Helios Global helps illuminate the increasingly complex world in which we live—where communications are instant, time is compressed, informal networks compete with traditional hierarchical organizations, and the international stage is no longer monopolized by nation-states. Global Wire - May 14, 2012 A weekly summary and analysis of international security, political, and economic developments Americas “Lebanese Man Pleads Guilty in U.S. to Conspiracy to Aid FARC” (05/06/2012) Excerpt: “A Lebanese citizen has pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in Manhattan to conspiracy to provide weapons to Colombian guerrillas in exchange for more than a ton of cocaine, prosecutors said.” Analysis: The 54-year Jamal Youssef pleaded guilty to charges that in 2008-2009 he agreed to provide the FARC rebels with AR-15 and M-16 assault rifles, grenades and other explosives stolen from the U.S. Army in Iraq in exchange for more than a ton of cocaine. He was arrested in Honduras in 2009 during a U.S. drug sting and was subsequently extradited to the U.S. He pled guilty in exchange for a reduction of sentence to a maximum of 15 years in prison. The funding for the FARC’s purchases likely came from its continued involvement with drug trafficking over recent years. Considering that the FARC is now embroiled in greater tensions with the Colombian government and has not stopped its drug trafficking business, it is reasonable to expect that it will be very difficult for the Colombian government to defeat by force in the short-term. “New Border Patrol strategy targets repeat crossers” (05/08/2012) “Colombia, China sign 9 bilateral agreements” (05/09/2012) “Colombia won’t negotiate with rebels over kidnapped Frenchman” (05/09/2012) “Peru Ministers Resign After Shining Path Fiasco” (05/11/2012) Middle East and North Africa “Interpol issues ‘Red Notice’ for arrest of Iraq’s fugitive VP Hashemi” (05/08/2012) “Double Agent Disrupted Bombing Plot, U.S. Says” (05/08/2012) “[Israeli] PM, Mofaz form largest coalition in 28 years” (05/09/2012) “Parliamentary elections under way in Algeria” (05/10/2012) “Secretary-General, Security Council strongly condemn bomb attacks in Damascus” (05/10/2012) Central and South Asia “Clinton presses India to reduce Iran oil imports” (05/07/12) “UK pledges deeper, stronger relationship with Pakistan”  (05/10/12) “Norway warns India of 'political implications' if Telenor fails” (05/12/12) Sub-Saharan Africa “Sudan ‘blocks aid’ to civilians in rebel-held Blue Nile” (05/09/12) “Official: Sudan warplanes bomb South Sudan” (05/09/12) “After the explosions, capture of a Boko Haram leader” (05/11/12) “Guinea security forces clash with protesters” (05/11/12) “Congo clashes as ‘Terminator’ Ntaganda deadline expires” (05/11/12) East Asia “China and US to co-operate to avoid cyber Cold War” (05/08/12) “Vanuatu ejects Australian police amid diplomatic row” (05/10/12) “UN’s Subedi ‘worried’ by violence against activists” (05/11/12) “China denies preparing war over South China Sea shoal” (05/12/12) Europe “Swede charged in immigrant shootings” (05/08/12) “Soca hacking case: Two suspects arrested in Norway” (05/09/12) “Anarchists ‘shot nuclear boss Roberto Adinolfi” (05/11/12) “Thousands march against economic gloom in Spain, UK” (05/12/12) Russia and the Caucusas “Crash deals blow to Russian aerospace revival”  (05/10/12) “Yulia Tymoshenko: Ukraine's bruised firebrand”  (05/05/12) “Georgia seeks regional leadership in economic development” (05/12/12) Read More Our mission is to help our clients understand the complex web of economic, political, social, cultural, and ideological forces that put their security at risk, and to appropriately mitigate these risks. Helios Global fuses the service and professionalism of a consultancy; the principles and commitment of a social enterprise; and the creative ingenuity of a research institute.  Our people - a global network of professionals from a wide variety of disciplines and cultures – are committed to creating positive change by providing nuanced perspectives of security challenges.  We give our clients access to creative ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. Helios Global promises apolitical and objective analysis for the most practical applications.