Operational or in survival mode?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs came out today with its textbook statement. The Mexican embassies in the Middle East are “fully operational.” Sounds reassuring, right? Like when the pilot announces “light turbulence” as glasses fly around the cockpit.
They say they maintain “permanent attention” and contact with fellow citizens. Prepared to provide “consular assistance at any time.” 24 hours. The commitment is “unbreakable.” Official rhetoric always uses superlatives. Unbreakable, permanent, fully.
The curious thing comes later.
The predictable diplomatic script
“Mexico expresses its deep concern about the situation.”
There it is. The wildcard phrase for any international crisis. Deep concern. As if the superficial wasn’t enough.
“Urgently calls on all parties… to favor diplomatic channels and refrain from the use of force.”
The urgent call. The privilege of diplomatic channels. Refraining from the use of force. It is the same paragraph that they have used in Syria, Yemen, Ukraine. They change the name of the region and that’s it.
The most revealing thing is what the statement does NOT say:
- How many Mexicans are there really in a risk zone?
- Do you have evacuation protocols activated or are you just waiting?
- Which embassies specifically are in greatest danger?
It is urged to avoid “any further escalation.” Because the humanitarian consequences would be “serious.” Not catastrophic, not devastating. Graves. Bureaucratic language always measures its adjectives with a pipette.
“Controversies must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, as the only viable way to preserve peace.”
The perfect closure. Dialogue, negotiation, the only viable path. Sounds good until you remember how many conflicts have been resolved like this recently.
The photo accompanying the statement shows a Mexican flag waving serenely in front of an official building. Nothing suggests crisis, urgency or imminent danger.
Between the lines we read the same as always: we are attentive, we follow protocols, we hope that others resolve this without affecting us too much. Mexican diplomacy in its most reactive version.
Will it work this time? Historical memory suggests caution.
