* Kim prepares for war: North Korean leader takes the salute as his army fires rockets and torpedoes at mock enemy warships during country's 'largest ever' live-fire artillery drills North Korea marked military anniversary with the country's 'largest ever' live-fire artillery drills on Tuesday.
* Senior Lawmakers Urge U.S. Engagement in Libya Senior lawmakers on Tuesday rejected President Donald Trump's declaration that the United States has "no role" in Libya.
* North Korea tensions: US installs missile defence system in S Korea The US military has started installing a controversial missile defence system at a site in South Korea, amid high tensions over neighbouring North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions.
* REPORT: White House, Jerusalem in talks on Trump visit to Israel in May The possible Israel visit is reportedly due to occur late next month, around the time the US president is slated to visit Europe.
* Israeli cyber authority says it stopped 'major' hacking attack Details released by PM's office days after defense and intelligence heads reportedly slammed the contentious National Cyber Authority.
* Pope faces criticism for seeking to mend ties with Islam in Egypt Security is a primary concern less than three weeks after 45 people were killed in ISIS-perpetrated attacks on Coptic Christian churches in Alexandria and Tanta on Palm Sunday.
* Syrian government made Sarin used in Khan Sheikhoun, France says France says it has evidence showing the Syrian air force "undoubtedly" dropped bombs containing the nerve agent Sarin on a rebel-held town last month.
* Turkey arrests 1,000 in raids targeting Gulen suspects Police have arrested 1,000 people alleged to have been part of a movement blamed for the failed 2016 coup.
* "The Catholic Church...has become one of Islam's loudest boosters" In this excellent piece, George Neumayr refers to the rupture of relations between the Vatican and al-Azhar that took place during the time of Pope Benedict.
* Turkey Bombs U.S.-Supported Kurds in Syria - at Least 18 Killed Early Tuesday morning, a wave of Turkish airstrikes reportedly struck a headquarters building used by the Kurdish YPG militia in northeastern Syria. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 18 YPG fighters and media officials were killed in the attack.