Mexico Extradites Ex-Gov. To US on Drug Charges

This recent New York Times article, Mexico Extradites Ex-Gov. To US on Drug Charges, emphasizes Mexico's bolstered willingness to cooperate with the U.S. Mario Villanueva, a former Mexican state governor, was extradited to the U.S. by Mexico with charges in New York Federal Court of smuggling cocaine into the U.S. "He is the 326th suspect Mexico has extradited to American authorities under Calderon." With America's support of Calderon's counter-cartel offensive with the sound of $1.3 billion under the the Merida Initiative, and Calderon's stronger cooperation with American authorities it is apparent that the drug cartels are now being combated from within their borders and outside of them.

As a compartivist this article is valid to our class because it further insinuates the strong ties Mexico has with the United States. For America to allow foreign law enforcement agents or paramilitary training and funding from another country would be unheard of, but Mexico has accepted this kind of aid from the U.S. The cartel situation seems to have escalated beyond Mexico's reach as Calderon has allowed more and more American intervention over the last few months

Mexico and American Security Co-operation

This recent Economist article, Turning to the gringos for help, describes a stronger security alliance between Mexico and America in an attempt to outs drug cartels from Northern Mexico. It goes with out saying that American involvement in other Latin American countries has made Mexico weary to allow any sort of American intervention. However the constant violence from these cartels has changed these attitudes. Intelligence sharing, American police training to Mexican law officials, tightening of border security, and 1.3 billion dollar in aid are new efforts that are to be implemented soon between the two countries. However, Mexico officials have made it clear that they will not allow American agents in operational roles. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this new co-operation will combat the drug cartels.

This article is relevant to our class because it is a prime example of the unique relationship that exists between America and Mexico--a relationship that at times is uneasy but completely valid. As well, this article states that some of the aid money sent to Mexico from the US will go to judicial reform. Mexico's judicial system is most likely the weakest branch of government but with the recent reform, Mexico is solidifying itself more and more into a liberal democracy.