Mexico blasts Forbes for naming drug kingpin to 'Most Powerful' list

MEXICO CITY (AP) Forbes magazine's list of the "World's Most Powerful People" typically includes a mix of political leaders, captains of industry and tycoons.

But this year's contains a surprising name.

At No. 41 is Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's most-wanted drug lord.

Forbes says Guzman's ranking was intended to spark conversation, and it asked readers whether "despicable criminals" like Guzman belong on the.

The Mexican government's answer is no. The Interior Department says the list is "a mockery" of the government's struggle against organized crime" and undermines the effort.

Guzman ranks just below Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (hah-meh-neh-EE') and ahead of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (OO'-goh CHAH'-vez) and France's Nicolas Sarkozy (sar-koh-ZEE').

Another Mexican, telecom magnate Carlos Slim Helu, made the list at No. 6. President Barack Obama ranks No. 1.

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