This morning’s key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com.

* American al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki killed by drone strike

* Demonstrations in Syria grow increasingly violent

* U.S. Congress blocks $200 million in aid to Palestinians

* China deeply suspicious about America’s strategic intentions

American al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki killed by drone strike

Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen, and a leader of al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), was killed in Yemen on Friday by a missile fired by an American drone. Al-Awlaki is believed to have inspired the Fort Hood killer and the underwear bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and he’s linked to 19 terror attacks. He’s been a highly articulate spokesman for AQAP, since he speaks colloquial English well, as his native language. CBS News

His principle propaganda organ was the English language jihadist magazine Insipire!. The cover of the most recent issue, a celebration of 9/11, shows an image of the World Trade Center made out of dollar signs. This issue has been in the news because AQAP accuses Hizbollah and Iran of lying in their claim that Israel was behind the 9/11 attacks. “The purpose of this lie is clear – (to suggest) that there are no heroes among the Sunnis who can hurt America as no else did in history. Iranian media snapped up this lie and repeated it.” This issue also promised a “coming soon” article by al-Awlaki titled “Targeting the Populations of Countries That Are At War with the Muslims.” Thanks to Friday’s drone strike, someone else will have to write that article. Memri

Demonstrations in Syria grow increasingly violent

At least 11 protesters died after thousands took to the streets after Friday prayers again. However, this time there was heavy fighting between the Syrian army and opposition activists in central Homs province. Reports from Rastan, a town of 40,000, indicate that army defectors have been fighting government forces to protect the protesters. The demonstrations in Syria, which began peacefully six months ago, are becoming increasingly violent as protesters grow frustrated at the lack of any tangible reform. BBC

U.S. Congress blocks $200 million in aid to Palestinians

In an unpublicized decision made in August, the U.S. Congress has blocked nearly $200 million in aid for the Palestinians, threatening projects such as food aid and health care. The blocking, which is opposed by the Obama administration, is apparently in retaliation for the Palestinians’ United Nations bid for statehood. The funds were to have been disbursed in the U.S. fiscal year that ended on Friday. A Palestinian spokesman said, “This is not constructive at all. Such moves are unjustified. These are mainly humanitarian and development projects-it is another kind of collective punishment which is going to harm the needs of the public without making any positive contribution.” He added that, “it is ironic to be punished for going to the United Nations”. Independent

China deeply suspicious about America’s strategic intentions

Despite repeated statements by U.S. officials that America welcomes China’s rise as a world power, many Chinese are deeply suspicious about American intentions, and are concerned that the U.S. ultimately will attempt to delay or prevent China’s emergence as a great power because it sees a stronger China as a threat to its continued preeminence. Some even fear Washington really intends to “contain” China. Chinese suspicions about U.S. strategic intentions are longstanding. Some Chinese analysts are particularly focused on what they see as a deteriorating maritime security environment, and the blame the U.S. as the main cause of China’s maritime security problems. They contend that Washington seeks to exploit North Korean attacks on South Korea and Beijing’s maritime disputes with its neighbors, especially Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. That say that recent events in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea reflect Washington’s determination to prevent China from challenging the U.S. position in the region. Generational Dynamics predicts that China and the U.S. will be the principal belligerents in the coming Clash of Civilizations world war. Jamestown