Ash-Sharq al-Awsat (London; Saudi Arabia): American soldiers: Little trust in Awakening members – An officer from the U.S. Special Forces in Baquba said his forces "succeeded in privatizing the war against al-Qaida in Iraq," with the cooperation of the Awakening Councils. But American soldiers said they still don't completely trust the elements in these councils.

Al-Rayah (Qatar): Saudi receives formal Syrian invitation to Damascus summit – A Saudi official source said his country yesterday received a Syrian invitation to attend the Arab summit in Damascus on March 29-30, delivered to Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal by the Syrian minister for Red Crescent affairs. The Saudi official said the kingdom has not yet decided the level of its participation at the meeting.

Al-Qabas (Kuwait): Hundreds gathered in front of the State Security – The issue surrounding the memorial ceremony for Lebanese Hezbollah official Imad Mughnieh developed yesterday with the arrest of the National Islamic Alliance party leader Hussein al-Maatouk and the questioning of two prominent Kuwaiti figures, who were detained overnight. As the news of Maatouk's arrest spread, hundreds of people gathered in front of the state security building and chanted anti-Israeli and anti-American slogans, demanding the release of the men.

As-Safir (Lebanon): Possibility of confrontation with Hezbollah increases – Israel's intelligence services yesterday ruled out a possibility of a large-scale attack on Israel this year, but warned of a growing possibility for "war activities" with Lebanon's Hezbollah. They reaffirmed in an annual report that Iran poses the greatest strategic threat to Israel and warned of a third intifada (uprising) if more harm comes to the Palestinians.

Al-Bayan (United Arab Emirates): McCain to Israel to get Jewish votes – U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain will visit Israel at the end of the month to try to attract Jewish votes. McCain said months ago he would visit Israel to take part in the state's 60th anniversary if he wins his party's nomination; candidates in previous presidential elections have never left the United States during an election year.