Israel invades Gaza

After eight days of airstrikes failed to stop Hamas rocket attacks, Israel invades Gaza. U.S. refuses to back demand for immediate truce drafted by Libya.

Source: Reuters

Israel bombs more targets, kills third Hamas leader

Israeli planes strike more than 40 targets on Saturday and killed a  commander of the Hamas armed wing.

Source: Haaretz

Iraqi sovereignty restored

U.S. military now under Iraqi mandate. Iraq controls security in all provinces. U.S. forces to leave within 3 years, British forces to leave within 7 months. Only 238 civilians died in December.

Source: Reuters

Ethiopian troops withdrawing from Somalia

After two years of supporting Somalia’s Western-backed government, Ethiopian troops are withdrawing.

Source: Reuters

Israel prepared for ground invasion of Gaza

Since three days of air raids have failed to end the Hamas rocket attacks, Israel is prepared for a ground operation. Death toll is at 345 with 1,400 wounded according to Palestinian emergency services.

Source: Bloomberg

Israeli military responds to Hamas attacks

Israel responds to hundreds of rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza – destroys numerous targets used by terrorists. Kills top Hamas leaders, plus over 200 others, mostly militants. Violence on the Gaza”s border with Egypt after Israel destroys 40 tunnels used for smuggling arms and people.

Source: Haaretz

Iran using Venezuela to dodge sanctions

Iran is using Venezuela to ship missile components to Syria, circumventing U.N. sanctions. In return, Iran is sending IRGC and Quds Force commandos to train Venezuelan police and secret services.

Source: AFP

Attacks in Iraq lowest since war began

November attacks in Iraq are lowest since the beginning of the war. 8 combat deaths – near the lowest level since the beginning of the war. Starting in January, Iraq will have approval and oversight of U.S. operations

Source: Military.com

Another U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan

The U.S. is sending an additional 20,000 troops into Afghanistan in 2009. The first of 5 divisions will arrive in January. Canada still plans to end their military mission in 2011.

Source: Canada.com

Marine Corps "embarass" Taliban

Taliban ambushes U.S. Marines with ten-to-one odds. Marines kill around 50 without taking any serious casualties. Sniper ignores intense incoming fire, killing around 20 fighters.

Source: Military.com