* Iran test-fires new missile, Israel within reach Iran said it test-fired a new generation of surface-to-surface missile on Wednesday.

* Barkat Envisions 10 Million Tourists, 150,000 New Jobs Secular high tech millionaire Nir Barkat, who defeated hareidi religious Meir Porush Tuesday night to become the ninth mayor of Jerusalem, envisions 10 million tourists and 150,000 new jobs within the decade.

* Russia rejects U.S. missile proposals The Kremlin on Wednesday rejected U.S. proposals aimed at easing concerns over a missile defense system in Europe.

* Hamas Claims Secret Relationship with Obama Aides Hamas is claiming close and ongoing ties with America’s upcoming Obama Administration.

* Al-Qaida’s Deafening Silence The election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States was greeted with elation around the world with crowds taking to the streets to express their joy from Washington, D.C. to Nairobi.

* Russia’s Return Russia is back in the Middle East. Russia is now expected to reopen its two naval bases at Tartus and Latakia in Syria.

* Putin says backs longer presidency Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who some analysts say may want to return to the Kremlin, on Wednesday supported extending the presidential term of office.

* Saudi Arabia to Lead U.N. Faith Forum Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich Islamic kingdom that forbids the public practice of other religious faiths, will preside Wednesday over a two-day U.N. conference on religious tolerance.

* Abbas challenges Hamas to referendum Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas paid tribute to his predecessor Yasser Arafat at a Ramallah memorial rally.

* Sudan declares Darfur ceasefire Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has announced an immediate ceasefire in the Darfur region of western Sudan.