Opinion of the Mexican government's drug war?

[hangfan91]

In 2006, Mexican President Calderon took over from Fox (who was criticized for being soft on drugs) and announced that the government will actively hunt down drug cartels with the policia and military. This was continued under the current President Nieto leading to a war that led to the capture of powerful Kingpin El Chapo Guzman last year and the decimation of many high-ranking cartel members.

This comes at a cost of over 100,000 dead and many cities devastated by gunfights.

[© tweed]

the 'drug war has failed' tagline that gets used is misleading.  it depends on your POV whether or not it has succeeded or failed, and this requires an new effort to understand what the policymakers are aiming for.

granted, this question is very different for Mexican politicians that it is for Americans.  for Calderon it was in part a question of lost sovereignty in areas 'controlled' by the 'cartels'.

[Cory]

It's a start, but I think a Italian style "take off the white gloves" approach is needed to finally crush them. Mussolini crushed the Mafia rapidly and effectively, Mexico can do the same if they are willing to purge the corrupt elements and liquidate everyone knowingly involved with the enemy.