| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Cartel | A group involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking. |
| Coalition | A group formed for a common purpose. |
| Bilateral | Involving two parties, usually countries. |
The United States recently formed a new group to fight dangerous cartels in the Americas. This group, called the “Americas Counter Cartel Coalition” or ACCC, includes countries like Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru. Surprisingly, Mexico is not part of this coalition, even though it is considered a major center for cartel activity. President Donald Trump explained that the coalition aims to stop these criminal groups using military force if necessary.
Mexico’s absence from the coalition might be due to its own agreements with the United States. Both countries have a strong relationship, sharing a long border and many economic ties. Mexico’s leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, prefers to handle cartel issues independently and is against the idea of U.S. military action in Mexico. This stance might have influenced why Mexico was not invited to join the coalition.
Experts believe the countries chosen for the coalition have leaders who agree with Trump’s tough approach to crime. These leaders prefer strong actions against crime rather than focusing on social changes. The coalition’s strategy is different from Mexico’s, which prefers to arrest suspects rather than using military force.
This situation highlights how different countries can have unique approaches to solving similar problems. Despite not being in the coalition, Mexico continues to work on its own strategies to combat cartels, trying to balance its internal policies with international pressure.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Coalition | Coalición |
| Military | Militar |
| Region | Región |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think Mexico prefers to handle cartel issues independently?
- How might the coalition’s approach affect the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of using military force to combat cartels?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Explain why Mexico was not included in the ACCC.
- Discuss the different approaches to handling cartels between the coalition and Mexico.
