Compliance is, of course, defined in terms of submission to US conditions. Notwithstanding their close ties to Washington, Central and South American countries are upset by the high-powered North American interference in their internal affairs. Mexican President Vicente Fox is particularly incensed at the gringos' arrogance.
Certification is more than an affront to Mexico and to other countries.
In an attempt to assuage its southern neighbour's discontent, the Bush administration lauded the Mexican government's close cooperation with US narco-politics, but also singled out Colombia's exemplary performance. Indeed, Colombia's accomplishment was duly rewarded with a pledge of hard cash, along with the newest and best US military hardware on offer. By 1999, Turkey had basically crushed all resistance, but Colombia had not. So Colombia replaced Turkey in the lead. Despite the switch from Democrat to Republican administration in the White House, the flow of arms and cash is expected to continue unabated.