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The Times podcast: An unprecedented use of Mexico’s military

A man wearing a suit is flanked by two men in military uniforms
In this Sept. 16, 2019 file photo, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, center, Defense Secretary Luis Crescencio Sandoval, left, and Navy Secretary Vidal Francisco Soberon ride in an open vehicle during the Independence Day military parade in the Zócalo, in Mexico City.
(Marco Ugarte / Associated Press)
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Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador came into office promising to get the military off the streets. Instead, he has more than doubled its numbers. He claims there’s just no other way to handle Mexico’s narco-violence.

Today, we look at Mexico’s delicate dance with its military. It’s an institution that’s among the most trusted in the nation, and potentially its most dangerous. Read the full transcript here.

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Host: Gustavo Arellano

Guests: L.A. Times Latin America correspondent Kate Linthicum

More reading:

Mexico’s president vowed to end the drug war. Instead he’s doubled the number of troops in the streets

Mexico’s military gains power as president turns from critic to partner

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Mexico sent in the army to fight the drug war. Many question the toll on society and the army itself

About The Times

“The Times” is produced by Shannon Lin, Denise Guerra, Kasia Brousalian, David Toledo and Ashlea Brown. Our editorial assistants are Madalyn Amato and Carlos De Loera. Our engineers are Mario Diaz, Mark Nieto and Mike Heflin. Our editor is Kinsee Morlan. Our executive producers are Jazmin Aguilera, Heba Elorbany
and Shani Hilton. And our theme music is by Andrew Eapen.
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