* Baghdad under curfew amid clashes A curfew has been imposed on Baghdad amid continuing clashes between Shia militias and Iraqi security forces.

* Barak fears Hamas W. Bank takeover Defense Minister Ehud Barak has warned the United States that gestures Israel is making to the Palestinians could ultimately backfire.

* Arab FMs re-endorse 2002 Saudi peace initiative Arab foreign ministers on Thursday re-endorsed a 2002 Saudi peace initiative which promises recognition of Israel.

* Syrian FM: Israel doesn’t want peace Israel pursues aggressive policies which contradict the atmosphere needed for peace, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said.

* Bush invites Abbas to U.S. for talks on Palestinian state U.S. President George W. Bush has invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the White House in early May.

* Russia to US: Scrap Missile Defense Russia’s foreign minister laid out a tough negotiating position on America’s missile defense plans.

* Hebrew Garments and the Restoration of Biblical Blue After three days of Purim, Jerusalemites young and old came out of one more night of revelry as Tuesday Night Live focused on Biblical Jewish fashion.

* Dutch MP launches anti-Koran film Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders released a film criticizing Islam and its holy book the Koran.

* Beirut bloc urges pressure on Syria Tensions between Beirut and Damascus have mounted in advance of the Arab League summit to be held in Syria.

* EU leaders urged to speak out on China European leaders should not shy away from criticizing China’s recent crackdown on protests in Tibet.