The New Ambassador’s Agenda

One of the many lessons that Mexico has learned in its fight against organized crime is that without the full cooperation of the United States the problem cannot be eradicated. In its discourse, President Obama’s administration has given signs that it understands this, but we are still awaiting actions that would confirm it.

In this light, the Congressional confirmation of the new ambassador to Mexico takes on particular importance. The ambassador’s arrival will be the perfect opportunity to renew relations between our two countries, particularly in terms of security.

It should be noted that relations between the countries are not at a high point. President Calderon never considered the previous ambassador, Carlos Pascual, a legitimate and impartial counterpart, and the situation only worsened with the news that U.S. security agencies had brought arms into Mexico illegally during Operation Fast and Furious. The words of ambassadorial candidate, Anthony Wayne, spoken yesterday before Congress, now take on added importance: “I am firmly convinced of the need to be fully transparent with every operation the United States federal agencies carry out, with the ambassador and with the country in which we have a responsibility. And not only because of the ambassador’s responsibility, but also to ensure the effectiveness of these operations.”*

Perhaps the only aspect of Wayne’s Congressional appearance that merits criticism is that from his point of view there are no other alternatives in the fight against the drug cartels. He did not specify if this absence of alternatives included the U.S. policy of allowing citizens to possess weapons and consume drugs while at the same time prohibiting the entry of illegal substances into the country. The last thing Mexico hopes for is the continuation of this failed strategy.

Next year will be the end of Obama’s first four-year term, as well as President Calderon’s six-year term. It is likely that crime-fighting methods will change, even if the Democratic leader is re-elected. In any case, no matter the focus of the fight, any anti-drug policy should include consumption reduction and the restriction of the buying and selling of high-powered weapons in the U.S.

Politicians say the time is not right when they believe that taking a stand could create a backlash in public opinion. This will put U.S. and Mexican security at risk next year. Both sides should approve the ambassador’s appointment in order to overturn this false limitation.

Bilateral problems cannot remain at the mercy of special interests groups.

*Editor’s Note: This quotation, accurately translated, could not be verified.