Bangladesh, Aug. 14 -- Mexicos decision to extradite 26 alleged members of two of the countrys most powerful drug cartels to the United States has ignited both praise and controversy, highlighting the delicate balance President Claudia Sheinbaum is trying to strike between asserting national sovereignty and managing intense pressure from Washington.

On August 13, Mexican authorities placed the suspects – reportedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel – aboard a US-bound plane. They are wanted in American courts for a range of charges including drug trafficking, conspiracy, and organized crime. US prosecutors have promised Mexico that none of the defendants will face the death penalty, a c...