Mexico

Next Mexico president could face a drug cartel 'Vietnam' April 01, 2012 7:36 PM
BY JOHN VAUGHN - BAJO EL SOL EDITOR
Once the new president's in office, we may see Mexico follow a new strategy in the war on drugs. At present, some people might likened it to a Vietnam for current President Felipe Calderon.
Tens of thousands — more than 50,000 by some counts — have died in drug-related violence, despite Calderon having called in the military against the drug cartels shortly after taking office in December 2006.
One of three leading contenders to succeed him has been quoted as saying he'd pull the troops out of the fight. Two others say they wouldn't negotiate with the cartels but say the government has made mistakes in its campaign against the traffickers.
Meanwhile, two former presidents — who presumably still have some influence in Mexico — have called for legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana use. Could it be Mexico will use more finesse and less force against drugs once the new president takes office in December?
If so, it could be doing so without the blessing of its neighbor to the north.