Iran sanctioned over nuclear threat

The UN has approved it's toughest sanctions yet on Iran, this comes amid fears the country is attempting to make nuclear weapons under the guise of a domestic nuclear programme.

At a Security Council meeting the vote was 12 to two in favour of Resolution 1929. Lebanon abstained, only Brazil and Turkey voted against it. It is aimed at nuclear related activity, ballistic missiles and the Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's President Ahmadinejad said "They are not capable of hurting Iranians". The resolution doesn't include an embargo of oil shipments... that would hurt.

Gunned boat diplomacy

Israeli commando's attacked an aid flotilla bound for Gaza while in international waters, leaving nine of those aboard dead and many more injured.

As the commandos stormed the ship from helicopters it looked as if they would be overwhelmed, they were mobbed by defenders wielding anything they could find, but eventually, and only with deadly force the ship was taken.

Those who died have done more for their cause than any suicide bomber or rocket launching jihadist ever has. This has been a public relations disaster of monumental proportions for Israel and will undoubtably lead to humanitarian concessions as the glare of international scrutiny focuses on this unhappy region.