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Obama Defends Mexico's Drug War

Cartels are the biggest violators of human rights, president says

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2009 2:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama expressed his support for Mexico’s war on drug cartels after today's North American summit, the New York Times reports. Obama defended Felipe Calderón—who some criticize for not holding the Mexican army accountable for reported human rights abuses against the drug traders—saying that the ruthless traffickers were the biggest violators of human rights.

Washington is debating whether to withhold money to help fight the powerful cartels because of these allegations. Obama also said that the effort to change immigration rules would be shelved until next year, slotting it after health care and energy legislation on his first-term agenda. "It's very important for us to sequence these big initiatives in a way where they don't all just crash at the same time," he said.

President Barack Obama, right, gestures as he stands next to Mexico's President Felipe Calderon in Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday Aug. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper (right), Mexican President Felipe Calderon and United States President Barack Obama are seen following a family photo at the North American Leaders Summit Monday Aug.10,... (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

Barack Obama, left, and Felipe Calderon of Mexico leave the stage at the end of a news conference that concluded the North American Leaders Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico Monday Aug. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

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Obama Defends Mexico's Drug War

Cartels are the biggest violators of human rights, president says

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Obama Defends Mexico's Drug War

Cartels are the biggest violators of human rights, president says

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Barack Obama • human rights • Mexico • Mexican drug war • Mexican army • drug cartel • Obama administration • President Obama

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

15 Tons of Meth Seized in Mexico

Haul's street value a staggering $4B

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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