A Pat on the Back and a Kick in the Shins: The Relationship with the US
True to the saying, “Those who love you best will make you cry,” the relationship between Mexico and the United States is going through moments that are, yes, both tense and complicated, but above all, quite strange.
Perhaps it is because, as with so many governments, the political groups that make them up are at odds with one another; or maybe that’s how their relationship works best; or perhaps it is because neither of the two governments is sure of how to act, lacking leadership to take charge or impose a course of action. Who knows?
But if you have any doubts about how strange this relationship is, it should suffice to observe what happened yesterday in Argentina.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terry Cole said he considered Federal Secretary of Public Security and Chief of Staff Omar García Harfuch a “partner of trust,” and then recounted his background: "Secretary Harfuch has dedicated nearly two decades of public service to protecting the people of Mexico. He served in the Mexican Federal Police, in the Criminal Investigation Agency, led security in Mexico City, and now serves as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection."
García Harfuch returned the compliment, emphasizing that since Cole joined the anti-drug agency, information has flowed more smoothly, and protocols are even bypassed when necessary to address urgent matters, leading to greater efficiency in pursuing criminals who threaten both nations.
All good.
Well, maybe not exactly. Not long ago, the National Palace accused the governor of Chihuahua of something akin to treason because two DEA agents — yes, the very agency headed by Cole — died in an accident following an anti-drug operation.
Or, when speaking before his country’s Congress following the criminal indictment against Rubén Rocha Moya, Cole said that this was just the “beginning” and that “there is no doubt that drug traffickers and high-ranking Mexican government officials have been in bed for years,” and that now the U.S. is paying attention.
I could give more examples — a few canceled visas, for instance — but there isn’t enough space.
We’ll see how long the praise and embraces last when more accusations come and Mexico ignores them, or when there are more unauthorized interventions and Mexico wraps itself in its flag.
Because the fact is that there will be more.
For now, though, it’s all pats on the back and kicks.
Perhaps it is because, as with so many governments, the political groups that make them up are at odds with one another; or maybe that’s how their relationship works best; or perhaps it is because neither of the two governments is sure of how to act, lacking leadership to take charge or impose a course of action. Who knows?
But if you have any doubts about how strange this relationship is, it should suffice to observe what happened yesterday in Argentina.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terry Cole said he considered Federal Secretary of Public Security and Chief of Staff Omar García Harfuch a “partner of trust,” and then recounted his background: "Secretary Harfuch has dedicated nearly two decades of public service to protecting the people of Mexico. He served in the Mexican Federal Police, in the Criminal Investigation Agency, led security in Mexico City, and now serves as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection."
García Harfuch returned the compliment, emphasizing that since Cole joined the anti-drug agency, information has flowed more smoothly, and protocols are even bypassed when necessary to address urgent matters, leading to greater efficiency in pursuing criminals who threaten both nations.
All good.
Well, maybe not exactly. Not long ago, the National Palace accused the governor of Chihuahua of something akin to treason because two DEA agents — yes, the very agency headed by Cole — died in an accident following an anti-drug operation.
Or, when speaking before his country’s Congress following the criminal indictment against Rubén Rocha Moya, Cole said that this was just the “beginning” and that “there is no doubt that drug traffickers and high-ranking Mexican government officials have been in bed for years,” and that now the U.S. is paying attention.
I could give more examples — a few canceled visas, for instance — but there isn’t enough space.
We’ll see how long the praise and embraces last when more accusations come and Mexico ignores them, or when there are more unauthorized interventions and Mexico wraps itself in its flag.
Because the fact is that there will be more.
For now, though, it’s all pats on the back and kicks.
Previous article![]( "Trump: The Last Week of August …")
