On the eve of Secretary Hillary Clinton's trip to Mexico, an AS/COA panel examined bilateral approaches to solve security issues and overcome financial concerns. Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhán and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jim Jones participated.

"The United States must recognize the truism that our nation’s own security and economic strength is intrinsically tied to a stable and prosperous Mexico," writes the former ambassador to Mexico. Fully funding the Merida Initiative is a critical priority.

As violence related to organized crime takes its toll in Mexico, the debate deepens over hemispheric drug policy. Proposals on the table range from stepped-up security cooperation to drug decriminalization. Meanwhile, Washington announced widespread arrests of suspects linked to Mexican cartels.

From the impact of the global financial downturn to an upswing in violent crime, Mexico feels the pain. But with strong economic fundamentals in place, its economy is more resistant to contagion than in the past.

In the last week, six Colombian hostages regained their freedom in what many say is a calculated political move by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. But recent bombings in Bogota and Cali could muddy the path forward.

In his first meeting with a foreign head of state since the U.S. election, Barack Obama talked with Mexico's Felipe Calderón Monday about how they can tighten bilateral relations to boost each country's economy and address security concerns.

Despite Mexico's war on organized crime, bloodshed continues and the cartels' tentacles reach well beyond the country's borders. As the crisis grows, so do calls and proposals for solutions.