* Syrian newspaper: U.S. must alter policy for Mideast summit to succeed The United States ought to revise its policy in the region if it wants the upcoming Mideast peace conference to succeed.

* World leaders set to address UN The United Nations’ annual general assembly is due to begin its formal session, with speeches by the US and Iran keenly awaited.

* Bush backs creation of Palestinian state US President George W. Bush reaffirmed his support for a Palestinian state at a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in New York City.

* FM Livni: ‘Israel is Committed to Establishing Palestine’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni declared Israel’s support for the creation of an Arab state in Judea, Samaria and Gaza.

* Ahmadinejad grilled in Columbia Q&A Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking at Columbia University on Monday, evaded the question of whether he would seek the destruction of the State of Israel.

* Bush to Abbas: Statehood for Palestinians in reach U.S. President George W. Bush met Monday with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and PA Prime Minister Salam Fayad in New York.

* U.S. and EU are ready to recognize Kosovo independence The United States and the European Union will recognize Kosovo if the Balkan province declares independence from Serbia in early December when last-ditch negotiations end.

* Dichter shuts down Husseini Foundation dinner in E. J’lem Public Security Minister Avi Dichter ordered police last week to prevent the Faisal Husseini Foundation from East Jerusalem from holding its annual fund raiser in the city.

* Turkey parliament may vote on new constitution next year A draft constitution for Turkey, which has fueled tensions between the Islamist-rooted government and secularist forces, is likely to be submitted to parliament early next year.

* NATO and EU relations simmer over soldiers NATO is feeling the pinch as the UN and EU both dip into the same resources to fulfil defence obligations leaving the military alliance thin on soldiers.