Az-Zaman (London; Iraq): Maliki Bans Parties from Using State Buildings for Religious Celebrations – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has banned ruling religious political parties from using schools, universities and government departments to mark religious occasions. These parties in central and southern Iraq have turned government buildings into centers to mark their occasions, in violation of the law and using the influence of their militias and loyal government officials.
Al-Quds al-Arabi (London): Iran Tests Nine Missiles, Including One That Can Hit Israel – Iran yesterday tested nine missiles, including Shehab-3, a long-range missile it said can hit targets in Israel and American bases in the region, warning the two countries it is ready to respond to any attack against the Islamic republic over its nuclear activities. Washington urged Tehran, which says its nuclear program is only for peaceful energy purposes, to stop rocket tests.
An-Nahar (Lebanon): Widespread Collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon; Army to Deploy – Amid a failure in efforts to form a new government, fighting again erupted in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. Four people have been killed and more than 60 others injured, as the army postponed its deployment there until today. The deterioration comes two days before President Michel Suleiman embarks on his first foreign visit as head-of-state when he goes to Paris.
Al-Rayah (Qatar): Six Killed in Shooting at U.S. Consulate in Istanbul – Three unidentified gunmen and three Turkish policemen were killed in a shooting at the U.S. Consulate's guard post in Istanbul, which Turkey and the United States described as a "terrorist" attack. The White House condemned the attack, in which no one claimed responsibility. The authorities said the dead attackers were all Turks.
Okaz (Saudi Arabia): Seven U.N. Troops Killed in Darfur – The United Nations said seven of its peacekeeping troops were killed in an attack in Sudan's Darfur region, which Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned as "unacceptable." The U.N. chief's spokeswoman said 22 others were injured, seven seriously, when one of its units was ambushed.