* As border heats up, reservists train for Syria scenarios IDF reservists trained this week for scenarios they might face in a hypothetical operation in Syria.
* Crimea crisis: Merkel warns Russia faces escalating sanctions European Union leaders are gathering in Brussels to discuss their response to the crisis over Crimea.
* US, UK military to stage NATO exercises in Ukraine Ukraine will play host, but the US military will call the shots.
* Decline of the West: Seven strategic ramifications of Crimea's return to Russia Crimea's March 16, 2014, referendum to join Russia - there were only two options: join now, or join later.
* Israel said to be budgeting billions for Iran strike Israel is still preparing for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
* Norooz 2014: Dates, Traditions, And History Of The Persian New Year (PHOTOS) The Persian New Year is called Norooz (also Nowruz, Nawroz, among other spellings) and marks the first day of spring.
* Nearly half Syria chemical arms removed Almost half of Syria's declared stockpile of chemical weapons has now been removed.
* Muslim Rioters Attack MK Feiglin on Temple Mount Two Arab rioters were arrested Thursday for attempting to attack MK Moshe Feiglin.
* Australia plane searchers investigate debris A Norwegian ship joined planes from Australia, New Zealand and the US in searching the area 2,500km (1,550 miles) from Perth.
* Upon return from US, Abbas vows not to 'capitulate' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was met Thursday at his Ramallah compound by hundreds of cheering supporters.