An-Nahar (Lebanon): Killing of two Phalangists in Zahle a sign of growing tension on the street – The bloody incident that shook Zahle yesterday afternoon poses a warning to the Lebanese state, its security services, and political leaders, especially the Christian ones, of growing tension on the street. Two members of the Phalangist Party were killed and three others injured in a shooting, as rallies were being held to pressure parliament to convene to elect a president.

Al-Quds (East Jerusalem): Deal between Hamas and Carter: Gaza calm in return for ending blockade, opening crossings and exchanging prisoners – Informed sources said Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal presented a response to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's proposals regarding major issues concerning calm in Gaza, exchanging prisoners with Israel and the movement's vision in participating in a future Palestinian government.

The sources said a series of intense meetings between Hamas leaders and Carter culminated in Hamas' agreement for calm in Gaza as a start to stop the Israeli operations, in return for ending the blockade and opening the border crossings.

Tishreen (Syria): Assad: No secret talks with Israel – With regard to reports that friendly parties are trying to encourage contacts between Syria and Israel, President Bashar Assad told ruling Baath Party leaders that there are efforts in this direction and that they are not new. He added that Damascus is against secret talks and contacts with Israel, stressing that anything serious in this matter will be public and presented to the Syrian people.

Az-Zaman (London; Iraq): Qomi describes Iraqi government's policies in Basra as wrong – In unprecedented remarks, the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad Kazemi Qomi described the military operations carried out by Nouri al-Maliki's government in Basra and eastern Baghdad as "wrong," drawing anger from politicians and lawmakers, some of whom accused the Iranian envoy of "blatant interference."

Washington said it would respond to any threats, while U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said upon her arrival in Baghdad she cannot assess the danger in Moqtada Sadr's threat to launch an "open war" against the Iraqi government.

Al-Hayat (London): Signs of 'open war' in Ahmadinejad's government – Signs of an "open war" have emerged within the Iranian government over its economic and financial policy, at a time when price hikes seem to be going out of control.

Outgoing Economy Minister Davoud Danesh Jaafari, who was dismissed on April 9, said that his resignation was related to this issue; while Labor Minister Mohammad Jahromi yesterday sent an open letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urging against Central Bank planned measures, saying they would add to inflation, not control it.