“American troops descended on the embassy, and a standoff followed. For a time, American forces blasted heavy metal music (including Van Halen’s Panama) to torment Mr. Noriega.” Manuel Noriega played the role of friend, and ultimately foe, of the United States, before ultimately being ousted. Here’s the NYT obit on Panama’s infamous dictator, who died at the age of 83.

+ The Guardian: Panama’s former dictator Manuel Noriega – a life in pictures.