Mexico Hires PR Firm

Mexico has launched a huge PR campaign to persuade the world that despite the headlines, there's much more to the country than massacres and grisly drug cartel slayings. Over 23,000 people have died in drug-related violence since 2006, which is scaring off tourists and investors. "We are hiring the best agencies in the world to promote Mexico's image," said President Felipe Calderon. "Yes, we will explain the problems we have, but also how we are facing them."

Analysts say any PR campaign is likely to fail while the killings continue. "The president is convinced that foreign investment is dropping off because of the security situation. He wants to show a safer Mexico, a more advanced Mexico. But the reality is, businessmen are still seeing people decapitated every day," a Mexican academic tells Reuters. "That can't be solved by an advertising campaign." (More public relations stories.)