European leaders have named a permanent European Council president and foreign minister — filling two new positions established under the Lisbon Treaty. Russia has welcomed the changes, but whether the new structure will help Moscow meet regional policy goals remains an open question. [more]
Venezuelan troops arrested and released Colombian Liberal Party (PLC) presidential candidate and former Defense Minister Ramon Pardo in Venezuela's Tachira State, El Nacional reported Nov 20. Pardo was speaking to reporters on the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, which connects Tachira with Colombia's Norte de Santander State, when a member of Venezuela's national guard detained him and asked for identification. Pardo was taken to the local army headquarters and subsequently released. He took a taxi back to the border.
There has been much ado about the decision to try the "Gitmo Five" in a federal court in Manhattan, but it may be the most secure civilian court in the country. [more]
The decision by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to have accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed tried in federal court highlights the failure of international law to evolve to deal with combatants like al Qaeda members. [more]
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