* Iran kicks off revolution fete with nuclear defiance Iran Thursday kicked off a series of anniversary festivities for the Islamic revolution by shrugging off UN sanctions over its nuclear program.

* Hamas: US trying to ‘colonize’ the PA Hamas on Wednesday accused the US of promoting civil war among the Palestinians by transferring $86 million to strengthen forces loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

* Putin hails Russia’s strong growth President Vladimir Putin hailed Russia’s strong economic growth at his annual news conference.

* Israel must prepare for space warfare Israel will be facing a possible threat to its vital space-based assets within the coming decade for which it has to start preparing immediately.

* U.S. slams Serb leader’s hard line on Kosovo The United States has criticized demands by Serbian caretaker prime minister Vojislav Kostunica.

* EU divisions on constitution grow Despite Germany’s efforts to conduct negotiations on the EU constitution discreetly.

* Burundi joins Somalia peace force Burundi has offered to contribute to the proposed African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, following an AU appeal for soldiers.

* Putin against direct presidential rule in Russian regions President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he sees no need for direct presidential rule in any of Russia’s regions.

* Neighboring Nations Invited to Iraq Iraq invited officials from Iran, Syria and other neighboring nations to Baghdad next month to discuss the security situation in the country.

* Israel Remembers Fallen Astronaut and War Hero Ilan Ramon The fourth anniversary of the death of Israel’s first (and only) astronaut, Ilan Ramon, is being marked by several events.