The Best U.S. Source For Intelligence On Latin America Is Still In U.S. Custody

This January 1990 file photo shows Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega in a photo released by the U.S. Marshall service. Noriega was ousted by an American invasion of Panama in December of 1989, tried in the United States and convicted in 1992. Noriega's attorney Frank Rubino is fighting in 2009 so that Noriega can spend his last days in Panama. That all depends in how courts in three countries and two continents decide to punish the former Panamania leader for his drug-running past (AP Photo, File)

His US Sentence Served, Noriega Fights Extradition -- Southern Ledger

As the only prisoner of war held on U.S. soil, inmate No. 38699-079 gets annual visits from the Red Cross and can wear his military uniform and insignia when he goes to court.

Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega frequently sees his wife and children, who make the trip to his private bungalow at a federal prison near Miami from their home in Panama. The onetime CIA operative is a dedicated news junkie, reads voraciously about history and politics and is working on a memoir.

Whether the vanquished dictator's story ends in prison or freedom, at home or abroad, depends on how courts in three countries on two continents decide to punish him for his drug-running past.

More than a year ago, Noriega completed his sentence for drug racketeering and money laundering and thought he was headed home. Instead, U.S. officials dropped a legal bomb: Noriega would be extradited to France to stand trial on more money laundering charges.

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My Comment: Old ghosts from the past are coming back.

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