Drug War Hobbles Mexican Economy

In addition to having produced 60,000 dead, 20,000 disappeared, hundreds of thousands displaced, wounded or on the run, and tens of thousands widowed or orphaned, Mexico’s drug war — which seems to be off the radars of that country’s presidential candidates — is a chain wrapped around the nation’s considerable industrial potential.

Polls show that security is a high priority for Mexicans, but the politicians vying for the presidency don’t appear to be interested in untying their country’s fate from the disastrous drug policies of their neighbor to the north, the United States. The candidates instead mumble about “change,” “real change” and “difference,” but appear to be unwilling to deal with organized crime or address failed reforms.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly

The Guardian:

The drug wars are taking place against the backdrop of an economy that has responded robustly to the global crisis. Mexico is becoming a manufacturing powerhouse at a time of vindication for those countries that kept or developed their industrial bases, unlike its crisis-ridden giant northern neighbour. Its aeronautical and auto industries have helped propel growth rates since the crisis of 2008 and recession in 2009, with manufactured goods accounting for 84% of exports. Mexico aims for trade to account for 85% of GDP by 2017.

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