* Battles rage as rebels seize Libyan towns Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi launched a counter-attack on Thursday.
* Barak: Iranian ships crossing Suez part of 'wider scheme' The two Iranian naval vessels crossing the Suez Canal was a show of power and part of a "wider scheme" to exert influence in the Middle East.
* Iranian naval ships arrive in Syria Two Iranian naval ships arrived Wednesday afternoon at the Port of Lattakia in Syria, after crossing the Suez Canal Tuesday.
* Satellite Photos: More Nuclear Sites in Syria Western intelligence agencies have detected another nuclear plant in Syria – in a Damascus suburb.
* Arab Unrest Propels Iran as Saudi Influence Declines The popular revolts shaking the Arab world have begun to shift the balance of power in the region.
* 'Days of Rage' Spreading to Africa? The government of Zimbabwe has arrested dozens of political activists in an attempt to stop protesters from igniting a "Day of Rage."
* EU wary of imposing sanctions on Libyan dictator The EU has refrained from imposing immediate sanctions against Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi.
* 'Fatah-Hamas unity gov't will be led by Salam Fayyad' Palestinian sources familiar with the details of a unity government deal being discussed by Hamas and Fatah representatives, said that the proposed government would be headed by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
* Gaza militants fire missile at Be'er Sheva for first time since Gaza war Grad rockets were fired at the southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva on Wednesday, several hours after the Israel Defense Forces fired at a group of militants on the Gaza border.
* Qaddafi Ordered the Lockerbie Bombing A Libyan minister who has rebelled against dictator Muammar Qaddafi over the latter's brutal assault on protesters has alleged that Qaddafi personally ordered the Lockerbie bombing.