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Iran and Russia are slamming airstrikes carried out early Friday by the U.S. and Britain against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, calling them "irresponsible" and warning that they "will only contribute to insecurity and instability in the region." -snip- Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kannani said in a statement to Reuters that "These attacks are a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of international laws. -snip- Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said "We strongly condemn these irresponsible actions by the United States and its allies" and called for an urgent meeting of the...

Obama, Hu toast 'strategic mutual trust' at state dinnerBy Christina Wilkie - 01/19/11 10:30 PM ET President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao toasted U.S. and Chinese collaboration and mutual interests on Wednesday night at a festive state dinner for 225 guests at the White House. Their toasts marked the high point of an evening notable for its strict adherence to the protocol and symbolism valued in Chinese culture, but which, at the same time, managed to fulfill the Chinese delegation's request for a thoroughly American dinner party. Guests dined on a meal of pear salad, lobster, ribeye steak and...