Deputy head of CIA makes secret trip to Beirut

David Cohen, deputy head of the CIA, paid a lightning visit to Beirut several days ago, sources said. During the visit that only lasted several hours, he met with Lebanese Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, the head of Lebanon's intelligence services Abbas Ibrahim and chief of staff Jean Kahwaji to discuss ways of dealing with radical militants. In another meeting with Lebanese intelligence officials he discussed the operational needs of the country's security and intelligence services.