Pubdate: Sun, 25 Jan 2009 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2009 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/formnewsroom Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: Arturo Sarukhan Note: Arturo Sarukhan is Mexico's ambassador to the United States. Referenced: JOE 2008 http://www.jfcom.mil/about/fact_joe2008.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Mexico 'COLLAPSE' OVERSTATES MEXICO SITUATION In regard to your Jan. 13, 2009 article "U.S. military report warns sudden collapse of Mexico is possible," the suggestion that Mexico is one of two countries that "bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse" as stated in the report by the U.S. Joint Forces Command is plainly preposterous. The violence unleashed by trafficking organizations in response to President Calderon's effort to shut them down cannot be denied. If one considers the criteria that could lead to a "sudden collapse" -- loss of territorial control; inability to provide public services; refugees and internally displaced people; criminalization of the state; sharp economic decline; and incapacity to interact as a full number of the international community -- it is obvious that Mexico simply doesn't fit the pattern. On the contrary, we have solid institutions, a vibrant democracy, a vigorous civil society and a strong economy, and consequently, legitimacy among Mexicans and throughout the international community. The El Paso Times understands better than most Mexico's achievements over the past years, as well as the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship for the security and well-being of our peoples on both sides of the border. In this context, it's important to neither overstate nor simplify the current situation, by publishing information presented in reports that lack the necessary elements to support its premises. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake