Author: Staff

Mexico’s new president has outlined a security strategy aimed at reducing drug war-related violence that, rhetorically at least, contrasts starkly with the emphasis his predecessor placed on using force to go after the cartels.“Our primary objectives are reducing the violence and recuperating the peace and tranquility of Mexicans,” President Enrique Peña Nieto told state governors, military and security chiefs gathered at a public meeting of the national security council on Monday.“We are going to focus institutional efforts on attending to the [social] causes of the criminal phenomenon and not only its consequences,” he said.via Mexico changes stance in drug war – but little difference seen from Calderón | World news |...

The fracturing of Mexico’s criminal establishment in the government-led crackdown on drug traffickers created between 60 and 80 new cartels, the nation’s attorney general said on Tuesday, far more than were active six years ago.Speaking on Mexican radio, Attorney General Jesus Murillo said former President Felipe Calderon’s efforts to stamp out drug trafficking and go after the kingpins had splintered the gangs, spawning many smaller criminal syndicates.via Crime crackdown created more drug cartels: top Mexican official |...

Today Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto announced his government’s much anticipated security strategy to a nation exhausted and traumatized by six years of devastating violence and skyrocketing crime.  In his statement he committed to heed the mandate of Mexican citizens in the last election calling for a country at peace and based on “respect and protection of human rights.”Speaking before the National Public Security Council, made up of state governors and key members of the security cabinet, as well as Congressional and civic leaders, President Peña Nieto laid out a six point plan to the nation on television and radio.  He promised better government planning that would result in a reduction in violence and clear measurable results.  He also committed to increase crime prevention programs and social investments to give young people alternatives to crime; to protect human rights; and improved inter-governmental coordination among federal agencies and between federal, state and municipal governments.  He vowed to continue institutional strengthening and reforms such as establishing a professional career path for police, and the formation of a Gendarmerie of 10,000 to focus on areas of the country where local and state authorities have been overcome by criminal activity.  Finally he committed himself to ensuring that government programs were continuously evaluated for effectiveness and adjustments made based on these evaluations.via President Peña Nieto’s Security Strategy: The Expert Take « Mexico...