* Libya: France and Italy to send officers to aid rebels French officials said fewer than 10 would be sent, while Italy's defence minister announced that 10 would go.
* Iranian general: Attacking us is suicidal Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier-General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said Wednesday that a military offensive against the Islamic Republic would be "suicidal."
* Thousands protest in Syria, brushing off reforms Thousands of students held demonstrations Wednesday against Syria's authoritarian regime.
* Abbas: There will be no new uprising Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that he is opposed to another armed uprising against Israel, even if faltering peace efforts fail altogether.
* Syrians prepare for record-breaking rally Thousands of students held demonstrations Wednesday against Syria's authoritarian regime.
* Could Putin and Medvedev face off in an open Russian election? As the political differences between Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev widen into a visible public rift, and each continues to insist on the wish to run for president in polls next year, some Russians are mulling a prospect that sounded like a fantasy just a few weeks ago.
* Rebels: Libyan army shells western mountain towns Moammar Gadhafi's troops clashed with opposition forces Wednesday in this besieged coastal city and shelled a mountain town.
* A divided EU Parliament tightens measures to centralise economic decisions MEPs have toughened up the provisions in a package of six laws that centralise economic decision-making in the EU.
* Gold price hits record at $1,500 an ounce The gold price has risen above $1,500 an ounce for the first time after concerns about global economic recovery lifted the metal's appeal as a haven.
* Abbas seeks 'advice' from France on declaring Palestinian statehood Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas will travel to Paris on Thursday seeking support for the expected declaration of statehood this September.