Simon Romero writes for the New York Times, Aug. 21 (emphasis added):

Venezuela, Tired of US Influence, Strengthens Its Relationships in the Middle East
CARACAS — Venezuela has long cultivated ties with Middle Eastern governments, finding common ground in trying to keep oil prices high, but its recent engagement of Iran has become a defining element in its effort to build an alliance to curb American influence in developing countries.

Peru's populist hero of the left faces charges in an atrocity from the "dirty war" against leftist guerillas in the early '90s. From Lima's La Republica via Living in Peru, Aug. 16:

Arturo Campos Vicente, district attorney of Tocache, has finally decided to formally press penal charges against Peru's ex-presidential candidate and retired Army commander Ollanta Humala Tasso related to the events at Madre Mia in 1992.

Colombian authorities detained 14 top paramilitary leaders Aug. 16, saying they were not complying with the amnesty law. The leaders, who include two former commanders wanted in the United States on drug-trafficking charges, were taken into custody in various parts of Colombia, with some of them voluntarily surrendering to police.

From AP, Aug. 22:

Close election in Chiapas spurs another protest
TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, MEXICO - The dispute over Mexico's presidential vote took a new twist Monday as a gubernatorial candidate backed by the ruling party vowed to protest a state race where the main leftist party held a slight edge.

From Xinhua, Aug. 22:

Mexico's Jews march for Middle East peace

More than 1,500 people, mostly Jews, staged a peaceful protest on Monday, calling for peace in the Middle East and an end to the armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrilla.

From an Aug. 22 NYC Die-In Press Release:

New York Jews Stage PENN STATION “DIE-IN”
Say to Israel and U.S.: The War Didn’t Work, Honor the Cease-Fire!
Destroying Lebanese and Palestinian societies is a crime, not a security policy

New York City - A group of more than 20 Jewish protestors staged a “Die-In” during rush hour this morning outside Penn Station, unfurling large banners and lying down on the ground to demand a cessation of continuing Israeli military aggression in Lebanon and Palestine. In a peaceful demonstration, silent protestors created a harrowing scene reflecting the large civilian death toll in Lebanon and the aftermath of war.

From the Washington Post, Aug. 21:.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Sunni Arab insurgents armed with rifles and mortar shells killed 20 pilgrims and wounded 300 others who thronged the capital Sunday for one of Shiite Islam's most important holidays, authorities said.

This comes, of course, in response to activist pressure. On Aug. 17, a lively grassroots "public hearing" on the proposed regulations was held at St. Marks Church in the East Village, where at least three City Council members spoke out in opposition to the new regs. The official public hearing scheduled (somewhat perversely) for police headquarters later this week, has been cancelled. From the New York Times, Aug. 19: