* Palestinian forces in Hebron say Hamas ‘in the crosshairs’ Since they began operating in the West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian Authority security forces have been cracking down on rival faction Hamas’ footholds.

* Dedication of Har Habanim Park in Bnei Brak Eli Rubenstein: “Our Strength as a Nation Comes from Supporting Each Other.

* In Kurdish Iraq, enticing tourists to a rugged land The roses were in full bloom as throngs of women in flowery head scarves swooped in to claim their spots in Sami Rahman Park.

* Scores dead after Pakistan quake At least 160 people have been killed after an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hit Balochistan province in south-western Pakistan.

* Slowdown in the Gulf reverberates in the Middle East For many of the financially strapped nations of the Middle East, the oil-rich countries of the Gulf have served for years as an economic lifeline.

* US Embassy in Syria says it could close The US Embassy in Syria warned Americans in the country to remain alert and said it could close to the public after the deadly US raid near the country’s border with Iraq over the weekend.

* US hands province to Iraqi forces Iraqi authorities have taken over responsibility for security in another province from US military forces.

* Saudi king invites Israel to New York interfaith conference Saudi King Abdullah has green-lighted Israel’s participation in a meeting at the United Nations next month to discuss his initiative to promote interfaith dialogue.

* Sarkozy: Obama ‘Immature’ on Iran; Nuke Sites May Be Bombed Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama’s stand on Iran is “utterly immature,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy told Israel.

* Sarkozy wants more EU crisis funding French president Nicolas Sarkozy has called for an EU crisis fund for member states to be extended.