The Drug War: The Mexican Drug Cartel Threat in Central America

From the Stratfor intelligence group, a detailed analysis of the geographic, economic and strategic factors in the drug war that are turning Central America into a major battle ground.

The article also provides a description of the various Central American drug cartels and street gangs, some of which have their origins in gang members deported from the U.S.. Futher, it discusses the recent intrusion of Mexican cartels.

The article ends by proposing that the U.S. needs to significantly increase its involvement in the region, which it acknowledges, is higly unlikely to happen. Thus, it concludes, Central America will continue to disintegrate.

STRATFOR: "Central America ...  is experiencing increasing levels of crime and the prospect of heightened competition from Mexican drug cartels in its territory. The institutional weakness and security vulnerabilities of Guatemala and other Central American states mean that combating these trends will require significant help, most likely from the United States.

... direct involvement would be costly both in money and political capital. Absent significant U.S. help, the current trend of increased Mexican cartel influence and violence in Central America will only worsen." read more