Al-Qaeda calls for Palestine jihad The occupied Palestinian territories will be liberated through jihad, not elections, according to a senior al-Qaeda leader.

New U.S. defense chief visits Baghdad New U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived Wednesday in Baghdad on an unannounced visit to meet with military leaders and other officials.

Blair labels Iran as main foe British Prime Minister Tony Blair wrapped up a Middle East tour Wednesday with a stark speech.

Ahmadinejad: What would Jesus do today? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a greeting to the world’s Christians for the coming New Year.

Iran acts over Israeli nukes Iran has called for the UN Security Council to compel Israel to give up its nuclear weapons.

Olmert: Syrian peace overtures not genuine Prime Minister Ehud Olmert renewed his opposition to peace talks with Syria

Heavy fighting erupts in Somalia Heavy fighting has broken out close to the base of the weak Somali interim government in Baidoa.

Ahmadinejad: Iran now nuclear power Iran is now a “nuclear power,” its President, Mahmoud Ahamdinejad, delcared Wednesday.

Syria in Bush’s Crosshairs The Bush Administration has been quietly nurturing individuals and parties opposed to the Syrian government.

Terror leader: Arms race developing Recent US shipments of weapons to bolster activists from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah organization have prompted an arms race with rival Hamas.