An image grab taken from Syrian TV shows Syrian security forces taking position during armed clashes with gunmen who the TV called "terrorists" (unseen) in the Al-Midan district of Damascus on July 18, 2012. Rebel forces said the battle to "liberate" Damascus had begun, as heavy fighting raged with the regime using helicopter gunships in the capital for the first time.
An End to Assad?
1 | SYRIA
As fighting between regime forces and rebel fighters intensified in the capital, Damascus, bomb blasts in the heart of the city killed Defense Minister Daoud Rajiha; his deputy, Assef Shawkat, who is also the brother-in-law of embattled President Bashar Assad; and the Interior Minister, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shaar. Syrian authorities declared the strike a suicide attack; other reports suggested it was carried out by a remote-controlled bomb placed in a water cooler. In either event, the fact that the rebellion could target such prominent figures in Assad's Cabinet could signal the unraveling of his rule. The President has relied on the loyalty and support of his inner circle, largely composed of friends and family who retained direct control over organs of the state. But as a brutal crackdown has led to nearly 20,000 deaths, key defections of military officers and diplomats have humbled the regime. The assassination of Assad lieutenants, which was celebrated by rebels across the country, not only illustrates the reach of the emboldened rebellion but also forces Assad to confront likely traitors in his midst. If the past is any measure, the cornered regime will probably escalate the violence.
Africa's New Leader
2 | ETHIOPIA
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 63, was just elected the first female leader of the African Union (AU), beating out the veteran incumbent. Here are three things to know about the South African.
1 She's an experienced leader
Although Dlamini-Zuma is a pediatrician by trade, she has held government positions under all of South Africa's Presidents--including Nelson Mandela--since the end of apartheid.
2 She's friendly with her powerful ex
Upon Dlamini-Zuma's victory, her ex-husband, South African President Jacob Zuma--whom she divorced in 1998 after having four children--announced, "Africa is happy!"
3 She's got a tough job ahead
The AU has often been criticized for failing to act quickly on the crises that face Africa, such as the civil war in Ivory Coast and genocide in Sudan. It's up to Dlamini-Zuma to change that.
CANADA
$363,202
U.S.
$319,970
For the first time, the net worth of the average Canadian household is greater than that of its U.S. counterpart, owing to the U.S. housing crisis
Broken Unity
3 | ISRAEL
In a move that could trigger early elections and paralyze Mideast diplomacy for months, Israel's moderate Kadima party abruptly defected from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on July 17 amid disputes over a military-draft bill. Under the leadership of chairman Shaul Mofaz, Kadima joined Netanyahu's ruling coalition last May in an effort to pass a strict bill requiring ultra-Orthodox young people to serve in the military. Many had hoped the unity coalition would help revive stalled peace talks with the Palestinians, but following Kadima's hasty departure, it's unlikely Netanyahu will grant any concessions. The move also weakens Netanyahu's majority in the Knesset and ultimately hurts Mofaz's credibility within his party.
Lil' Kim Takes Over
4 | NORTH KOREA