State media says NATO has launched fresh air strikes to weaken Gadhafi forces, as many Libyans fear fighting between rebels and government forces will go on for months.
Syria security forces backed by armored vehicles enter southern town Daraa overnight; pro-Assad forces open fire on civilians in coastal city Jabla; gunmen storm the Damascus suburb of Duma, shooting randomly at Syrians.
President Nicolas Sarkozy hosted Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Paris on Thursday as France told the United Nations that Europe was considering giving formal recognition to a Palestinian state.
European countries believe Palestinians could drop push for UN recognition if 'parameters' for fresh peace talks announced; Diplomats said they hope Obama might do so.
Gates says Obama authorizes use of Predator drones, two patrols are already in operation; McCain visits Benghazi, calls rebels heroes; hundreds believed dead from Gaddafi forces' attacks.
In New York Times editorial, Turkish President Abdullah Gul says Israel must react to growing desire for Mideast democracy, adds it cannot afford to be perceived as an 'apartheid island' in an Arab-dominated region.
Homs protesters were reportedly shot 'in cold blood'; deaths come a day after three mourners were killed after attending a funeral of a man killed by Syrian security forces.
US President Barack Obama continues ''to pray'' for peace between Israel and its neighbors amid Middle East unrest, he said Friday in a message honoring the Jewish holyday of Passover.
Egyptian FM called Israel 'the enemy' in a statement that angered Israel in view of recent Egyptian requests for help in investments or in receiving more aid from the U.S. Congress.
