Mexico is resource rich and is a part of the g20, and that's without Texas and California. The biggest thing against their progress that it lives in our shadow and the pull from its neighbors. The wealth disparity is big enough for the south to hate Mexico. Overall, thoughts like "fixing failed states" are what triggers boondoggles like oil rich Iraq and opium/resource rich Afghanistan, except the suicide bombs and carnal destruction generally resulting from a "bad fix" won't be limited by distance. If Border States are calling for the change, then I'd assume the government is doing a "decent job" keeping their people safe (even if they are "annoyed"). Obviously a Tel Aviv happening in El Paso or San Diego, unthinkable events as a result from an "improper fix", would be considered a "bad job". Phew! Being an armchair general is hard work! Git it dun Murray!
prohibition just does not work It didn't work in the 20's It's not working now It won't ever work Sure let's just ramp up more war talk Disrespect another nations sovereignty Drone strike into Mexico and probably have some collateral damage Have everyone up in arms and upset While everyone still continues to get their drugs without much hindrance Sounds great!
I think Obrador's thinking on this is right in general terms -- to fix the drug cartel problem, you need to fix the issues in the economy, education, etc that feed the problem. You can't just beat it with force. But that's a long-term plan that will take a generation. The US can play a role by being a partner in that effort to create good alternatives for Mexicans'. It's also help of course if we can address our own addictions and of course get more control over our guns. I don't think it's helpful to take these kinds of actions over the protests of the Mexican government.
