This reeks of selective leaking. "Western anti-terrorism official" is too vague for comfort. Nationality? Seniority? Department? One or more of those three would have helped. To its credit, however, the LA Times cushions this suspect sourcing with fairly strong supporting evidence -- namely the investigation of two Lebanese-Venezuelans, lax security at the Caracas airport, and a history of Hezbollah presence in Latin America.

The claim that Hezbollah is setting up shop in Venezuela is based on the opinion of an anonymous "western anti-terrorism official". Not only is the source undisclosed, but the accusations are vague. The story presents the establishment of Iranian tractor, cement and auto companies as evidence that Hezbollah is operating in the country. No link is shown between these companies and Hezbollah. The story is one sided, and doesn't give the Venezuelan or Iranian perspective.