Thanks to Doug for sending this. More bad news out of Mexico, and it is certainly alarming to hear this perspective from our military and intelligence leaders. I guess on the bright side, there will probably be opportunities for training gigs in the near future, and we have talked about that in the past on FJ. With Plan Mexico or the Merida Initiative, you can see what is included. Training is mentioned twice, and not just for Mexico. –Matt
The Merida Initiative will provide funding for:
* Non-intrusive inspection equipment such as ion scanners, gamma ray scanners, X-ray vans and canine units for Mexico and Central America.
* Technologies to improve and secure telecommunications systems that collect criminal information in Mexico.
* Technical advice and training to strengthen the institutions of justice, case management software to track investigations through the system, new offices of citizen complaints and professional responsibility, and witness protection programs to Mexico.
* Eight used Bell 412 EP helicopters and two Cessna 208 Caravan surveillance airplanes to Mexico.
* Equipment, training and community action programs in Central American countries to implement anti-gang measures and expand the reach of these measures.
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No money or weapons will be provided to Mexico or Central America.
CIA And Pentagon Wonder: Could Mexico Implode?
by Tom Bowman
February 27, 2009
Drug-related violence in Mexico is escalating at an alarming rate and threatening the government of President Felipe Calderon.
CIA and U.S. military planners now fear a worst-case scenario — that the country could implode.
The American military is quietly stepping in with more training.
It seems that every night in Mexico there are reports of drug-related violence — murders, kidnappings, armed battles with police, narco-traffickers who outgun even the Mexican army with their rocket-propelled grenades.
“Thousands [have been] murdered this year,” says retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who served as U.S. drug czar under President Clinton. He visited Mexico recently and painted a desperate picture.