Collateral Damage: Why Hillary Clinton flagged judicial reform as 'essential' to Mexico's drug war

Yes, the police and judicial systems of Mexico desperately need to be reformed, but that will not end the drug war. In fact, the drug war is a huge diversion of financial, human and political resources from the reforms that Mexico needs to enact to become more of a democracy and a protector of human rights.

Why Hillary Clinton flagged judicial reform as 'essential' to Mexico's drug war - CSMonitor.com: "Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed in a visit to Mexico Monday the importance of reforming Mexico’s judicial system, a policy matter that has been overshadowed by talk of how to coordinate security strategies.

During her high-profile trip to Mexico, Clinton applauded, on more than one occasion, an ongoing effort in Mexico to reform an outdated criminal justice system, saying it is key to success in the drug war.

“A well-equipped, well-trained judicial system is essential,” Clinton told reporters after meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa in the central state of Guanajuato. “We stand ready to assist in that work.”

The statements were welcomed by policy experts who have been fighting for years to overhaul inadequate investigation, trial, and detention systems known to encourage torture and allow hardened criminals to walk free. Some said the speech may signal a shift in focus for the Obama administration, which has allocated scant funds to promote structural reforms in Mexico compared with military aid through the $1.6 billion Merida Initiative.

“The message seems to be more about structural [changes] and not only material resources,” says Carlos Rios, professor of criminal procedures at Mexico’s Center for Economic Research and Teaching." Jan. 25, 2011