* Russia to keep forces at key port Russia has defended plans to keep its forces in the key Georgian port of Poti, saying it does not break terms of a French-brokered ceasefire deal.

* Shiite-led government in Iraq driving out Sunnis helping U.S. The Shiite-dominated government in Iraq is driving out many leaders of Sunni citizen patrols.

* US troops ‘to quit Iraq by 2011’ US combat troops could leave Iraq by 2011 under the terms of a deal awaiting approval by Iraq’s parliament and presidency.

* With partial pullout, Russia envisions long-term shift As the Russian Army withdrew most of its forces from Georgia, it was becoming ever more clear on Friday that Moscow had no intention of restoring what once was.

* Al Qaeda’s Influence Grows in Israel; Israeli Bedouin Indicted Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and police brought charges on Friday against a Be’er Sheva area Bedouin.

* Abdullah, Medvedev discuss cooperation Russian-Jordanian cooperation received a “very strong push” with a visit conducted by King Abdullah II of Jordan to Moscow.

* Israel allows Pro-Palestinian activist boats dock in Gaza Two boats of international activists on a solidarity mission with the Palestinians have reached the Gaza Strip after a two-day journey at sea.

* ‘Israel defiled Al-Aqsa Mosque’ Tens of thousands of people gathered in Umm al-Fahm on Friday evening for the annual organized by the Islamic Movement.

* Olmert eyes Russia trip ‘to discover what they’re planning to sell to Syria’ Prime Minister Ehud Olmert plans to visit Russian President Dmitry Medvedev amid concern about reports Moscow is considering arming Syria.

* Obama picks Biden for vice president Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden early Saturday as his vice presidential running mate.