Why U.S. Really Needs Ambassador to Mexico

The data on Hurricane Patricia doesn't need much expert analysis to understand why this is such a big deal. Already packing sustained winds of 200 mph, this is the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. And it will be deadly. Indeed, the unfortunate reality is that the measure of success for areas on the western coast of Mexico ― which has instituted state of emergency orders ― will be the extent to which they can minimize fatalities.

With so much going on, you can imagine the U.S. ambassador to our southern neighbor will be kept extremely busy not just keeping abreast of developments, but also helping coordinate some sort of emergency response. Except, wait ― we don't actually have an ambassador to Mexico right now....

Continue reading: http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/23/opinions/kayyem-hurricane-patricia-mexico/