News on the go: Feb. 23, 2014
Oleksandr Turchinov, an ally of oused Ukranian president Viktor Yanukovych, was given presidential powers by parliament Sunday. Turchinov pledged to put the country back on the path for European integration after pro-Western protests in Kiev left 80 dead last week and forced Yanukovych to flee the capital. Elections to select his replacement are set for May 25. Read full story here.
A U.S. wiretap and a recovered cell phone led to the capture of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, Mexico’s most wanted man. Guzman will likely face charges in Mexico for his role as leader of a notorious cartel believed to sell cocaine, marijuana, heroin and methamphetamine in 54 countries. The U.S. attorney’s office said they will also seek extradition of Guzman, who has been indicted by seven federal district courts. Read full story here.
The most expensive Olympic Games in history ended in Sochi, Russia Sunday. The politically charged event was called an “extraordinary success” by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Back. Russia finished atop the medal standings, while the United States finished in fourth.
Blamed on the “current complex political situation in the country” by Taliban spokesman Zabihulah Mujahid, talks to exchange five Taliban prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay for captured Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have broken down. Bergdahl went missing near the town of Yaha Khel in 2009 and has been Taliban custody ever since.
Contact Tyler Kieslich at [email protected].