Opportunities for Clinton in Mexico

Conn Carroll / March 25, 2009

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton begins her first trip to Mexico today and Heritage scholars Ray Walser, James Roberts, and Jena Baker McNeill preview what Clinton needs to accomplish:

Secretary Clinton needs to demonstrate to President Felipe Calderon and the Mexican people that the U.S. approaches the Mexican drug cartel crisis with a seriousness and commitment commensurate with the efforts and sacrifices made by America’s southern neighbor. Secretary Clinton must also convey the executive branch’s intention to reverse the decision on the NAFTA pilot trucking program in order to avoid an ugly and very costly trade dispute with Mexico. Finally, Secretary Clinton needs to inform her Mexican hosts that a secure border is not antithetical to good U.S.-Mexican relations. (more…)