Just in case all of this World News seems a little scattered and random. Let’s play connect the dots.

North Korea •———–• Iran

One or more Iranians witnessed North Korea’s recent missile tests, deepening U.S. concerns about growing ties between two countries with troubling nuclear capabilities, a top U.S. official said Thursday. - MSNBC.com

[via - NorthKoreaZone]

Iran •———–• Hezzbollah

“Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Hezbollah orchestrated the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers last Wednesday with the blessing of Iran, its long-time benefactor, to divert international attention from Tehran’s nuclear program.” - UPI.com

“Israeli officials have claimed — and defense and Middle East analysts in Washington agree — that Hezbollah’s arsenal has increased in both size and range, with help from Iran.” - CBS

Iran •———–• Iraq Insurgency

“The commanding general of multinational forces in Iraq says there has been a noticeable increase in Iran’s support for Iraqi insurgents since January.

Army General George Casey told reporters at the Pentagon June 22 that covert Iranian special forces are adding to the complexity of an unstable security situation in Iraq by providing weapons, roadside bomb technology and training to Shi’ite extremist groups.” - USinfo.state.gov

“The Iranians are most likely training these extremists in Iran and possibly Lebanon. “There are some indications that Lebanese Hezbollah is also used in some of the training functions for the Iranians,” he said. ” - defenselink.mil