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.

Watching the Shadows

Ron Paul schmoozes clerical fascists

Ron Paul is scheduled to speak at a confab sponsored by a wing of the “Traditionalist” Catholic schism, sharing the bill with Italian neo-fascist leader Roberto Fiore. 

Watching the Shadows

Wanted by Italy, ex-CIA agent is released to US

Panama detained but quickly released an ex-CIA agent wanted for kidnapping in Italy. Cuban sources link him to the Contragate scandal; since 2005 he's been living in Honduras.

Watching the Shadows

Italy pardons US colonel in CIA rendition case

Italian president Giorgio Napolitano pardoned US Air Force Colonel Joseph Romano of his conviction related to the “extraordinary rendition” of Egyptian cleric Abu Omar.