In an article from the News Daily in Mexico City, posted through Reuters, it was reported last month that Mexico's main television networks and other news groups had vowed to put tighter controls on the publication of of gruesome images from a drugs war that has hurt President Felipe Calderon's government.
Calderon has criticized Mexico's media for publishing the threats , and occasionally showing grainy images of hitmen interrogating tied-up enemies before executing them.
A New York Times article this past December, discusssing diplomatic leaks (Wikileaks), mentioned that President Obama had called the leader of Mexico regarding the leaked cables quoting officials there admitting pessimism about the nation's war on drug lords.
Opinion polls show public confidence in security has been shaken, and Calderon's conservative ruling party is lagging the main opposition party ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Twenty two journalists have been murdered during Calderon's term, at least eight in direct reprisal for reporting on crime and corruption, according to the Committee to Protect Journalits, or CPJ which welcomed the media accord.
The drug cartels now threaten the basic stability and social fabric of many Central American countries as well. As reported in Mexidata.Info, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of Costa Rica, speaking to the United Nations this past September, warned that the battle against narco-trafficking can only be won if nations worldwide overhaul their current strategies.
Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal also sounded the alarm during his address to the General assembly
Last month, Randal Archibold and Damien Cave, writing for the the New York Times , commented that the issue took center stage when President Obama, during a visit to El Salvador , announced a plan to fight organized crime in the region by providing training for local authorities, weapons and equipment.