Bush to hold further talks on Iraq George Bush, the US president, is to hold talks with one of Iraq’s most influential Shia politicians on ways to reduce the violence in Iraq.

Syria smuggling missiles to Hizbullah Long-range missiles, as well as truckloads of advanced anti-tank missiles originating in Iran and Syria, have been smuggled to Hizbullah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu: Gaza turning into second Lebanon After short period of silence, opposition chairman criticizes ceasefire with Palestinians.

Analysis: 2007 – The Year of War 2007 will be the year of war, both in Lebanon and in the Gaza Strip, and possibly even against Syria.

Annan: Iraq worse than under Saddam Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general, has said Iraq is in the grips of a civil war and many people are worse off now than under Saddam Hussein.

Saudis working to curb Iran’s influence Worried by Iran’s deepening involvement in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia has been working quietly to curtail the Shi’ite nation’s influence.

Erdogan Objects to US Military Presence in N. Iraq Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan objected to recommendations in a U.S. administration report referring to partial deployment of U.S. troops from central Iraq to the country’s north.

Chavez: New ‘defeat for the devil’ Anti-American socialist Hugo Chavez said his claimed victory in the Venezuelan presidential election was “another defeat for the devil”.

Report: Olmert to discuss peace bid with Saudis Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is set to meet soon with high-ranking Saudi officials and explore the possibility for negotiations between Israel and a group of moderate Arab countries over the future of the Middle East.

Palestinian PM Haniyeh meets Syrian President in Damascus Syrian President Bashar Assad held talks Monday with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on developments in the Palestinian territories and efforts to form a national unity government.