Thread: Cutoff of military aid to Mexico hobbles U.S. interests

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Cutoff of military aid to Mexico hobbles U.S. interests
John C. Bersia
COMMENTARY

March 13, 2006

The latest issue of the annual U.S. Department of State report on terrorism describes the kind of constructive relationship that the United States and Mexico should have in combating that problem. "Mexico is a key ally. The Mexican government works closely with the U.S. government to enhance aviation, border, maritime and transportation security; protect U.S. citizens, businesses, and government facilities and personnel in Mexico; secure critical infrastructure; and combat terrorism financing."

Thus, it strikes me as curious that the Bush administration would seek to punish Mexico by cutting off U.S. military aid because of a dispute over whether American citizens should be protected from prosecution by the International Criminal Court. I will leave the issue of the court's work in attempting to punish perpetrators of genocide and other crimes against humanity for another day. But I will question the wisdom of an aid cutoff that works against U.S. interests.

When I think of the U.S.-Mexico relationship, three of the most critical tides of turmoil on which Washington and Mexico City should cooperate are illegal migration, narcotics trafficking and terrorism.

The same report cited above takes up the issue of smuggling channels that cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Some of those operations carry illegal migrants from Mexico and other countries into the United States. Terrorists also can make use of such routes, a particularly serious concern as public statements by al-Qaeda officials about potential targets in the United States menacingly intensify. So can narcotics traffickers, against whom Mexican President Vicente Fox declared war last year.

The report also lauds Mexico for its stepped-up efforts to deal with the problem of illegal migrants into that country who ultimately wish to continue on to the United States. Significant Mexican initiatives targeting gangs and migrant-smugglers reportedly have led to a multitude of arrests. Again, such cooperation makes sense.

So, why don't President George W. Bush and Fox accelerate their conversation on those and other migration issues, including the status of millions of Mexicans living unlawfully in the United States? Mexicans have contributed in ways small and large to the United States, and have helped weave welcome strength and diversity into the national fabric.

An appropriate time for an expanded conversation will come at the end of this month, when the two presidents plan to meet in Cancun, Mexico, along with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In addition to their tri-lateral agenda items, Bush and Fox are expected to talk separately.

They clearly should include the question of the suspended U.S. military aid. Although the cutoff happened quietly some months ago, the news is now out and could add unnecessary strains to U.S.-Mexican relations.

More important, because that U.S. assistance was designed -- among other things -- to improve Mexico's counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics capabilities, the United States has taken action that could disrupt key objectives of both nations.

Bush should use the opportunity of his meeting with Fox to waive the sanctions and commit to even more extensive cooperation with Mexico against the scourges of terrorism and illegal narcotics.

Mexico clearly has demonstrated greater willingness to toughen its stance against illegal migration, narcotics trafficking and terrorism. To inspire Mexico City to rise to an even higher level and do more of what is required to combat those tides of turmoil, Washington must send a consistent signal of support and cooperation.

Foreign-affairs columnist John C. Bersia, who works part-time for the Sentinel, is the special assistant to the president for global perspectives at the University of Central Florida. He can be reached jbersia@orlandosentinel.com.

1. Mexico does not need funding from the United States for military operations. Mexico is one of the largest economies overall, ranking 10th to 12th in total GDP out of over 200 nations. They can pay their own darn bills.

2. Given that the Mexican military has made over 200 incursions across the US-Mexico border, why would we want to help finance that?

3. There is clear evidence that the Mexican military aids, rather than intercedes, in narcotics and illegal migrant smuggling across the the US-Mexico border. Perhaps this involves only rogue elements of their military, but that is an internal problem they need to address before we should even consider funding or cooperation with them.

4. If Mexico has clearly demonstrated anything on the illegal migration issue, it is that they encourage illegal crossings of the border and will do whatever necessary, through their consulates in the the US, to interfere with legislation and enforcement of proposed and existing immigration law.

5. While many Mexicans who have immigrated legally to the US have indeed made important contributions to US society and have introduced constructive diversity while at the same time assimilating into American Society, the onslaught of illegal migrants and massive numbers of legal immigrants increasingly introduce balkanization rather than diversity. They are of absolutely no benefit to this nation, nor are illegal migrants from any other part of the world.