John Walters, U.S. Drug Czar, spoke yesterday in recognition of Mexican President Calderón's efforts in fighting drug trafficking, and expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by the Mexican government in these efforts.

Walters mentioned that the violence in Mexico could escalate before it gets any better, but that this is a sign of desperation among the cartels reflecting the damage caused to them by the government. "For the first time they feel threatened," he said. He also recognized the Mexican government's concern over the trafficking of weapons. The story is available (in Spanish) from El Universal.