More individuals were killed by drug violence in Mexico last year than lost their lives in the war in Afghanistan during the same period of time. Just in case there was any doubt that Mexico is now a war zone.

The Daily Times:

KABUL: More than 10,000 people, about a fifth of them civilians, lost their lives in violence in Afghanistan last year, an AFP count, based on official figures and an independent website tally showed on Sunday.

The Dallas Morning News:

In 2010, the levels of Mexican violence and the kind of extreme cruelty once reserved for Quentin Tarantino movies reached new heights, not just along the Texas-Mexico border, but in regions that were once spared such bloodshed. More than 13,000 people were killed across the country in drug violence, up from an estimated 9,600 a year earlier.

I’d suggest moving to protect our citizens by constructing a fence and deploying military units allowed to stop crossings to the southern border, but that’s probably racist. Or something.

There is good news: Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano (D) is pledging to redouble efforts to secure the border and strengthen customs. In Afghanistan.