MEXICO'S WAR ON DRUGS CLAIMS 1,500-PLUS LIVES

Sixteen months ago, Mexican President Vicente Fox declared "the
mother of all battles" against drug trafficking. But he got more than
a battle -- he got a war.

The escalating conflict has claimed more than 1,500 lives --
including police, rival drug traffickers and civilians -- in the past
year, more than double the number in the previous year, according to
Mexican researchers. The death toll has risen despite increased
enforcement efforts in Mexico and by U.S. authorities across the
border. The police killings, in particular, are believed to be
retribution for a crackdown on cartels in Mexico undertaken at the
urging of U.S. officials, said Jorge Chabat, an expert in Mexican
criminal justice.