Diskin: Gov’t must prepare for large-scale Gaza operation Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) chief Yuval Diskin told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday that Israel’s government must prepare for a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip.

Iraq neighbours told to mend ways Iran’s The US and UK governments have indicated there will be no softening of their stances on Iran and Syria despite calls for their help to stabilise Iraq.

Ahmadinejad says celebrations near Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday said Iran would soon celebrate the completion of its controversial nuclear fuel program.

Hamas: No recognition of Israel A future Palestinian national unity government will not agree to demands that it recognise Israel.

Jumblatt: Democrat win paves way for Mideast chaos The Democrat’s midterm election victories last week and the subsequent resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sent a message of American weakness to Syria that will likely result in “instability and chaos” in Lebanon.

Gunmen seize 100 at Iraq ministry Gunmen in military-style uniforms have kidnapped more than 100 men from a research institute belonging to Iraq’s higher education ministry.

Netanyahu: It’s 1938 and Iran is Germany; Ahmadinejad is preparing another Holocaust Drawing a direct analogy between Iran and Nazi Germany, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Monday that the Iranian nuclear program posed a threat not only to Israel, but to the entire western world.

S. Africa Parliament OKs Gay Marriages The South African parliament on Tuesday approved new legislation recognizing gay marriages.

Bush to Olmert: No international peace convention The Olmert-Bush summit which took place in the White House Monday failed to provide any real news.

EU downbeat on chances to salvage Turkey talks EU foreign ministers have given a downbeat assessment on the chances of keeping Turkey’s accession talks on track.