'Narco-Protests' Paralyze Mexican Border Crossings

(NEWSER) - Mexico’s disastrous drug war, which threatens to send millions of refugees into the southern US, is a problem of our own making, Mark Krikorian writes in the National Review. But while America’s drug lust—and its burgeoning counterpart in Mexico itself—can’t be fixed, tighter border regulations could blunt the pain of a state that isn’t failed—“yet.” More»

Cartel boss Carlos Montemayor busted

(NEWSER) - Mexico says it is deploying extra troops and federal police to reassert its authority in two states bordering the US. Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon have become a battleground for the Gulf and Zetas cartels, and cities like Monterrey, once considered relatively safe, have seen a huge surge in violence. The government says the mission, Coordinated Operation Northeast, will also seek to prevent cartels from regrouping after the arrest of leaders, the AP reports. More»

Cartels are the biggest violators of human rights, president says

(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. More»

US holds up aid until Mexico can 'pass' human rights investigation

(NEWSER) - A growing body of evidence points to widespread human rights abuses by the Mexican military in its battle against drug cartels, the Washington Post reports. Human rights groups say the army has responded to the traffickers' brutal tactics with equal brutality, carrying out deadly campaigns of "disappearances," forced confessions, torture, and rape in regions where the cartels are active. More»

Bodies left with threatening messages from drug cartels

(NEWSER) - Mexican police have found the shot and mutilated bodies of 11 men in a stolen van with Arizona plates near the US border, Reuters reports. The arms and legs of most of the bodies had been hacked off. Threatening messages believed to be from a drug cartel were left with the corpses. Police believe the same drug gang shot at a police station with heavy-caliber weapons the previous day. More»