Friedman - The Future of War

"Israel's intention here is to wreck Hamas - its infrastructure, its personnel. They don't expect to be able to destroy Hamas permanently as an organization."

"Deploying ships to the Gulf of Aden marks a significant step in the evolution of China's navy, according to a report by Stratfor, an Austin, Texas-based intelligence company. The mission will be complicated, offering vital on-the-job training in refueling, resupply and repairs far from home as well as patrolling for pirates, Stratfor said."