Looming Problems (cont.): Mexico Drug Violence

TW: Joining Pakistan on the emerging problems list is Mexico. It has received limited coverage but the drug related violence in Mexico and its associated corruption of the Mexican security forces is on a scary upward trajectory. Given our common border and shared social and economic interests, any serious problems in Mexico are our problems. Some of the violence has spilled over into the border states already and one must assume the related corruption as well.

From Bloomberg:
"As cartels gain power and the death toll mounts to a record 3,800 this year, Mexico increasingly blames the U.S. for the carnage, which is having a negative impact on the economy...critics say the U.S. has done little to stop the flow of arms into Mexico and to curtail demand for drugs at home...Mexican cartels sell $13.8 billion a year worth of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines to U.S. drug users, according to White House figures. Mexico is the corridor for about 90 percent of the cocaine consumed in the U.S...The Bush administration proposed cutting spending on drug treatment and prevention programs by $73 million, or 1.5 percent, in the 2009 budget...More than 90 percent of weapons used in violent crimes in Mexico are brought in illegally from the U.S...`The danger in Mexico is that the drug organizations become so powerful they can challenge the federal government'...''
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=akDCw.fUKYOc&refer=home