Ex-security chief of China, Zhou Yongkang, has been arrested on corruption charges.
The former security chief of China, Zhou Yongkang, was arrested and expelled by the Communist Party. (Image courtesy of Alexander F. Yuan/Associated Press)
The chief was also expelled from the Communist Party. He is being accused of multiple crimes, including “accepting large sums of bribes”, and “disclosing party and state secrets”. In addition, several of Zhou’s former associates and relatives are being faced with similar charges. This arrest has been a result of President Xi Jingping’s high profile campaign to uncover corruption within the Communist Party and government officials. Before his retirement, Mr. Zhou was in charge of China’s vast internal security network. He was also known to be the most feared and powerful government official while he was security chief. Of the Chinese officials to be investigated for corruption, Zhou Yongkang has the most senior ranking.
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Typhoon Hagupit weakens as it heads towards the capital of the Philippines.
As Typhoon Hagupit headed directly towards the Philippines, residents scramble to prepare. (Image courtesy of Paul Cinco/Associated Press)
After last year’s super typhoon Haiyan, citizens were extremely fearful of Haguput. Though at least 21 individuals were killed from the storm, the damage was less severe than foretold. However, Tacloban, which bore the worst of Haiyan in 2013, emerged from typhoon Hagupit relatively unscathed. The storm has been downgraded from a typhoon to a tropical storm, and residents living in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, prepare for strong winds and heavy rain.
Source and more information can be found here.
The United States and Britain pledge not to abandon Afghanistan after military pullout.
The United States and Britain promise not to desert Afghanistan after all of their troops have pulled out. (Image courtesy of Jawad Jalali/EPA)
The number of soldiers will slowly decrease from 10 000 beginning in late 2014, and are expected to be completely gone by 2017. Several countries will continue their financial support, and intend to ensure that Afghanistan will not become a safe haven for terrorists again. Countries are working with the new Afghan unity government of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah to establish security and political unity. However, only combat soldiers will retreat, soldiers will continue to help train and advise Afghanistan’s police, and military force. Many are concerned about the withdrawal of soldiers as Taliban attacks increase, while government officials remain positive about the change Afghanistan will undergo experience.
Source and more information can be found here.
“I can’t breathe” echoed through the streets of Manhattan following the Eric Garner chokehold decision.
Protesters fill the streets of NYC in response to grand jury decision (Image courtesy of Brian Snyder/Reuters).
Thousands took to the streets of New York City, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago, among many other cities in the United States on 3 December, 2014, when it was revealed that a grand jury had decided not to indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of 43-year-old Eric Garner. Eric Garner, a heavy-set black man, died on 17 July, 2014, when Pantaleo, a white police officer, attempted to arrest him for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes by applying a chokehold that is banned under NYPD policy. The decision to clear Pantaleo has further heightened racial tensions in the United States, with protestors all over the country chanting “I can’t breathe,” Garner’s last words before he died.
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Failed U.S. mission leads to deaths of American photojournalist and South African teacher, among others.
Luke Somers, American photojournalist, killed in Yemen (Image courtesy of Hani Mohammed/Associated Press).
A failed attempt on 6 December by the United States forces to free an American photojournalist held hostage by the Al Qaeda militants in a village in south Yemen resulted in the deaths of at least thirteen people. Those dead included American Luke Somers, 33, South African teacher Pierre Korkie, 56, at least two militants, and eight civilians. The rescue attempt occurred in the southern province of Shabwah, but was futile as the militants killed the two hostages when they were made aware of its existence. The mission was led by about three dozen Navy SEAL Team 6 commandos, a second attempt by the United States forces to rescue Somers in less than two weeks, who had been kidnapped in September 2013.
It is believed that Gift of the Givers, a South African relief organization, had successfully negotiated Mr. Korkie’s release, who was expected to be released the next day. American officials have stated that they were unaware of Mr. Korkie’s release.
Source and more information can be found here.
