More Doubts Raised Over Mexico’s Drug War Strategy

Weekend drug cartel violence in western Mexico has stirred debate on the country’s strategy for combating organized crime. While the Peña Nieto government goes after cartel bosses, new cartels spawn, putting the population in the crossfire. The administration consistently tries to downplay the level of insecurity and the power of organized crime in Mexico, but ordinary citizens point to examples of increased danger. Last weekend the rapidly growing New Generation Jalisco Cartel flexed its muscle with attacks on banks, buses, gas stations and an army helicopter. Peña Nieto says that he plans to extend Mexico’s “war on drugs,” in order to protect “honest, working Mexicans,” but rights group say this supposed war has produced even greater insecurity. Chronic internal corruption and collusion with organized crime by Mexico’s security forces cast doubt on the president’s claims. Clayton Conn reports from Mexico for teleSUR.