We interrupt eminent domain for a truly alarming report from The Australian. Italian authorities are said to have issued arrest warrants for thirteen American CIA agents.

It’s alleged that a radical Islamic cleric was abducted on the streets of Milan, held in a U.S. military base in Aviano, and rendered to Egypt where, his supporters allege, he has been tortured. The Australian reports that one of the warrants issued by the Italians calls for the arrest of an accredited U.S. diplomat. It also claims that “Italian investigators are in possession of photographs of all the agents involved in the operation, as well as details of their accommodation, mobile telephones, passports and credit card records.”

If true, this is very worrisome. And not only for this case itself (which one might think limited because it involves conduct that allegedly happened in Italy). If the Italians, who have been allies, do this, what is to stop less friendly governments (and you know who you are) from initiating legal proceedings against Americans over actions taken in the war on terror that do not jive with European notions of international law? Especially through the International Criminal Court, which claims to have jurisdiction even over countries (like ours) that have not consented to be subject to its proceedings?