemisphere, analyzes the challenges it poses for the region and recommends the United States replace the "war on drugs" paradigm with comprehensive domestic and foreign policies to confront the interrelated challenges of drug trafficking and violence ranging from the Andean Ridge to American streets."
Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security Center for a New American Security
To RSVP for this event, click here
Location:Willard Intercontinental Hotel's Crystal Room1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NWWashington, DC 20004
Date and Time:September 30, 20104:30: Guest check-in and registration5:00-6:30: Event6:30-7:30: Reception.
Last month, the Mexican government announced that the drug wars have claimed 28,000 lives since 2006. These drug trafficking groups have evolved to pose significant challenges not only to Mexico and the United States, but to governments and societies across the Western Hemisphere.
On September 30, 2010, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) will host an event to launch Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels, and U.S. National Security, a groundbreaking CNAS report that surveys organized crime throughout the Western Hemisphere, analyzes the challenges it poses for the region and recommends the United States replace the "war on drugs" paradigm with comprehensive domestic and foreign policies to confront the interrelated challenges of drug trafficking and violence ranging from the Andean Ridge to American streets."
Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security Center for a New American Security
To RSVP for this event, click here
Surrender- Watching a Localized Insurgency Grow
"The insurgent has to destroy all bridges linking the population with the
counterinsurgent and his potential allies. Among these, people (generally
the liberal-minded) inclined to seek a compromise with the insurgents will
be targets of terrorist attacks." - Galula, page 44 of COUNTERINSURGENCY WARFARE Theory and Practice
On 17 September, this site posted a piece noting the cartels attacks on the media, and what the implications would be. Well today it appears that posting is deja vu.
Is this indicative of the Mexican Government winning the war against the cartels?
Or, does this event seem to support Secretary of State Clinton's assessment that Mexico is slowly morphing into an insurgency?
Regardless of what Obama and Calderon say or think, they have an insurgency on their hands. The criminal insurgents have subverted the infrastructure in parts of Mexico where locals now feel they have to deal with the criminals, rather than law enforcement, for safety and security.
"Mexico newspaper pleads druglords for truce"
"CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — The biggest newspaper in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's crime capital along the US border, pleaded with feuding drug cartels Sunday for a truce after one of its photographers was killed."We ask you to explain what you want from us, what you want us to publish or stop publishing," El Diario de Juarez wrote in a front-page editorial.
Unidentified gunmen attacked two El Diario photographers Thursday, shooting dead 21-year-old Luis Carlos Santiago and leaving Carlos Sanchez seriously wounded. Santiago was the second journalist from El Diario killed in less than two years.
"You are the de facto authority in the city now," the editorial said, referring to warring drug cartels that have killed over 2,000 people in Ciudad Juarez alone so far this year, despite the presence of some 4,500 federal police and military.
Mexico is one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, according to rights groups.
More than 30 journalists have been killed or gone missing as violence has surged since President Felipe Calderon launched a military crackdown on organized crime in 2006, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)..."
source link: SURRENDER
Mexico: The Bicentennial And Beyond
Mr Danello, highlights a number of issues that make Mexico both a national and international security concern.
From the national perspective, Danelo highlights the government's disconnectedness with the realities Mexicans are facing on the ground.
From the international perspective, we have a US President who only continues to highlight his inexperience with respect to recognizing developing national security problems. Secretary Clinton appears to show she has a better grasp of national security issues than Obama and his Homeland Security Secretary. By recognizing Mexico is morphing into some semblance of insurgency, she recognizes the US cannot simply ignore the problem and action must be taken.
Mexico: The Bicentennial And Beyond
Perspective of Elites Over the Common Man
While the elites of Mexico and the elites of the Obama administration tell the common folk of Mexico and the US their concerns over the cartels are unsubstantiated implicitly and explicitly, the cartels continue to gain ground.
-Policemen in a northern Mexican town are extorting drivers traveling south.
-Local business owners in other parts of Mexico are forced to pay protection money to the cartels in their region.
Read more by visiting the source link below.
source: http://www.fpri.org/enotes/201009.danelo.mexicobicentennial.html
Contrary to Calderon’s and Obama’s perspective that the Mexico cartel problem is under control, the cartels dominate the physical, moral and psychological terrain within their areas of interest.
Author and seasoned observer of insurgency, David Danelo, noted the upside down perspectives both governments have with respect to their constituents.
-“60 percent of Mexicans” living in northern Mexico did not plan to attend the 200 year Mexican bicentennial due to fears of lack of safety and security.
-Policemen in a northern Mexican town are extorting drivers traveling south.
-Local business owners in other parts of Mexico are forced to pay protection money to the cartels in their region.
Read more by visiting the source link below.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Drug cartel spotters destroying the peace in Pinal County AZ
Drug cartel spotters destroying the peace in Pinal County AZ
This article notes the increasing anxiety being felt by US citizens and law enforcement along the US-Mexico border.
One wonders what the US government is doing to help this area? Why are their requests for more manpower to secure their borders being ignored? At what point will the US government finally provide locals the assistance they are requesting to secure their borders? What is the state of Arizona doing at the state level to increase assistance to the people? Is this area one of those where aid was requested?
Just some thoughts.
This article notes the increasing anxiety being felt by US citizens and law enforcement along the US-Mexico border.
One wonders what the US government is doing to help this area? Why are their requests for more manpower to secure their borders being ignored? At what point will the US government finally provide locals the assistance they are requesting to secure their borders? What is the state of Arizona doing at the state level to increase assistance to the people? Is this area one of those where aid was requested?
Just some thoughts.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Journalism in Times of Threats, Censorship and Violence | Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
Journalism in Times of Threats, Censorship and Violence Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
Here's a piece I recieved from a mentor of mine that meshes with the last posting.
The gist of the piece is this:
"Some of them live under threat, enduring forced silences via terror and daily shootouts in broad daylight. They have friends who have been kidnapped or killed. But they keep on, trying to figure out how to report. They are not war reporters, they don’t wear bullet-proof vests or helmets, nor are they in Iraq or Afghanistan. They are the ones who cover one of the most complex and dangerous stories in the world: the journalists reporting on drug trafficking and violence from the border between Mexico and the United States."
Cheers
Here's a piece I recieved from a mentor of mine that meshes with the last posting.
The gist of the piece is this:
"Some of them live under threat, enduring forced silences via terror and daily shootouts in broad daylight. They have friends who have been kidnapped or killed. But they keep on, trying to figure out how to report. They are not war reporters, they don’t wear bullet-proof vests or helmets, nor are they in Iraq or Afghanistan. They are the ones who cover one of the most complex and dangerous stories in the world: the journalists reporting on drug trafficking and violence from the border between Mexico and the United States."
Cheers
Newspaper: Mexican media defenseless against gangs | ajc.com
Newspaper: Mexican media defenseless against gangs  ajc.com
We've already mentioned in prior postings that insurgents and organized criminal elements require 'psychological dominance' over their battlespace to succeed. This influence is needed to keep people in line. This influence erodes the people's confidence in its own government's ability to provide safety and security to the people. This sustained activity of targeting journalists also counters the Mexican government's claim noted in my last posting that it claims to be winning the drug war.
This type of fighting is about perception folks. Perception creates reality, at the local level first, then it spreads, or maybe boxed in by other prevailing realities and seen as an exception.
Additionally, this piece seems to highlight that some victims of cartel killings ARE NOT criminals.
What will be the local government response to this act? Will the crime be investigated? Will the killers be prosecuted? What is the local government doing to calm its population? What is the local government doing to ensure it controls/influences the psyche of the people?
I highlight the term local government because insurgents and organized criminals do not have to overthrow a state to be effective. They do, however, need to influence subordinate elements of the state to meet their objectives...this means buying local politicians, economic leaders, police and security representatives.
Here's a thought for the day from the late counterinsurgent theorist David Galula.
Galula, page 44 of COUNTERINSURGENCY WARFARE Theory and Practice
The Mexican cartels, insurgents, are severing any relationships between the indigenous population and the government of Mexico. Additionally, the second line of the paragraph brings into question of legalizing marijuana...just a couple extra thoughts.
We've already mentioned in prior postings that insurgents and organized criminal elements require 'psychological dominance' over their battlespace to succeed. This influence is needed to keep people in line. This influence erodes the people's confidence in its own government's ability to provide safety and security to the people. This sustained activity of targeting journalists also counters the Mexican government's claim noted in my last posting that it claims to be winning the drug war.
This type of fighting is about perception folks. Perception creates reality, at the local level first, then it spreads, or maybe boxed in by other prevailing realities and seen as an exception.
Additionally, this piece seems to highlight that some victims of cartel killings ARE NOT criminals.
What will be the local government response to this act? Will the crime be investigated? Will the killers be prosecuted? What is the local government doing to calm its population? What is the local government doing to ensure it controls/influences the psyche of the people?
I highlight the term local government because insurgents and organized criminals do not have to overthrow a state to be effective. They do, however, need to influence subordinate elements of the state to meet their objectives...this means buying local politicians, economic leaders, police and security representatives.
Here's a thought for the day from the late counterinsurgent theorist David Galula.
"The insurgent has to destroy all bridges linking the population with the
counterinsurgent and his potential allies. Among these, people (generally
the liberal-minded) inclined to seek a compromise with the insurgents will
be targets of terrorist attacks." Galula, page 44 of COUNTERINSURGENCY WARFARE Theory and Practice
The Mexican cartels, insurgents, are severing any relationships between the indigenous population and the government of Mexico. Additionally, the second line of the paragraph brings into question of legalizing marijuana...just a couple extra thoughts.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mexican Politicians Say They Are Winning Drug War | AHN
Mexican Politicians Say They Are Winning Drug War AHN
This is an interesting piece. US government officials, minus Secretary of State Clinton, and Mexican government officials are saying they are winning the war.
However, what do the people say? What kinds of polls and statistics support this assessment? Are cities now reclaimed so people can walk the streets without concern of being shot?
I do not believe this is true. Where is the evidence?
Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice (PSI Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era)
This is an interesting piece. US government officials, minus Secretary of State Clinton, and Mexican government officials are saying they are winning the war.
However, what do the people say? What kinds of polls and statistics support this assessment? Are cities now reclaimed so people can walk the streets without concern of being shot?
I do not believe this is true. Where is the evidence?
Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice (PSI Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Clinton's bluntness on Mexico was right | David Rothkopf
Clinton's bluntness on Mexico was right David Rothkopf
It appears that despite what the President's of Mexico and the US believe, Hillary Clinton's comments appear to be on target. Both presidents appear to be in denial.
It appears that despite what the President's of Mexico and the US believe, Hillary Clinton's comments appear to be on target. Both presidents appear to be in denial.
Obama rejects Clinton comment on Mexico
Obama rejects Clinton comment on Mexico
Yes, Mexico is facing an insurgency.
Sub-revolutionary movements do not need to overthrow a government. In this case we are talking about criminals. They only need to control terrority and resources they need to achieve their objectives. The fact the MX government cannot stop them says everything.
The cartels control the security, economic and politicals nodes affecting their operations. From there, the government and stability begins to rot away.
While MX may exist in paper...looking at a map will show the government DOES NOT control all of Mexico.
Remember folks, we missed the insurgency in Iraq early because nobody wanted to call it for what it was.
The administration is cow-towing to MX politics. MX government is facing a crisis in legitimacy...has been for years.
While I've not been a Hillary fan over the years, she's called this situation right.
Yes, Mexico is facing an insurgency.
Sub-revolutionary movements do not need to overthrow a government. In this case we are talking about criminals. They only need to control terrority and resources they need to achieve their objectives. The fact the MX government cannot stop them says everything.
The cartels control the security, economic and politicals nodes affecting their operations. From there, the government and stability begins to rot away.
While MX may exist in paper...looking at a map will show the government DOES NOT control all of Mexico.
Remember folks, we missed the insurgency in Iraq early because nobody wanted to call it for what it was.
The administration is cow-towing to MX politics. MX government is facing a crisis in legitimacy...has been for years.
While I've not been a Hillary fan over the years, she's called this situation right.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Clinton Says Situation in Mexico Is Looking Like An Insurgency
The Bottom Line Up Front: the debate on using the term insurgency appears to be stuck on the political agenda issue. Insurgencies typically have political objectives, while the cartels do not. This is not really true as the cartels desire enough influence to get their product across the border. They don’t need to overthrow the state; just small towns…the state will eventually rot away.
It seems the US government now sees the situation in Mexico may be worse than previously assessed. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was quoted in an LA Times piece as saying, "We face an increasing threat from a well-organized network, drug-trafficking threat that is, in some cases, morphing into, or making common cause with, what we would consider an insurgency,".
This is a significant comment for the Secretary of State to make. Her comments appear to counter the assessments of other administration officials who say the situation in Mexico is under control.
Here are some of the highlights of the article leading supporting the developing insurgency argument:
-the government does not control a large amount of their own territory; up to 40% of the country has been under cartel control at some point
-over 28,000 people have been killed by the cartels since Dec 2006, and the numbers keep rising
-Clinton sees the US needs to consider an ‘equivalent’ of Plan Colombia.
-There continues to be strong indications the government is too corrupt to fight the drug cartels.
-Mexican authorities seem to deliberately not act on leads to mitigate the cartel threat
-Mexican President Calderon countered Clinton and blamed the US desire for drugs as the reason for the narco-criminal activity in both Mexico and Colombia
-Cartels are murdering immigrants entering Mexico, along with government and security officials
-US Border States are getting indications the cartel problem may seep into the US
-“George Grayson, a specialist on Mexico at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, said Clinton's remarks were a sign of U.S. officials' growing
alarm at the effects of the drug war.” **You can find a link to his book below this post.
-The article notes US military and law enforcement see Mexico as a growing security issue.
To read the source article click here.
To learn more about counterinsurgency techniques that Mexico can use against the cartels read this book. Counterinsurgency
To learn more about the problems in Mexico read this book. Mexico: Narco-Violence and a Failed State?
It seems the US government now sees the situation in Mexico may be worse than previously assessed. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was quoted in an LA Times piece as saying, "We face an increasing threat from a well-organized network, drug-trafficking threat that is, in some cases, morphing into, or making common cause with, what we would consider an insurgency,".
This is a significant comment for the Secretary of State to make. Her comments appear to counter the assessments of other administration officials who say the situation in Mexico is under control.
Here are some of the highlights of the article leading supporting the developing insurgency argument:
-the government does not control a large amount of their own territory; up to 40% of the country has been under cartel control at some point
-over 28,000 people have been killed by the cartels since Dec 2006, and the numbers keep rising
-Clinton sees the US needs to consider an ‘equivalent’ of Plan Colombia.
-There continues to be strong indications the government is too corrupt to fight the drug cartels.
-Mexican authorities seem to deliberately not act on leads to mitigate the cartel threat
-Mexican President Calderon countered Clinton and blamed the US desire for drugs as the reason for the narco-criminal activity in both Mexico and Colombia
-Cartels are murdering immigrants entering Mexico, along with government and security officials
-US Border States are getting indications the cartel problem may seep into the US
-“George Grayson, a specialist on Mexico at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, said Clinton's remarks were a sign of U.S. officials' growing
alarm at the effects of the drug war.” **You can find a link to his book below this post.
-The article notes US military and law enforcement see Mexico as a growing security issue.
To read the source article click here.
To learn more about counterinsurgency techniques that Mexico can use against the cartels read this book. Counterinsurgency
To learn more about the problems in Mexico read this book. Mexico: Narco-Violence and a Failed State?
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