Mexico: Conflict Crosses U.S. Border

Mexico, as our previous coverage attests, is so dangerous for journalists today as a result of the drug war raging throughout the country. Since Felipe Calderón took office in 2006, the drug war raging between major cartels has been an issue at the forefront. Calderon has recently acknowledged that the struggle has been more difficult than anticipated, and likened it to a cancer plaguing the country.

Ciudad Juarez has long been a hotbed of drug-related violence, and situated just across the border from El Paso, Texas, the proximity is bringing the U.S. closer to the conflict. And as Reuters reports, the border is blurring kidnappings and homicides in Arizona and Texas have been tied to Mexican violence overspill: incidents like a live grenade being thrown into a bar in Hidalgo County, Texas, as well as a slew of break-ins and thefts.

The danger associated with the drug war- to journalists as well as Mexican and American citizens alike- necessitates U.S. intervention. So far, the U.S. has agreed to honor the weapons ban in place (though largely ignored) to curtail arms smuggling, and pledged 1.4 billion in aircraft, police training, and efforts to aid Mexico. It remains to be seen whether this U.S. action will make a significant impact, but it is a necessary step in the right direction, not just to make Mexico a safer place, but eventually foster a nonthreatening media environment.

Liz Hobson