* Barak: Gaza operation near “We will use all our diplomatic means to weaken the Hamas leadership and its effectiveness, but the truth must be told, we are nearing an extensive operation in Gaza.

* Dollar falls to another euro low The dollar has fallen to yet another all-time low against the euro, after further weak US economic data.

* Report: 2 rockets aimed at J’lem seized in Beit Jala Palestinian security forces uncovered on Wednesday two rockets ready to be launched in the town of Beit Jala near Jerusalem.

* Ahmadinejad unveils world without Israel Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to unveil a vision of a world without Israel.

* Russia: When Politics Becomes A Family Affair The prime minister is the defense minister’s father-in-law. The energy minister is the health minister’s husband. The justice minister’s son is married to the deputy Kremlin chief of staff’s daughter.

* ‘A nuclear Iran could lead to war’ French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday the international standoff over Iran’s nuclear program will only be resolved with a combination of “firmness and dialogue.”

* Qatar: Iraq conflict too big for US The Emir of Qatar has said Iraq can no longer remain the responsibility of just one country and called for a strengthening of the United Nations’ role there.

* Arab leaders: ME parley ‘waste of time’ Less than two months before the US-sponsored Middle East peace conference is expected to convene, most of the Arab countries have yet to confirm their participation.

* US Anglicans reject gay bishops Leaders of the Episcopal Church in the United States have agreed to halt the selection of gay priests as bishops to prevent a split in the Anglican Church.

* Turkey cut out of new euro coins map Member states have modified the original version of a new euro coin design – already in circulation – by cutting Turkey off the map aimed at representing larger Europe.