Mexican President Felipe Calderon has his hands full. The fight against powerful drug cartels has become increasingly bloody and exposed the weaknesses of his government. A turf struggle among rival gangs has escalated into a frontal assault on the government. In a subtle twist, gangs are now enlisting and paying citizens to participate in protests against the military presence in their cities.
While it is fashionable to call a struggle against any social evil — say, poverty or crime — "a war," it is no exaggeration in this case. More than 6,500 people were killed in Mexico last year as a result of drug wars. It is estimated that more than 650 have died in the first two months of 2009. At first, the victims were primarily gang members fighting for control of profitable smuggling routes into the United States. Then they realized that Mexico itself was a viable market; reportedly use of cocaine in Mexico has doubled in the past four years.
Rising bloodshed forced the government to step in and target the cartels. The drug groups have responded with intimidation and corruption. Gunmen have attacked police stations with automatic weapons and grenades. Police officials who dare to do their jobs are kidnapped, tortured and killed to send a message. In some small cities, entire police forces have resigned as a result.