Pubdate: Fri, 13 Mar 2009
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Authors: Evan Perez, And Cam Simpson
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/people/Gil+Kerlikowske

US STILL EVALUATING MEXICAN-BORDER ISSUE

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration said it is reviewing state 
requests for deployment of National Guard troops on the U.S. border 
with Mexico, but that it doesn't have immediate plans to press the 
military into border patrols. With Mexican soldiers facing off in 
northern Mexico against heavily armed drug gangs, there are fears 
that gun battles could spill across the border, or that the U.S. 
could see a sudden stream of refugees seeking to escape the violence. 
Texas Gov. Rick Perry last month asked for troops to be deployed.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Thursday clarified remarks made 
by President Barack Obama in a Wednesday media interview that were 
interpreted by some to mean that U.S. troops would be sent to the 
border. "Our long-term challenges relating to many policy decisions 
around the border are not going to be solved in that long term 
through the militarization of the border," Mr. Gibbs said.

Concern about drug violence in Mexico is raising the profile of the 
White House drug czar's office, after years during which it was 
overshadowed by the government's post-Sept. 11, 2001, focus on 
terrorism. Introducing Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the 
nominee to head the White House Office of Drug Control Policy on 
Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden drew attention to the Mexican 
drug war and the need for a new border policy. Mr. Kerlikowske, in 
his remarks, said he plans to pursue ways to reduce drug demand in 
the U.S., a strategy that government officials in Mexico and other 
countries have long urged.

"Our nation's drug problem is one of human suffering, and as a police 
officer, but also in my own family, I have experienced the effects 
that drugs can have on our youth, our families and our communities," 
said Mr. Kerlikowske, whose stepson has been arrested on drug 
charges. Seattle voters approved a ballot initiative in 2003 that 
urged police to treat marijuana violations as a low priority.

At the time, Mr. Kerlikowske noted that Seattle police already had 
such a policy. Congress on Thursday held its third hearing in as many 
days focusing on the Mexico drug violence.

A concern among lawmakers is whether the Department of Homeland 
Security would be ready to mobilize in response to a potential 
drug-war disaster along the border.

Roger Rufe, head of operations and planning at the agency, told the 
House homeland security subcommittee that his office routinely works 
with the Department of Defense to plan for worst-case scenarios.

But he portrayed military involvement as a last resort. "We are not 
contemplating that at the present time," he said.

The Obama administration is still formulating its drug policy.

The drug-czar position has been demoted from cabinet level.

But White House officials say Mr. Kerlikowske, if confirmed, would 
have full access to the White House, and particularly to Mr. Biden, 
who has been active on drug policy.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom