* US rushes troops to Haiti earthquake zone The US is sending up to 3,500 soldiers and 2,200 marines to Haiti to help rescue efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

* ‘Credible threat’ from al Qaeda in Yemen The United States is closely monitoring a “credible threat” from al Qaeda in Yemen against the U.S. homeland.

* None injured as bomb explodes near Israeli embassy convoy A bomb exploded near a small convoy of vehicles belonging to Israel’s embassy in Jordan on Thursday afternoon.

* Media condemns Israel over Turkey spat Israel’s apology to Turkey over its treatment of the Turkish ambassador has failed to convince many pundits in the Middle Eastern media.

* US military urged to act over extremists in its ranks Two leading US senators have urged the Pentagon to take steps to combat the threat of Islamist extremism within the ranks of the US military.

* China gives first response to Google threat China has said that foreign internet firms are welcome to do business there “according to the law”.

* Tourism Soars With Record Set in December 2009 Israeli tourism is soaring higher than the planes that bring it.

* Hamas calls prayers for rain to ease Gaza water crisis The Islamist group Hamas held prayers in the Gaza Strip on Thursday to ask God for rain.

* EU foreign relations chief tests new powers in earthquake response The EU’s response to the earthquake in Haiti has given a first glimpse into how the bloc’s new foreign relations set-up is to work in practice.

* White House Adviser Criticizes Evangelist’s Remark A senior White House adviser says evangelist broadcaster Pat Robertson’s remark that Haiti has been ”cursed” doesn’t express the spirit of the American people or the president.