Israel IGNORES International Law With Gaza Bombing, ENJOYS US, UK Support

The latest attacks by Israel against Gaza have been condemned as a violation of international law. However the US and UK have given their unwavering support to the new strikes on Gaza. US President Barack Obama “reiterated US support for Israel’s right to self-defense in light of rocket attacks from Gaza” in a phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Meanwhile UK Foreign Secretary William Hague also stepped forward in Israel’s defense, claiming that Hamas “bears principle responsibility” for the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Israel has now reportedly hit over 200 “targets” in Gaza, killing 13 and injuring over 120 people. The unwavering support by the US and the UK is astounding, considering Israel has yet to comply with to any of the resolutions passed (see list) by the United Nations in relation to the Middle East conflict.

A New Generation of Leaders Unveiled: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead in China

A new generation of leaders took to the stage on Thursday with Communist Party of China chief Xi Jinping acknowledging the challenges ahead, including improving people’s livelihoods and tackling corruption, and confidently pledging to overcome them. Xi was sworn in on Thursday as general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC, leading the seven-member Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. He also took over as chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission from his predecessor Hu Jintao. The other six members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau are Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli. They were elected at the first plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee following the Party’s 18th National Congress. Wang was also elected secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC.