On Sunday 15 people were murdered in Cuidad Juarez. Thirteen were teenagers. In the wake of the “high school massacre” the culprit in waiting is the president. Shortly after the tragedy families of the murdered erected a banner outside of the house of the slayings: “Until we find who is responsible, you Mr. President are the assassin.”
A 30-year-old, Oscar Arroyo, has been arrested for involvement with the attacks. He claims he was paid by the infamous Juarez cartel to stand post and watch for police so the attack could be carried off. According to authorities his believed members of a rival faction of the Juarez cartel, opposed to Juarez drug chieftan and Mexico’s most wanted man, Joaquin “Shorty” Guzman, were holed up in the house. Arresting a lookout man is unlikely to pacify those who fault Calderon. Convictions of more central players will be needed.
Mexico’s plight has reached a sad perigee. Even harsh critics of Calderon’s policies would acknowledge that the president has acted in good faith, yet as the violence spreads to affect more and more civilians support for the crackdown will continue to wane. Addressing corruption among local and state officials, many of whom are on the gangs payroll, is needed. Good intentions will not be enough to tackle Mexico’s drug problem or cement Calderon’s legacy. The road to hell currently bisects Juarez. And it is being paved with good intentions.
