05/23/12

* Egyptians vote in landmark presidential election Fifty million people are eligible to vote, and large queues have formed at some polling stations.

* Iran nuclear talks open in Baghdad Six world powers have begun a fresh round of talks with Iran about its controversial nuclear program.

* Russia tests 'fifth generation' missile that can penetrate Nato defence system The highly-symbolic launch came just days after alliance formally activated the first stage of a missile defence shield.

* Somali, AU troops close in on Islamist stronghold African Union and Somali government troops have made "strong progress" in a push towards an Islamist Shebab stronghold.

* Shin Bet uncovers Palestinian cells in Hebron The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has uncovered a number of Palestinian terror cells operating in the Hebron area and planning a series of attacks.

* Archaeologists find first proof of ancient Bethlehem Archaeologists recently discovered the first artifact constituting tangible evidence of the existence of the ancient city of Bethlehem, which is mentioned in the Torah.

* Turkey indicts Israeli commanders over ship raid A Turkish prosecutor has prepared an indictment seeking life sentences for four former Israeli military commanders.

* France to challenge EU's austerity agenda in Brussels Francois Hollande said before the talks he wanted everything on the table, including sharing debt via eurobonds.

* Israel steps up campaign to honor Munich victims Israel on Wednesday stepped up its campaign to hold a minute of silence for victims of the 1972 Munich massacre at the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

* Syria violence shakes Lebanon's fragile stability Gunmen clash in deadly street battles, protesters block roads with burning tires and opposition politicians demand the prime minister's downfall, denouncing the army as an agent of a foreign power.