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.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake