Nairobi Aftermath - The state of al Shabaab

a Shabaab militants train in Somalia in conflict against Kenyan forces
Feisal Omar/Reuters 

The attack in on the Westgate shopping mall represents a change in direction and strategy for the al Shabaab group.

Assessing the impact of the UK-US special relationship

A motion to engage in military intervention in Syria was opposed by the UK's main opposition party on Aug 30
Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire 

Whilst Washington's plan to establish a Coalition for a possible military intervention in Syria was interrupted by the United Kingdom's refusal to get involved in the conflict, it is unlikely that this will affect the bilateral relations for the long-term future.