you should also consider that one of those biggest problems -- the cartels -- would not be so successful if it weren't for american intervention; either through training from the school of americas (i forget what it's new name is now) or by literally giving them weaponry like they did the "fast and furious" program a few years ago or the iran contra much longer ago.

they didn't grow to become powerful on their own and they continue to get support that the world won't know about until the freedom of information act applies 25 years from now.