CIA verdict in Italy challenges Obama on so-called 'renditions'

WASHINGTON: The conviction in Italy of 23 Americans late on Wednesday for the abduction of a Muslim cleric poses a challenge to the Obama administration's plans to keep so-called "renditions" as an option for rounding up terrorism suspects.

It also exposes the limits of Washington's ability to protect American agents from prosecution abroad, even in countries counted as close US allies.

"The fact that the US declares rendition legal doesn't make it legal around the world. Other states' rules apply," said Robert Ayers, a former US intelligence official.