The U.S.-Mexico Border War: Guns, Cartels, and Human Cost

Introduction

The phrase running a war against drugs often conjures romantic images of the combating of organized crime with the idea of a war on drugs. However, the reality in Mexico paints a far more complex and grim picture. Cartels are not merely small problems, but deeply ingrained military enterprises. The local police are often the ones used in the war, making drug trafficking look more like a mass shooting on U.S. streets, excelling in media frenzy and government budgets inflation.

Understanding the War

One side of the conflict is the United States' war-drum political beat, which encourages the militarization of Mexico's approach to cartels. This includes:

The Mérida Initiative, which supplies Mexican military with weapons. Increase in the sale of guns by major U.S. retailers, like Walmart, to Mexican cartels, linked to the gunwalking scandal.

Legality and Impact

Legal U.S. gun sales meant for the Mexican military are often diverted to cartels. This inflates the arms in the hands of cartels, amplifying their capability. For instance, the flow of guns from the U.S. to Mexico is a silent accomplice in the border debate, as:

There are continuous reports of Americans selling weapons to cartels, adding to the overall instability. Gun regulations in the U.S. are often sidelined as the debate over illegal cross-border trade intensifies.

Human Cost and Casualties

While the direct casualties of the cartels are few, the human toll is significant. The army and police, who are often the ones fighting the cartels, suffer the brunt of the violence, resulting in an immeasurable loss to society. Here are some figures that illustrate this:

Since the start of the war, over 20,000 children have been orphaned due to the drug conflict. Unveiling their invisibility, these children are the silent victims of this war. About 5,430 military personnel have lost their lives, including:

543 casualties in the army and air force during Felipe Calderon#39;s term

54 marines killed during the same period

152 marines killed during Pe?a Nieto#39;s term

Adding to this number, López Obrador's term has witnessed a significant increase in violence despite being in its first semester.

Conclusion

The war on drugs in Mexico is more than a fight against cartels—it's a fight against the legalization and regulation of guns in America. Until both sides address their issues, the cycle of violence will continue, perpetuating the loss of children and the collateral damage to society as a whole.