al-Quds al-Arabi (London): Ahmadinejad surprises Gulf summit with a strategic security and energy plan – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's participation at the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the arrival of Saudi King Abdullah to Doha were important developments in Gulf relations. The first visit by a Saudi monarch to Qatar in 17 years indicates the two countries have overcome their years-long differences; Ahmadinejad's proposal for a strategic security and energy plan and establishing security institutions for cooperation between the two banks of the Gulf came as a surprise to the Arab council.

Okaz (Saudi Arabia): Doha summit to launch common Gulf market and rejects throwing region into a nuclear race – Sources told Okaz the GCC summit communiqué will launch the common Gulf market and that the leaders will reject any attempt to throw the region into a nuclear race. They will call on a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and the need to stick by the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Al-Qabas (Kuwait): GCC members surprised by invitation to Iranian president – Senior Gulf officials said they were concerned by the U.S. reaction to Qatar's invitation to the Iranian president to attend the GCC summit in Doha. Officials told Al-Qabas they were uncomfortable with this invitation, especially that the United States has questions on Gulf-Iranian security cooperation at this time, and expressed concern over Ahamdinejad's failure to mention the Iranian nuclear crisis during his lengthy speech at the summit.

Al-Hayat (London): Baghdad prepares to sign agreement with Washington and Sadr blames Maliki and Hakim's parties – Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr censured the government and ruling Shiite parties, calling for an end to the occupation as the government prepares to sign an accord with the United States to extend foreign presence. Sadr refused to form "awakening councils" similar to the Sunni tribal councils, saying they "spread sedition with American sponsorship."

An-Nahar (Lebanon): Suleiman candidacy in last confrontation with opposition conditions – New complications are surrounding the Lebanese parliamentary majority's presidential candidate, army chief Michel Suleiman, which could once again delay the election due Friday. Sources said House speaker Nabih Berri will not proceed with amending the constitution before a political agreement is reached.