WEEK OF JULY 14, 2008

Mexican Drug Cartels & Islamic Radicals Working Together, by J. Jesús Esquivel, Proceso

Mexican Officials Still Steering Clear of Accountability, by Patrick Corcoran

Gallup: Fewer Americans Favor Cutting Back Immigration, by Jeffrey M. Jones

Travel in Mexico: Riding in the Famous Tijuana Taxis, by Steve Dryden

Idyllic Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Where Families Come to Play, by Sandy McLeod

The FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, Revolution is Over, by Sam Logan  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Joint Press Statement by Governments of Mexico and China, Presidency of the Republic – 14 July 2008

Mexican President attends Group of Five Meeting in Japan, Presidency of the Republic – 14 July 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Immigrants Targeted: Extremist Rhetoric Moves into the Mainstream, ADL – 14 July 2008

Naturalizations in the United States: 2007, DHS Office of Immigration Statistics – 14 July 2008

Economic Freedom of North America – 2008 Annual Report (US Edition), The Fraser Institute – 14 July 2008

§ EVENTS

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

October 8 to 12: 35th National Export Maquila & Manufacturing Industry Conference, National Council of the Maquila and Export Manufacturing Industry (CNIMME), in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JULY 7, 2008

Mexican Drug Cartels and the Halls of Higher Learning, by Allan Wall

U.S. Passes Mexico Aid Package notwithstanding its Flaws, by Sam Logan

The Merida Initiative Represents a New Era of Cooperation, A Message from Antonio O. Garza, Jr., Ambassador of the USA to Mexico

The Renovation of Mexico’s Federal Electoral Institute, by Dr. José Enrique Vallarta Rodríguez

Artisan Wine and Gourmet Food in Baja California, Mexico, ‘Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden and Carlos Travesi Bosch

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Mexican President Felipe Calderón meets with John McCain, Presidency of the Republic – 7 July 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Overview of the Mexican Insurance Industry Market. Opportunities for U.S. Firms, U.S. Commercial Service, USDOC – 7 July 2008

§ EVENTS

July 13: Annual Fish, Seafood and Tropical Drinks Fair and Competition, Rosarito Beach, Baja California

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

October 8 to 12: 35th National Export Maquila & Manufacturing Industry Conference, National Council of the Maquila and Export Manufacturing Industry (CNIMME), in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2008

Are U.S. News Reports Biased against Baja California, Mexico?, by Brian Flock

Will Calderon and ‘La Maestra’ Reform Mexican Education?, by Allan Wall

Legislative Maturity is Bolstering Mexico’s Presidency, by Patrick Corcoran

Ernesto Ruffo, a Man of the Times and Mexico’s Future, by Carlos Luken

Lodging for the Vendimia Festival in Mexico’s Wine Valley, ‘Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

U.S. Kingpin Act Lowers Global Threat of Drug Traffickers, by Eric Green  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

A Fresh Wave Exodus from Mexico: Migrants or Refugees?, Frontera NorteSur – 30 June 2008

The Mesoamerican Integration and Development Project (aka the Puebla-Panama Plan), Presidency of the Republic – 30 June 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Overview of the Mexican Mining Industry, 2008, U.S. Commercial Service, USDOC – 30 June 2008

North American Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan, CEC – 30 June 2008

§ EVENTS

July 13: Annual Fish, Seafood and Tropical Drinks Fair and Competition, Rosarito Beach, Baja California

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

October 8 to 12: 35th National Export Maquila & Manufacturing Industry Conference, National Council of the Maquila and Export Manufacturing Industry (CNIMME), in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JUNE 23, 2008

Mexican ‘Narcocorridos’ Warble about Drug Lords & Hit Men, by Sandy McLeod

Might the Drug War in Mexico be Classified a Civil War?, by Allan Wall

U.S. Drug Demand Unleashes a Bloodbath in Mexico, by Jerry Brewer

Drug Market Analyses 2008 [and 2007], NDIC-USDOJ – 23 June 2008

Felipe Calderon Firms his Political Control in Mexico, by Barnard R. Thompson

High Prices Spark a Diesel Crisis at Mexico-U.S. Border, by Carlos Luken

U.S. Diplomacy in the Americas, Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, USDOS  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Private Tourism Investment in Mexico Totaled US$2.803 billion during First Four Months of 2008 – 23 June 2008

Consumer Credit Card Debt Chilling the Mexican Economy, Frontera NorteSur – 23 June 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics & Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008, Congressional Record – House – 23 June 2008

The North American Mosaic: An Overview of Key Environmental Issues, CEC – 23 June 2008

Coca Cultivation in the Andean Region: A Survey of Bolivia, Colombia and Peru, UNODC – 23 June 2008

World Poll Finds Global Leadership Vacuum, WorldPublicOpinion.org – 23 June 2008

§ EVENTS

June 25 and 26: North America 2030: An Environmental Outlook, CEC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (public invited)

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2008

Disingenuous Mexican Critics Compare Drug War to Iraq, by Patrick Corcoran

Mérida Initiative would help Mexico, Central America Combat Trafficking, by Eric Green

In Mexican Politics, Problems Persist yet there is Hope, by Carlos Luken

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry to Share Data and Intelligence, by Barnard R. Thompson

USA & Mexican Officials Announce Plans to Identify & Disrupt Transborder Weapons Smuggling Networks, ICE, USDHS

Intelligence Confusion Inhibits a Collaborative Process, by Jerry Brewer

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Remarks by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez at the State of Immigration Address, USDHS – 16 June 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Assessing the Foundations of Mexico’s Competitiveness, World Economic Forum – 16 June 2008

Trafficking in Persons Report 2008, USDOS – 16 June 2008

§ EVENTS

June 25 and 26: North America 2030: An Environmental Outlook, CEC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (public invited)

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JUNE 9, 2008

‘Drug Wars in Mexico,’ The Diane Rehm Show, with guest host Steve Roberts

US Deputy Secretary of State Speaks on Hemisphere Affairs, Speech by John D. Negroponte

Mexico Real Estate: The Property Closing Process, by Brian Flock

A Miscellanea of Mexico Matters, including a Jailed Burro, by Allan Wall

Are Cultures, as Represented by the US & Mexico, Equal?, by Rosa Martha Villarreal

The Pain of Conservatism in Latin America, by Carlos Luken

Ensenada, Mexico, the Crown Jewel of Baja California, by Steve Dryden

Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Mexican President Calderón: ‘We Won’t Let Up in the Fight against Organized Crime’ – 9 June 2008

Interior Minister Rejects US Congressional Meddling in Mexico’s Domestic Affairs, Excerpts from Speech by Secretary of Interior Juan Camilo Mouriño Terrazo – 9 June 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

The Mexican Health Care System, Market Research, U.S. Commercial Service, USDOC – 9 June 2008

Latino Labor Report, 2008: Construction Reverses Job Growth for Latinos, Pew Hispanic Center – 9 June 2008

§ EVENTS

June 16: Mexico’s Foreign Policy: Its role as an Emerging Power, Public Lecture, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK

June 25 and 26: North America 2030: An Environmental Outlook, CEC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (public invited)

July 31 to August 17: Wine, Music and Food Festivals in Baja California, Mexico,’Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

August 30: Tertulia Magazine to Present Authors’ Panel at the Latino Book & Family Festival, in Los Angeles, California

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF JUNE 2, 2008

A Summer of Wine and Music in the Guadalupe Valley of Baja California, Mexico, ‘Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

Mexico Contributes to the Narnia Movies, by Allan Wall

Mexico Channels Oil Windfall Income to Meet Food Crisis, by Carlos Luken

Obama on Latin America – Real Plans or Campaign Oratory?, by Patrick Corcoran

The Merida Initiative: A Message from Antonio O. Garza, Jr., Ambassador of the USA to Mexico

Civil War in Mexico, by George Thomas Clark

The Drug Wars in Mexico Won’t Stop at the USA Border, by Jerry Brewer  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Energy Reforms are Constitutional, Says Mexican President, Presidency of the Republic – 2 June 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

USA: Presidential Designation of Foreign Narcotics Kingpins, The White House – 2 June 2008

Trends and Challenges in International Cooperation and the Mobilization of Resources for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC – 2 June 2008

Immigration Policy and the Terrorist Threat in Canada and the United States, Fraser Institute – 2 June 2008

Amnesty International Report 2008: The State of the World’s Human Rights – 2 June 2008

§ EVENTS

June 25 and 26: North America 2030: An Environmental Outlook, CEC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (public invited)

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF MAY 26, 2008

INDEX

The Drug Wars’ Body Counts Continue To Mount in Mexico, by Allan Wall

On Mexico’s Cold Femicide Trail ‘the Dead Don’t Talk,’ by Kent Paterson

Joint Mexico-Germany Statement, Presidency of the Republic

On Cuba, Mexico and a Number of Latin American Matters, Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, USDOS

Cuba after Fidel Castro: Stability, Movement, Reform, by Antoni Kapcia

Diplomacy is Losing Ground to ‘Cultural Arrogance,’ by Carlos Luken  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

‘Mexican Kidnappers are Operating in the United States,’ El Universal – 26 May 2008

Northwest Mexico Showdown on Indigenous Fishing Rights, Frontera NorteSur – 26 May 2008

Mexico has Top Roles in Biological Diversity Convention, SEMARNAT – 26 May 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Fear and Loathing in Prime Time: Immigration Myths and Cable News, Media Matters Action Network – 26 May 2008

§ EVENTS

June 25 and 26: North America 2030: An Environmental Outlook, CEC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (public invited)

November 9 and 10: The Institute of the Americas, in La Jolla, California, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a two-day conference, ‘Latin America’s Next 25 Years,’ and Gala Dinner

WEEK OF MAY 19, 2008

INDEX

Mexicans Must Live in Fear as a Price to Pay for Peace, by Carlos Luken

Can the U.S. and Mexico Cooperatively End Cartel Crime?, by Patrick Corcoran

What if Mexico’s Military Doesn’t Win the Drug War?, by Southern Pulse Network

Obstacles and Opportunities in Mexico’s Pemex Debate, by Allan Wall

An Open Letter to Mexico’s Congress on Shark Ecotourism, ‘Shark Diver’

Fourth Mexico-European Union Summit Held in Lima, Peru, Presidency of the Republic  

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Mexico Holds Information Workshop for USA Union Leaders, SRE – 19 May 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Mexico’s Integration into NAFTA Markets: A View from Sectoral Real Exchange Rates and Transaction Costs, IMF – 19 May 2008

Measuring Immigrant Assimilation in the United States, Manhattan Institute – 19 May 2008

INTERPOL’S Forensic Report on FARC Computers and Hardware Seized by Colombia, ICPO-INTERPOL – 19 May 2008

U.S.-Latin America Relations, Task Force Report, CFR – 19 May 2008

Helping Latin America Help Itself, CFR – 19 May 2008

WEEK OF MAY 12, 2008

Remarks by the President to the Council of the Americas, President George W. Bush

Unwelcome Ex-President Returns to Limelight in Mexico, by Allan Wall

Lame Duck California Politician Plays to Mexico Audience, by Barnard R. Thompson

Mexico Real Estate: The Nascent State of Real Estate Mortgages in Mexico, by Brian Flock

The Latest on Food and Wine in Baja California, Mexico, by Steve Dryden

Better Roads Offer Easy Access to Mexico’s Wine Country, ‘Vino-Tourism’ by Steve Dryden

Central America and the Merida Initiative, Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, USDOS

§ MEDIA WATCH 

Human Rights Watch Criticizes Mexico: Letter to President Calderon, HRW – 12 May 2008

Mexican Border State Governor Faces Media Allegations of Wrongdoing, Excessiveness, Frontera NorteSur – 12 May 2008

European Union-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee Overcomes Disagreements, PSE – 12 May 2008

§ REPORTS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Remittances from Mexican Immigrant Communities in the U.S.: How Are They Perceived in Mexico?, TRPI – 12 May 2008

Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, USDHS – 12 May 2008

Gangs in Central America (update), CRS – 12 May 2008