The Andes

DEA sees Hezbollah link to Colombian cartel

The DEA claims that Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah is laundering money for the "Oficina de Envigado,"  successor organization to Colombia's legendary Medellín Cartel.

Watching the Shadows

Portugal orders CIA agent extradited to Italy

A court in Lisbon ruled  that a former CIA operative will be extradited to Italy to serve a seven-year sentence for her involvement in the 2003 "rendition" of an Egyptian suspect.

North Africa

Libya: ISIS attacks oil export terminals

At least two members of Libya's Petroleum Facilities Guard were killed as ISIS militants launched coordinated attacks on the Sidra and Ras Lanouf oil export terminals.

Europe

Cold War déja vu in NATO mega-maneuvers

NATO is just winding up its biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War—Operation Trident Juncture, involving 36,000 troops from over 30 countries.

Mexico

Fortune magazine ranks top five global cartels

Fortune magazine issued a list of the biggest organized crime groups in the world: elements of Japan's Yakuza, Russian mafia, two Italian syndicates and Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel.

Europe

Diaspora Jews feel Gaza backlash —again

Two synagogues were attacked in Paris and the rabbi of the Casablanca Jewish community brutally beaten in reprisals for Israel's "Operation Protective Edge."

Watching the Shadows

Italy begins trial in absentia of Egyptian cleric

His case delayed for years by his “extraordinary rendition” by the CIA from Milan to Egypt, cleric Abu Omar went on trial in absentia on charges of terrorist conspiracy in Italy.

Palestine

200 Palestinians in Malta shipwreck: report

The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria said that at least 200 Palestinian refugees fleeing conflict in the country were aboard the boat that capsized off Malta's coast.