If you’ve watched cable news any time in the past two weeks, no doubt you’ve heard how parts of Mexico are being ravaged by drug-related violence. As it turns out, this isn’t just Mexico’s problem, especially since the violence has been spilling over into the United States. And Secretary of State Hilly Clinton insists we’re partially the blame.

The United States’ "insatiable appetite" for illegal drugs fuels much of Mexico’s drug violence, Clinton said Wednesday. Our inability to stem American arms routes into Mexico also exasperates the problem. 

"Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police, of soldiers and civilians," Clinton told reporters before meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon wants more help from the U.S., and Clinton admitted that U.S. anti-drug policies have failed. She promised yesterday the United States would offer more help to combat Mexico’s drug wars. "We see this as a responsibility to assist the Mexican government and people," she said. Clinton travels to Monterrey, Mexico’s business capital, on Thursday, before ending her south-of-the-border trip.  

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Wednesday announced a new plan to beef up security at the southern border and halt the violence from seeping into the United States. 

Watch video of CNN’s interview with Clinton on Mexico’s drug wars below: