Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Guns in Mexico: 70 percent recovered from United States

Here's the direct link to the Sen. Dianne Feinstein et al report on U.S. gun flows to Mexico that details that at least 70 percent of weapons recovered from drug gangs in Mexico stem from north of the border.

Recommendations to the Obama administration, from the report's conclusion:


  • Enactment of legislation to close the gun show loophole;

  • Better enforcement of the existing ban on imports of military-style weapons;

  • Reinstatement of the expired Assault Weapons Ban;

  • Reporting by Federal Firearms Licensees on all multiple firearms sales; and

  • Senate ratification of the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking of Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Related Materials (CIFTA).


  • How very, very sensible.

    Jorge Hank Rhon, gobernador?

    It's hard to imagine a worse nightmare scenario for his opponents, of which there are many: But Jorge Hank Rhon suggested he may run for governor of Baja California State "if the party obliges me."

    The PRI avoided any substantial comment; given its president Humberto Moreira's decision to keep a very low profile these days, it was left to his secretary general to note that it was "not an opportune moment" for the party to discuss any Hank Rhon candidacy now. Alternatively, PRI could have answered: 'There is no way in hell we will let an obvious criminal linked by the United States to drugtrafficking, to become our gubernatorial candidate.' But no.

    Mexico's position worsen on "failed state" index: Fund for Peace

    Mexico's position on The Fund for Peace's Failed State Index worsened, chiefly due to increased violence and human rights abuses, and uneven economic development.

    It's 2011 ranking is 75.1 and 93rd place (of 177), vs. 76.1 and 96 place in 2010, meaning a worsening on both indicators. (Worst country? You guessed it)

    For more, see the Fund's Interactive Grid here.
    (El Universal erroneously refers to the organization as "Foundation for Peace")