Turchinov Named Interim President in Ukraine as Crimea Talks Secession

Parts of Independence Square, in Kiev, turned from defensive positions to memorials, on Sunday. Other parts were slowly being cleaned up by groups of protesters, who had occupied the square since November.

The mood in the city is slowly turning to a much calmer one, but definitely a happier one as the people feel they were successful in seeing their demands met. They remember the eighty-two who lost their lives, during the violence, and also pledge to stay until they ensure they did not die in vain.

On Sunday, parliament named Oleksander Turchinov as interim president, until elections are held on May 25. Expectations are for him to name an interim government, by Tuesday, February 25. Turchinov pledged to move the country back towards an agreement with the European Union. He also expressed his desire for, "new, equal, and good neighborly footing" with Russia. On Monday, members of the EU will meet with him to discuss economic aid for Ukraine.

In the east, several Ukrainian towns witnessed fighting between supporters of the new government and those who still support former president Viktor Yanukovych. Other towns are rejecting both the new and old governments. A crowd in Kerch tore down the town hall's Ukrainian flag and raised a Russian one in it's place. Thousands in Sevastopol and Simferopol protested and demanded that their cities and the rest of Crimea leave Ukraine and join Russia.

The moods in the east and south are causing worry that the fighting isn't yet over. Leaders in Crimea were asking protesters to sign up for militias. They say they need them to protect themselves from Ukraine's government. However, interim president Turchinov says he has no plans to send troops into Crimea and stressed the importance of national unity.

Taliban Fighters Kill 21 Afghan Soldiers in Raid

Twenty-one Afghan soldiers were killed, early Sunday morning, when their outpost was attacked by the Taliban.

Another seven were taken prisoner.

The attack began with "hundreds" of Taliban fighters sneaking into part of the base and killing many in their beds, before the alarm was raised.

Then a several hour long firefight erupted, only ending when the Taliban forces retreated in the face of Afghan reinforcements.

12 Killed in Pakistan in Bus Station Bombing

Twelve people were killed when a bomb tore through a bus station in Kohat, Pakistan.

Sunday's explosion left another fifteen injured.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

However, the Taliban is considered the most likely suspect, as they have a history of terrorist attacks in the area.

Explosion Strikes Protest in Bangkok

A bomb exploded in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday, killing two and wounding twenty-four.

It occurred at a busy intersection, right on the edge of a large protest camp.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was quick to describe it as a terrorist attack and blamed protesters for the action.

Opposition leaders blamed the government for the act, and listed it as one more reason that the government needs to be "destroyed by the people".

It is unclear what was used to cause the explosion, but the government said it was military grade explosives.

In another incident a grenade was thrown at a courthouse, in the city, but it proved to be a dud.

Protests have been going since November, with demands that the prime minister resign, and many demand she and her family leave the country.

They had seemingly been coming to an end, two weeks ago, but then erupted again with violent clashes last week.

Supporters of the government and opposition leaders have turned up the rhetoric, threatening each other with violence and promising to destroy each other.

US Army: Private First Class James Groth

Private First Class James Groth, twenty-two of Ethal, Washington, died on Friday, February 21.

He was killed in a training accident at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Groth was assigned to Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 18th Fire Bridage, 321st Field Artillery Regiment out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

His decorations include: Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon.