"The PRI has lost its social roots, " said Jose Valdez, 72, a central committee member of the Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers, one of the oldest unions behind the PRI.

MSN: Analysis: Mexican labor reform signals battles ahead for Pena Nieto - World news - Americas | NBC News

Mohammad Shtayyeh, a member of the central committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the relief committee for the Palestinians in Syria, condemned the loss of life in Yarmouk.

CNN: Joy for NBC crew freed from kidnappers in Syria

Tabrani Rab, a Riau native and member of the central-government committee overseeing the devolution system, is more worried about corruption.

ECONOMIST: Devolution isn't working as planned

Yet one member of the new monetary committee that advises the central-bank governor confirms that it has recently adopted a pro-inflationary stance.

ECONOMIST: China

"Afghanistan will feel the change that Pakistan now has a strong and popular government, " Sartaj Aziz, a member of the PML (N)'s powerful central executive committee and a former foreign minister during Mr Sharif's second term, told the BBC.

BBC: Afghans are wary of Nawaz Sharif - but should they be?