By seizing the basketball star, the Russian president made things so painful for the U.S. that it capitulated and turned over a convicted arms dealer. Can the same tactic work in the war in Ukraine?
Tag: Drug Abuse and Traffic
Russian State Media Releases Video of Brittney Griner and Viktor Bout Swap
The images, verified by The New York Times, show Ms. Griner being traded for the arms dealer Viktor Bout on the tarmac at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi.
How the Global Spyware Industry Spiraled Out of Control
The market for commercial spyware — which allows governments to invade mobile phones and vacuum up data — is booming. Even the U.S. government is using it.
Inside the Case Against General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda
A Times Magazine-ProPublica investigation reveals how the U.S. painstakingly built a case against a Mexican general suspected of links to organized crime — and then decided to let him go.
How Britain Turned ‘Modern Slavery’ Law Against Low-Level Drug Dealers
A law written to prevent human trafficking is being wielded against low-level drug dealers. The effects are long-lasting.
Key Evidence in Report on Missing Mexican Students Cannot Be Verified, Experts Say
An international panel said it had found numerous inconsistencies in evidence presented by the government’s truth commission on the disappearance of the 43 students in 2014.
Day-Care Massacre in Thailand Was Among the World’s Deadliest
The 36 victims included a 2-year-old child and a teacher who was eight months pregnant, the police said. They identified the gunman as a recently fired officer.
Blinken Meets With Gustavo Petro of Colombia Amid Differences
The Biden administration disagrees with President Gustavo Petro’s views on the drug war, Venezuela and Cuba, but hopes to retain the historically strong ties the United States has with Bogotá.
U.S. Hostage Exchanged for Afghan Drug Lord in Prisoner Swap
The Taliban said it had freed an American engineer, Mark R. Frerichs, in exchange for the release of a prominent Afghan tribal leader convicted of drug trafficking.
Philippines Rebuffs International Court Over Duterte’s War on Drugs
The Marcos government rejected a request to let prosecutors resume an inquiry into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drive against crime, which left thousands dead.