* Netanyahu to US: I'm leading Israel's policy Committed to peace despite obstacles: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Wednesday with US special envoy George Mitchell.
* Al-Qaeda terror plot targeting Europe uncovered Small teams of militants were to seize and kill hostages, similar to the 2008 attacks in Mumbai.
* Assad to Ahmadinejad: Don't visit Lebanon The Iranian president's planned visit to southern Lebanon is raising fears in Syria of all places.
* European cities hit by anti-austerity protests Tens of thousands of protesters from around Europe have been marching across Brussels in a protest against spending cuts by some EU governments.
* Dollar tumbles, gold hits record high The dollar sank against the euro and hit a record low point against the Swiss franc on Wednesday.
* Ousted Moscow mayor slams 'Stalin-era' repression Moscow's ousted mayor Yury Luzhkov on Wednesday issued a withering attack on President Dmitry Medvedev.
* One-fifth of world's plants at risk of extinction One-fifth of the world's plants - the foundation of life on Earth - are at risk of extinction, a study concludes.
* Dancing with Torah Scrolls: Rejoicing in Simchat Torah Jews around the world will clasp Torah scrolls in their arms, beginning Wednesday evening, as they dance and sing to celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah.
* Army publication: Settlers heavily overrepresented among IDF commanders Thirteen percent of all combat company commanders on active service in the IDF come from settlements.
* South, North Korea to hold military talks South Korea and North Korea on Thursday will hold military talks for the first time in nearly two years.