On #Mexico . The terrorist "designation" issue is causing a lot of concern, mostly because Trump doesn't know the details when he speaks of it. I have worked on this issue in and out of gov and I think this binary approach -- "it's great or it sucks" -- is confusing for most. 1/
There are tools within the "terrorist organization" law that are exceptionally helpful and have been successful and welcomed by other countries. Mainly, anti-money laundering, sourcing, and terrorist financing. They give jurisdiction over the organization for US prosecutors. 2/
As usual, Trump has proceeded in a fashion that has rattled observers since he doesn't limit the implications of the designation. I'm back from Mexico and many are rightfully concerned that US might intervene to "deal directly" with terrorists with military intervention. 3/
Terrorism is a species of transnational crime, as are the drug cartels. There are many tools in the former that could help with the latter. But military intervention (in a friendly sovereign nation without a request) is not one of them. 4/
vox.com/world/2019/12/…
vox.com/world/2019/12/…
The foreign terrorist designation was not intended to be quick authorization for the use of military, nor has it been used as such. But it does have some benefits.
Anyway, that's the explainer. Neither totally great nor totally horrible, just putting it in context. 5/5
Anyway, that's the explainer. Neither totally great nor totally horrible, just putting it in context. 5/5
