Israel should seriously consider opening negotiations with Syria, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in closed discussions recently. Barak, Army Radio reported Thursday, said that Syria’s participation in the upcoming Annapolis peace summit could lead to direct talks between the countries.

President George W. Bush will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel to his Texas ranch on Friday where they will seek to show unity on Iran even as Tehran defies the West over its nuclear programme.   

US defense officials have signaled that up-to-date attack plans are available if needed in the escalating crisis over Iran’s nuclear aims, although no strike appears imminent, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Malawi that Tehran has the political will to boost its ties with African countries, IRNA reported. 

China urged Iran to heed rising international worry about its nuclear ambitions, saying Beijing would seek to work with Europe and the United Nations to defuse the crisis but holding its tongue on any new sanctions, Reuters reported. 

Turkish President Abdullah Gul attended Turkey-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku on Wednesday. Speaking at the business forum, Gul said Turkey had recorded important economic progress in the recent years and become the 6th biggest economy of Europe.

Facing a resilient insurgency, officials say President Karzai is seeking negotiations with elements of Taliban to end the conflict. KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — After nearly two years of increased bloodshed, Afghan President Hamid Karzai is reaching out to Taliban militants, who have been waging battle against his government, in a renewed …

Russia’s FM has dismissed Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili’s claim that Moscow

The EU is losing ground in its relations with Russia and should unite behind a new strategy to secure its interests with Moscow. Arguing the 27-nation bloc has lost

At least 6 tribesmen and 6 government soldiers have been killed in fierce clashes in southern Yemen sparked by protests over jobs.