In an interview today on NBC, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that the US is in position to provide more help to the Mexican government to continue its fighting against drug cartels along the two nations’ border. Gates declared the drug war “a serious problem,” and said that he envisions the US providing training, surveillance and intelligence to Mexico.

Gates also praised President Felipe Calderon for his willingness to take on the cartels, though the clashes have killed a significant number of people and led the US Joint Forces Command to conclude that the nation was at risk for a “rapid and sudden collapse.”

Earlier this year it was reported that the US was considering playing an increasing role in the drug war, and the possibility of joint operations with the Mexican military was raised. Still, today’s comments by Gates were the most public acknowledgment that the Obama Administration is indeed moving forward with such plans.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• Four Killed as Another US Drone Strike Hits Pakistan - February 8th, 2012
• Food Prices Soaring in Iran as US Sanctions Miss Regime and Hit Civilians - February 8th, 2012
• House Hearings on Balochistan: Pakistan's Kosovo? - February 8th, 2012
• Syrian Opposition Claims Massive Deaths in Homs, Clashes Reported in Daraa - February 8th, 2012
• Egypt PM: US Aid Threats Won't Stop NGO Prosecutions - February 8th, 2012