* Assad: Syria is preparing for war Syria sees war with Israel as a real possibility, and is preparing for such an event.

* Iran shows off its military might Iran has been displaying its military power at a ceremony to mark the country’s annual army day.

* Iran training media for Israel-Syria war The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) has begun a training course for war journalists.

* 12 Rockets on Thursday, Including 2 Katyushas Hamas terrorists have fired 12 rockets at Israel so far Thursday, causing fear but no concrete damage.

* Abbas calls for Moscow peace summit Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appealed Thursday for greater urgency in reaching peace in the Middle East.

* White House thousands greet Pope Thousands of guests have welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to the White House for his meeting with President George W Bush.

* Hizbullah Will Dispatch Israeli Arabs to Attack From Rear in War A Syrian newspaper reported that Hizbullah plans to activate masses of Israeli Arab terrorists in the next war.

* Iran: ‘9/11 an excuse for U.S. invasions’ Iran’s hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cast doubt over the United States’ version of the September 11 attacks.

* Photo Essay: Preparing for Passover in the Promised Land Cleaning, getting ready for the seder and baking matza. Arutz-7 shows you Israel as the nation prepares to celebrate the Exodus.

* Russia cancels Libya’s debt Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a move to rebuild ties with a former Soviet ally.