ANONYMOUS retracts its threat against the Zetas in Mexico, they cancel #OpCartel

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico:  Today Anonymous retracted its threat on the Zeta's Organization, thus cancelling the #Opcartel trend.  The news was reported first here in Mexico by Mileno Noticias, I was actually in a health club working out when I heard the news. I tried obtaining confirmation to the news story and it was sure hard to get:

http://impreso.milenio.com/node/9053788
 
Two Anonymous members actually spoke with Mileno Noticias, there names are GlynissParoubek y Skill3r, stateing the reason they backed down from the threat was because innocent lives were going to pay the price as copy cat organizations, on personal vendettas could post pictures of people who are not Zetas.  The risk was simply greater than when they tackle other organizations.

I just wonder what the Zetas thought about this entire incident.

In Mexico people believe ANONYMOUS threats to the ZETAS (Videos in English and Spanish)

Anonymous Video Threatening the Zetas in English

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO:  Although the reactions are mixed whether the "Anonymous Video" threatening the Zetas is real or a fake - in Mexico there are no doubts concerning its veracity.  The video states that the Zetas kidnapped a member of Anonymous, so they give the criminal organization until November 5th to release their member or face the consequences.  Any nation, organization or group that is willing to stand up against any form of organized crimes is very much welcomed by the Mexican people.

 

Anonymous threatens to release the names, pictures, addresses and connections that cab drivers (serving as lookouts for the Zetas), jounalists (that write articles for the Zetas), businesses operated by the organization as well as a list of its members if their member is not release unharmed.

The video we are posting above is in English and although it is a translation its harshness is lost in the translation; in Spanish the video is direct and with several curse words.  Personally, I played the video to about 20 people and each one of them welcomed Anonymous desire to get into the fight with the Zetas. 

I provide the video in Spanish for those that understand the language.

Anonymous Threatening the Zetas in Spanish

Americans witness gun battle in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (VIDEO)

Americans witnessing Gun Battle in

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: The narco war spread to the tourism resort of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California this weekend as the Mexican Marines along with state authorities faced "sicarios"

(professional gun men) on the streets and in a shopping mall.

http://www.animalpolitico.com/2011/10/evacuan-centro-comercial-en-los-cabos-por-enfrentamiento/

As the "sicarios" were being cornered they entered a shopping mall in a last ditch effort to avoid capture.  It was earlier reported that some hostages were taken, but the military denied those rumors.  However, the military did issue a statement informing the community that one of its own had fallen in the line of duty.

For those that are unaware, Cabo San Lucas is a major port of call for tourism ships visiting Mexico from the United States and other nations. 

The video above was shot by an American that presenced some of the gun fights from his hotel.

$300 Million Dollar Embezzlement in the Coahuila Government in Mexico

Javier Villareal - Former Coahuila State Treasure

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO:  Corruption is part of human nature and we Americans are not above it, but Mexico has an entire different standard of corruption from the rest of the world.  Case in point is the border state of Coahuila (with Texas) where a $300 million U.S. dollar embezzlement occurred in the state treasury.

If $300 million U.S. dollars seems an incredible sum imagine what it means in Mexico Pesos - 3 Billion in Mexican currency!

How can embezzlements such as these occur so openly?

It all happened under the Governorship of Humberto Moreira Valdes, who is now the President of the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which is a clear front runner to returning to Presidential power. Conveniently, Humberto's brother - Ruben won the election for governor; thus making sure that any further corruption can be hidden. 

Former Coahuila Governor Humberto Moreira Valdes

Now President of the PRI Party

However, even $300 million dollars can not vanish in Mexico as an investigation began in order to find out who the thief was.

Yes, in Mexico they know the meaning of "SCAPEGOAT" it means "CHIVO EXPIATORIO" and the Moreira brothers found one, his name is Javier Villareal former Coahuila State Treasure.  He is being singled out as the person who "allegedly" falsified the signatures in order to divert the $300 million dollars to other accounts.

Javier Villareal was arrested this last week, however, Saturday morning at 7:00 am he posted bail and was released.  He keeps on maintaining his innocence even as five other government officials have been arrested in connection with the embezzlement.

http://noticierostelevisa.esmas.com/nacional/357069/ex-tesorero-coahuila-queda-libre-bajo-fianza 

The problem here is quite simple - this investigation will not touch former Governor Humberto Moreira Valdes as he leads his party in returning to Presidential power in the 2012 elections.

What did Humberto Moreira do with this money?

He practically purchased every radio station and newspaper in Coahuila.  The Moreira family now own the state by having the power to manipulate everything told about them even as brother Ruben Moreira is now the existing governor.

So how will the money be returned?

It will not, simply a loan was secured for Coahuila further indebting the state for the next 30 years.

If it isn't the drug cartels or the Zetas - it is the people's own state government.

Poor Coahuila.

A 2nd Mexican Army Base will open in San Fernando, Tamaulipas

San Fernando, Tamaulipas

Mexico

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: The SEDENA (Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional) or the Department of National Defense announced that a second military base will open in San Fernando, Tamaulipas this year as the war against the Zetas and other cartels has intensified in the last few months.

http://excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&seccion=seccion-nacional&cat=1&id_nota=778102

Our readers will remember that San Fernando will forever be remembered as the place where 72 bodies were found dead a year ago, mostly Central American illegals that were transiting through Mexico on their way to the American dream.

This area of Tamaulipas is so submerged in organized crime whether by Zetas or other cartels that Government has found a need to open a second military base. 

The base will house:

1. 599 soldiers
2. 48 officers
3. 49 transport vehicles

These soldiers are part of the 105th Infantry Batallion.

19 of the 50 most violent cities are in Mexico - check the list

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: It is now a fact, 19 of the 50 most violent cities in the world are in Mexico.  These statistic were reported by Jose Antonio Ortega Sanchez, President of "CONSEJO CIUDADANO PARA LE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA Y LA JUSTICIA PENAL".  

In 2010, Mexico had 13 cities on the list only to increase by six more in the past 12-months.

 http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=286124

So which are the 19 most violent cities in the world?

Before I share the list with you it is important to state that Ciudad Juarez is no longer the most violent in the world, last but not least, "a city" was deemed to be an urban population with over 300,000 in population.

1. Acapulco
2. Ciudad Juarez
3. Chihuahua
4. Mazatlan
5. Culiacan
6. Torreon
7. Monterrey
8. Cuernavaca
9. Morelos
10. Tepic
11. Durango
12. San Luis Potosi
13. Tijuana
14. Matamoros
15. Nuevo Laredo
16. Ciudad Victoria
17. Cancun
18. Morelia
19. Veracruz

If any of my readers want to know, I live in one of the 19 cities along with an American and Canadian community.

The Preisser's Family Hold on Chimalhuacan, Mexico (VIDEO)

The Preisser's Family Hold on Chimalhuacan

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: Every country has a family that has a powerful stronghold on a particular community that not even the state or federal governments can break down - Mexico is no exception. In a medium sized community in the state of Mexico (yes, there is a state in Mexico called Mexico) there is a town called CHIMALHUACAN and the Preisser family literally control it.

For the last 20-years the Preisser has controlled the schools, transportation, businesses and garbage facilities in Chimalhuacan.  Nothing moves without their authorization. The situation has reached the point where the town Mayor as well as its population requested the newly elected Governor Erubiel Avila to intervene and solve the problem.

Although the schools are public and free of charge, the Preisser family has taken over and placed their own teachers in order to receive a government salary.  These teachers often never attended college.  It is reported that several times these "teachers" go to work under the influence of alcohol.  The teachers that are legally working in the school system have to pay a monthly fee for working in this town.  Things got to the point where the people of the community stepped in to take over the schools from the grip of the Preisser family.

In the video above you can see of disturbances between this family and the parents of this town.

I do not want my readers to feel that I am Mexico bashing because I am not. As an American I have been well received by the Mexican people and I truly love this country or I would have already gone back home.  However one cannot ignore the fact that corruption is rampant in the country and although the federal government has tackled this problem head on, it will take several decades for the tide to turn. 

Largest Shale Gas Reserves in Mexico discovered on the Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas border with Texas

The Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas border with Texas

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: Today the Mexican Energy Secretary Jordy Herrera Flores shocked the nation in a press conference by announcing that largest "Shale Gas" reserves were found along the border with Texas in Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.  This discovery would literally increase Mexico's gas reserve by 500%

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/803666.html

The Energy Secretary proceeded to explain the amount of wells, refinaries as well as the investment required to exploit the area.  The problem is that this economic wealth is right in the middle of Zeta Control territory.

This is going to be a problem, then again it might be a blessing in disguise.

The NYT errored by reporting that U.S. Intelligence has infiltrated Mexican Drug Cartels

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: I really don't get it sometimes. There is a full fledged drug war going on down here in Mexico where close to 50,000 people have died in it in the last 5-years, so why would the NEW YORK TIMES publish today that the U.S. has infiltrated the Mexican Drug Cartels?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/world/americas/united-states-infiltrating-criminal-groups-across-mexico.html

Obviously this is not a leak from U.S. Intelligence, it was surely given to the New York Times, but this clearly demonstrates that the United States does not understand how things work down here in Mexico.

1. There is a natural mistrust from Mexicans and the Mexican government towards the United States. Why would they not? They lost 50% of their territories to us over 150 years ago. 

2. Mexicans do not like the idea of an American intervention in Mexico because in the past there were several of them.

Finally the Mexican government is feeling comfortable with American intelligence operating from their country and then the New York Times goes ahead and announces this to the world.

I read the articles of the Mexican press today concerning the article that was published in the New York Times - my verdict? .

The Mexican drug cartels also read the newspaper and they could decide that every American in the country is somehow connected with U.S Intelligence. 

The United States does not have to tell the world what it does.

This is not the time to gloat.

600 Additional Mexican Army Troops arrive in Northeastern Tamaulipas

600 Additional Mexican Troops Arriving in Northeastern Tamaulipas

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: The Mexican Army is on the move again, according to the national press, in various parts of the country.  We reported during the weekend that 11th Military Zone in the border states of Durango and Coahuila are actively searching for Enrique "El Chapo" Guzman, but now it is the Northeastern State of Tamaulipas that is getting reinforcements.  Approximately 600 additional soldiers arrived this weekend in order to beef-up security.

http://www.radioformula.com.mx/notas.asp?Idn=204285

The soldiers are members of the 105th Infantry Batallion and their mission is to launch search and destroy missions against the drug cartels as well as reinforce Federal Regulations on the ownership of weapons and firearms. It is believed that with these actions peace and tranquility can return to the area.

During the summer, a national newspaper reported that 40% of the state of Tamaulipas was under Zeta control - the government seeks to remedy that statistic soon.

Mexican Army searching for "El Chapo" Guzman in Coahuila, 28 doctors in that state resign

State of Coahuila

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: Coahuila has jumped into the Mexican national spotlight this week for two major developments:

1. Operation seeking Joaquin "El Chapo Guzman" in Coahuila.

2. 28-Government doctors in IMSS (National Hospital) in both Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras resigned due to the insecurity in their hospitals and the lack of protection towards them personally.

Needless to say, having visited Coahuila last week, I realized that a major shift had occurred in the state as it once was peaceful under Governor Humberto Moreira.  It is evident that now that he has departed and his brother won the elections something sinister happened.

The state simply erupted into violence.

OPERATION SEEKING "EL CHAPO" GUZMAN IN COAHUILA AND DURANGO

This morning, the Mexican news wire report that the Mexican military has launched an operation searching for Enrique "El Chapo" Guzman who is believed to be in the states of Coahuila and Durango:

http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/buscan-en-coahuila-y-durango-al-chapo/

This is a major shift in policy as President Felipe Calderon stated to the New York Times that he believed that Enrique "El Chapo" Guzman was hiding in the United States, which in my opinion is high unlikely.

For those that do not know who "El Chapo" is, he is the strongest, wealthiest and most sought out drug lord on the planet. Once Osama Bin Laden was killed, he took his place on the FBI Most Wanted List.  Several years ago he even came out in FORBES MAGAZINE as one of the richest men in the world.

28 IMSS DOCTORS RESIGN IN ACUNA AND PIEDRAS NEGRAS, COAHUILA

The Mexican government provides free medical care to every worker as it is a right under the constitution. The government hospital network is called IMSS and it is one of best paying organizations in the nation.  However this week 28-doctors in both the border cities of Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras resigned their commissions due to the threats they have received as well as lack of security in the IMSS Hospitals.  As the doctors resigned, they stated that the Mexican Army should be in charge of securing each medical facility.

The credible news magazine PROCESO reported this news:

http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/buscan-en-coahuila-y-durango-al-chapo/

Through my trip through Coahuila, I heard about other news items to report, but it is my personal policy to only report what can be confirmed.

Needless to say, I can confidently state that Coahuila is no longer the tranquil state it was and it is evident that both border cities are about to face new challenges.

The last safest border between Coahuila and Texas might not be no more

Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila Mexico

(Border City with Del Rio, Texas)

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico: I rarely get to go back home to Texas but two days ago I decided to visit my parents in San Angelo, I decided to go through what I perceived was the safest border along the United States and Mexico - Ciudad Acuna, which is no longer safe. As I crossed the international bridge, the Mexican Military had shut down the main entrance street called Hidalgo Street.

As I passed Allende street there was a mega task force presence of army and "federales" as one of the casinos in town was surrounded.  Some people told me that there had been a shoot out in downtown but nothing that I could not confirm.

As I spent the evening in town, numerous people told me that this Monday the Mexican Marines would be arriving in town.  What surprised me was how many people knew something that you would think only the military would know.

I had to leave to Saltillo and on my way south but I left Acuna feeling that some sort of battle for the city was about to occur.

What the car bomb explosions in Monterrey teaches us

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico:  Yesterday it was an uncoordinated car bomb explosion, tomorrow it could be a deadly explosion with lots of collateral damage. The picture you see above is the aftermath of a car explosion in Monterrey, Mexico when a convoy of Mexican soldiers were chasing some cartel members down a street.  Once the soldiers passed a parked vehicle loaded with explosives, it blew up.

The person that detonated the bomb took a split second to long, thus missing the soldiers.  However what this episode teaches us is that the cartels are establising escape routes throughout the city with car filled explosives in order to kill whichever law enforcement is following them.

In the last year cartels have been using car bombs more often.

What is next, bombing government buildings?

2% of Asylum Cases Approved in the U.S. are to Mexican Narco-Terrorist Victims

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico: I recently came across this video that sheds light on Mexicans seeking asylum in the United States due to Narco-Terrorism. Although I can dispute the fact that the violence is not originating from the Government, it is important to balance every claim. Therefore in fairness to balance, I post another point of view.

Can the Social Networks used in the ARAB SPRING bring down the Drug Cartels in Mexico?

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Deep in Mexico: Twitter and Facebook were one of the main avenues of communication that the Arab people had at their disposal during this "ARAB SPRING" in order to bring down two despot dictators: Mubarak in Egypt and Ghadafi in Libya. The Social Networks were able to perform what the main media was unable due to governmental censorship and control - report the truth.

As an American living in Mexico, I often ask myself the question if the same thing could happen here in this country.  My answer is no, not yet. 

They reason the ARAB SPRING harvested success for the people of these oppressed country was because they were ready for it.  The people in Mexico are not ready for it as they believe the solution lays with the government.

However there are isolated cases, like the two teens in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas that decided to tweet about a criminal act they witnessed. A few days later there bodies were found lifeless hanging from a crossing bridge. 

On the guard rails there was a poster warning the people not to use the Social Networks to inform the world what was happening in Nuevo Laredo.

The message was received loud and clear by the Mexican people, however, if things continue the way they are, one day the people will have their own "Arab Spring" and when that day comes Mexico will be free.

Olympics in Mexico in 2020?

Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting Deep Inside of Mexico: Nothing can bring healing to a nation as a dosage of patriotism.  So how is that achieved in a nation that has lived a war for the last 5-years.

Sports.

The Opening Ceremony at the Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011, this past Friday, impressed the nation by its well organized manner.

As a matter of fact, this year the U17 World Cup of Soccer was played in several Mexican cities, Mexico having won the World Championship in Aztec Stadium. A wave of patriotism swept the nation.

Therefore, the PAN (National Action Party)is considering sponsor a bill that would authorize the government to back the Mexican Olympic Committee so a bid can be made for the 2020 Olympics.  Guadalajara practically has the entire infrastructure as these Pan American Games has demonstrated it.

http://chesscampeona.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2495

I would have to agree that Mexico should at least make the attempt because this country needs something to unite it - cheering together is a first step.

The PRI sure barked on Sunday with Calderon's interview with the New York Times but come Monday - No Bite

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Deep Inside of Mexico:  Mexican politics never cease to amaze.  This past Sunday the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) was foaming in the mouth over statements made by Mexican President Felipe Calderon to the New York Times.  Calderon stated that if the PRI won the 2012 Presidential Elections, they would pact a peace deal with the drug cartels.


The PRI had a spasm attack by stating that they would sue the President in the I.F.E. (Federal Election Institute) for attempting to manipulate public perception prior to an electrion.


Well, 48 hours has passed since the PRI foamed in the mouth and spasmed - they have taken no legal action against Calderon. 


Guess what?


Nothing is going to happen.


The PRI, today, has requested the Calderon Government not to get involved in electorial matters, but rather that he stick to governing:


http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/b32314e81b62a0b97b6f539b861ae2f4


Nevertheless, by the PRI not going the distance against the President it clearly demonstrates that they, as a party, have several skeletons in their closet.  If the PRI is not planning to pact with the drug cartels, or has not pacted in the past with these criminal organization, why not take Calderon on through the court system like they threatened on Sunday?


Just because the Mexican people stay silent about the past does not mean they are ignorant about it.


FACT: the PRI did pact with the drug cartels between the 70's through the 90's, if they had not, this country would not be suffering those effects.


The PRI has a good bark, but no bite.

The PRI took the bait that Mexican President Felipe Calderon tossed through the New York Times

"Partido Revolucionario Institucional"

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico: There is not one news segment on Mexican television or radio that is not covering the statements made by Mexican President Felipe Calderon to the New York Times about the PRI Party (Institutional Revolutionary Party) pacting with the drug cartels if they won the 2012 Presidential Election. 

This sent shockwaves to the PRI.

On Sunday, mind you, the PRI stated that they would take legal action against Calderon for slander and attempting to influence the 2012 election process.

The Presidential website fired back at its critics reaffirming that Calderon shared his viewpoint as a Head of State and was not attempting to influence the elections. However, the PRI has not backed off by requesting that Calderon show proof that a pact would be in the making if they won the elections. 

Basically, the PRI has thrown a "Put Up or Shut Up" gauntlet at Calderon.

The question that needs to be answered here is simple, Did Calderon not know that his remarks would cause controversy back home?

I assure you that he did know.

So why cause make those remarks to the New York Times?

First thing they teach you in law school is to never ask a question that you do not already know the answer. Having said that, Calderon stirred this controversy because he has an ace up his sleeve.

If I were the PRI, I would back off from taking legal action against Calderon - they might be surprised what he knows that the some members of the PRI High Command might not know.

In Mexico it takes shrewdness to become President and Calderon is nothing but shrewd.

He knows exactly what he is doing.

Four reason why the U.S. is escalating its involvement in Mexico against the cartels

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico - Ever since the "Iranian Terror Plot" was announced by the U.S. Government this week, I have invested numerous hours to monitor TWITTER and several news agency wires. I have come to a conclusion: the U.S. is preparing to escalate its involvement in Mexico.

What is my evidence?

Before I share my opinion, I am not stating that a greater involvement in Mexico is right or wrong, that is not for me to decide, however, there are numerous issues that must be taken into account before such an operation is conducted.

Here is my evidence.

1. The C.I.A. is currently operating in Mexico from an undisclosed military base along with U.S. Military personnel who are on private company payroll.  This information was released by the New York Times in August.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/world/07drugs.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all


2. UNIVISION, the leading Spanish language television network in the United States reports that the ZETAS and the Cartel del Golfo control the drug flow in 17 counties in Texas.

http://noticias.univision.com/narcotrafico/reportajes/article/2011-10-15/zetas-se-aduenan-de-estados-unidos?refPath=/univisionnuevayork/decimo-aniversario-del-11-de-septiembre/


3. The "IRANIAN TERRORIST PLOT" where the U.S. Government ties Iran with the Zetas has caused an outcry for further border security, but in doing so it has elevated the Zetas to a position of international fame, which it did not have until now. Today, the following article was published in a newspaper in California stating that the U.S./Mexico border should be closed.

http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/strickland/article_acca138b-ba50-5bfa-8af6-70c57cac4e30.html


4. About 3-hours ago a story hit the wires that 4-former Colombian Army specialist were training the ZETAS.  This is part of the CIA public relations campaing for escalation in Mexico. If the American public is convinced that the ZETAS are more than a cartel, but a menace to the national security - you have an excuse for escalation. Someone forgot to clarify that the ZETAS were former Mexican Special Forces TRAINED by the United States.

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid=%7B0c4839c7-1c1a-4f83-92d9-8a675449e9c9%7D

As an American living in Mexico, what do I believe?

I believe that the CIA is operating in Mexico in intelligence gathering operations. I believe the CIA is also busy at home deseminating information and preparing the population for further escalation. 

I am in favor of U.S. involvement in Mexico but if in fact U.S. Military troops or forces enter Mexico, they must be seen as liberators - this could be a problem because the wounds of 1836 and 1846 are still fresh in the Mexican conscious.

Nevertheless, you will notice in the next couple of days and weeks the enormous amount of "news items" that will be showing up on the internet concerning "Zetas this and Zeta that".  Someone in Langely, Virgina is running the show and getting ready to hype everyone up so that an escalation of U.S forces in Mexico is almost demanded by the American public.

The U.S has been down this road before with Mexico in 1846 and with the incursion in pursuit of General Villa by General Pershing prior to World War I.

The U.S. failed in capturing Villa although later that same U.S. Army went to Europe and covered itself with glory.

Mexico is different from Europe.

General Villa taught us that 90 years ago.

Would the PRI and the Drug Cartels in Mexico pact if they win the Presidency?

Mexican President Felipe Calderon

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico - President Felipe Calderon's interview with the New York times about a possible PRI government (Institutional Revolutionary Party) pacting with the drug cartels in exchange for peace, got mixed reviews in the Mexican press, especially from Mexico's powerhouse:

"EL UNIVERSAL"

(http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/801491.html)

Mexican presidential elections will be held next year with the PRI's Enrique Peña Nieto, believed to be the front runner and possible future President of Mexico. The majority of Mexicans realize that the PRI allowed the cartels to emerge and gain power during their 72 year rule.  It was not until 2000 that Vicente Fox from the PAN (National Action Party)defeated the seven decade hold the PRI had over the country. Felipe Calderon followed as the next PAN president. However the tables are turning on the PAN as many feel that the PRI has a legitimate shot at winning the Presidency. 

Since Mexicans feel that the emergence and growth of the cartels was under the PRI rule, a win for them would mean "going back to the good old days" where government and cartels simply work together.

Along with the war, just like in the United States, the main concern for Mexicans is the economy.  Althought the unemployment rate is at 5.5% compared to the 9.1% in the United States, the devaluation of the peso with the dollar and the inflation in basic consumer goods concern the average Mexican.

Simply, the country is divided on this issue and it is not about to get any better in the near future.

So could there be a pact between the PRI and the Drug Cartels if Enrique Peña Nieto wins the Presidency?

The question is if this happened, would the United States work with Mexico if they did?

To understand the Drug War in Mexico - Start with this Map of its Drug Cartels

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

REPORTING FROM MEXICO: In the United States there is lack of information about "The Drug War in Mexico" and about crime in general in this country. So we are going to start with this map. I ask my readers to observe it and then google each of the cartels that are mentioned in the picture above.

I have been living here in Mexico for about a decade and it the country was somewhat calm when I arrived.  However when President Felipe Calderon arrived in power his top agenda was to rid Mexico from the power of the cartels.

The population is split right down the middle on the need for this war.

The first 50% say this war was necessary because the cartels got so big that the government could not govern effectively. The second 50% say that things were going well until Felipe Calderon stirred the bee's nest.

What is my opinion as an American living in Mexico?

We went through the same process in our history: the Mafia.  After the Prohibition Era, the crime families got so powerful in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, etc that FBI Director Hoover made it priority number one to go to war with organized crime.

Well the Italian Mafias don't have a thing on these Mexican cartels. The U.S. Government could rely on the FBI to fight this war, but President Felipe Calderon could not rely on his police to do the same - he needed the Military.

That is how strong the cartels are that it requires military force to cut them down to size.

But I still have not answered the question. Was this war necessary?

Yes, it was about time. Actually it should have been waged right after DEA Agent Camarena was killed by Mega Drug Lord Caro Quintero in the mid 80's, but those were other times as the government and the cartels were basically the same organization.

What I do critize is the way this war has been fought, but I also understand that Mexico had not had an insurgency of this magnitude since 1910 - during the revolution.  Also, fighting this form of war is totally unconventional and not many nations have experience in this form of combat except Colombia.

Intelligence is the key to winning this war and mega cooperation from the United States in various areas.

I have to leave right now as during the writing of this article the Mexican Army in a convoy of the trucks and a Humvee have been circling my neighborhood for about an hour.

I will keep you guys posted.

The Number #1 ZETA in Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon was Captured by the Mexican Military in Saltillo

Carlos Oliva Castillo "La Rana"

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporing From Mexico - (Saltillo) Earlier today Carlos Olivia Castillo "La Rana", the number #1 Zeta leader in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas was paraded before the press in order to confirm his capture. Once his arrested happened violence broke out through out the city of Saltillo.

For those that were unaware, the Zeta Cartel was founded by former Mexican Special Forces trained in the United States.  They originally provided protection for drug cartels as private mercenaries until they decided to enter the business themselves. As the cartel grew they expanded into other areas of organized crimes, they are mostly known for conducting kidnappings.

The northern state of Coahuila until 2010, except for the city of Torreon, was somewhat calm.  Many people wondered why their neighboring states were so violent such as Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua, but then Governor Humberto Moreira left his post to become President of the Institucional Revolutionary Party (PRI)and the violence exploded in the state. It was believed that while he was governer there was some sort of business agreement between him and the Zetas that maintained the peace.

If there was ever an agreement, all bets are off as in the following video from Wednesday morning its evident that Saltillo is now a war zone.

I have been several times in Saltillo, it is a beautiful city where once the Spanish ruled, than the Americans and French as well as Revolutionary forces in the last century - now its a fight between the Mexican Military and the Zetas for control of Coahuila's State Capital.

The Iranian Plot reads like a Tom Clancy Book - I'm not buying it

John Reed
reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Reporting From Mexico - I simply don't get it. Yesterday the U.S Government informed the world about an alleged terror plot between Iran and a hired hitman from "Los Zetas" to kill the Saudi Arabian Ambassador in the United States as well as hitting the Israeli Embassy.

The Justice Department itself stated that this read like a Hollywood script.

This smells like Tom Clancy, John Grishom and Star Trek all rolled into one. However what concerns me the most is what Americans did not see on television yesterday that Mexicans did see in Mexico.

NBC reported the about the plot but never placed a single Mexican official on television explaining the Mexican part of the operation. Here in Mexico, in powerhouse TELEVISA, there was a press conference by the PROCURADURIA DE LA REPUBLICA and SECRETARIA DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES, the equivalent of the Justice and State Department where they explained the Mexican part of the involvement.

The Mexicans stated that the United States informed them about two Iranians that were trying to contact a Cartel.  The Mexicans also reported that they were aware that a U.S. Official posing as a Cartel member would meet with one of the Iranians in Reynosa, Tamaulipas (other news agencies in the U.S. report that it was a DEA informant and not an agent).  In the press conference they also affirmed that they knew when one of the Iranians was going to land in Mexico City after a financial exchange had already been conducted.

The Mexican Press Conference reported that once the Iranian landed in Benito Juarez International Airport, he was escorted to another plane where Mexican agents along with American authorities were waiting.

The plane then took off to the United States.

O.k. let's say all that was said was true. I have some questions.

1. Why would the Iranians want this particular Saudi Ambassador in the United States dead?
2. Why would U.S. authorities state that an informant in LOS ZETAS cartel was used for this operation, do we really want them to know that they were infiltrated?
3. With all the corruption in the Mexican government do we really believe that they could have kept such a secret?

I am sorry but I am not buying this novel or paying the price of a movie ticket to watch this crap, not even of Antonio Banderas plays Calderon and Denzel Washington plays Obama.

This simply smell as special ops from our friends in the CIA.

What Happened to Mexico? (Part 1)

Mexico

John Reed

reportingfrommexico.blogspot.com

Mexico, such a beautiful country blessed in every imaginable way.  It has some of the most beautiful landscapes, kind-hearted people in its villages and small towns, as well as rich and spicy foods.  God blessed the nation with every natural resources imaginable: oil, silver, coal, lumber and numerous others that would not fit in my writings.

So what the hell has happened to this country?

It never had a chance.

In the beginning of time warriors roamed this land.  The land of the Toltecs, Zapotecs, Aztecs and Mayans.  The last two really putting on a clinic of what advanced indian civilizations were all about.  But then came the Spaniards and the inability of the indians to differentiate what was real and what was prophecy brought that civilization to bondage.

It took several hundred years before the Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla started the war of Independence, 11-years of war until freedom was achieved.  By then the majority of the Independence leaders were already dead by 1821.

However Mexico obtained its Independence in the strangest of ways, on the peace table.

So how did this country get from freedom in 1821 to this horrendous war that began in 2005 and that has claimed the lives of almost 60,000 Mexicans as well as foreigners?

I will talk about this tommorrow.

John Reed