* Jordan: Jerusalem is a ticking time bomb Jerusalem is a ticking time bomb where an attack by Jewish extremists on Muslim holy sites could erase any chances for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

* Medvedev calls for economy reform Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for profound reform of the economy in his annual state of the nation address.

* PM tries to jump-start talks with Syria Opening up hope for some sudden progress on the Syrian front, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sent a verbal message to Syria on Wednesday.

* CAIR speaker to Muslims: OK to attack Fort Bragg A Council on American-Islamic Relations adviser and regular speaker at its events has suggested Islamic law permits Muslims to attack C-130 military transport planes carrying the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

* Barrick shuts hedge book as world gold supply runs out Global gold production is in terminal decline despite record prices and Herculean efforts by mining companies to discover fresh sources of ore in remote spots.

* Palestinians ‘should delay polls’ The Palestinian Authority’s electoral commission has said January’s presidential and parliamentary election should be postponed.

* Israeli Tourism’s Best October Ever: 330,000 Incoming Visitors 330,000 tourists visited Israel this past month, an all-time high for October, and a 9% increase over October 2008, Israel’s record tourism year.

* Sarkozy urges Abbas to renew Mideast peace talks French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to renew stalled peace negotiations with Israel.

* Nasrallah slams Obama, warns Israel Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah on Wednesday accused President Barack Obama of absolute bias in favor of Israel.

* Obama sets off for Asia, China looms large President Barack Obama left for Asia on Thursday with the U.S. economy, jobs and a yawning trade deficit with China looming large on his agenda.