LA Times News

LA Times News

Zetas cartel occupies Mexico state of Coahuila

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 07:47 PM PDT

The aggressively expanding and gruesomely violent Zetas group dominates territory by controlling all aspects of local criminal businesses.

SALTILLO, Mexico — Few outside Coahuila state noticed. Headlines were rare. But steadily, inexorably, Mexico's third-largest state slipped under the control of its deadliest drug cartel, the Zetas.

U.S. film 'Argo' not getting any buzz in Iran

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 06:10 PM PDT

The film 'Argo,' directed by Ben Affleck, tells the story of the rescue of six diplomats who escaped as the American Embassy in Tehran was stormed in 1979.

TEHRAN — There's little reaction in Iran so far to "Argo," the box-office hit about the elaborate and risky rescue of six U.S. diplomats who avoided becoming hostages when militants stormed the U.S. Embassy here on Nov. 4, 1979 —33 years ago Sunday.

Pakistan leader's mangrove-to-metropolis dream

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 05:34 PM PDT

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari wants to call the imagined jewel city Zulfikarabad, after the founder of Pakistan's ruling party.

SHAH BANDAR, Pakistan — In his dreams, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari sees a spectacular metropolis rising up from the vast stretches of mangrove swamp and sea-salted wasteland along the mighty Indus River Delta.

3 Syrian tanks enter demilitarized zone along Golan Heights

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 05:24 PM PDT

Israel filed a complaint with the United Nations, officials say, though the tanks are not seen as a provocation or an attempt to draw Israel into the fighting.

JERUSALEM — Three Syrian tanks entered a demilitarized zone Saturday along the border with the Golan Heights, spurring Israel to file a complaint with the United Nations, Israeli officials said.

Violent soccer youths cast chill over Egypt

Posted: 03 Nov 2012 04:41 PM PDT

The Ultras, violent young fans of Cairo's top two soccer teams, became shock troops of the revolution. Now, they don't know what they're fighting for, only what they're against: anyone in authority.

CAIRO — It is a day of street clashes outside the U.S. Embassy, and "the boys" are out. The word buzzes throughout Tahrir Square: The Ultras are here.