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Israel planes attack road to Syria 
The Australian - Jul 31 6:29 PM
ISRAELI warplanes struck the road connecting north-eastern Lebanon to Syria early today, Lebanese police said without indicating if there were any casualties.Israeli warplanes attack road to Syria Khaleej Times - 34 minutes ago
BEIRUT - Israeli warplanes struck the road connecting northeastern Lebanon to Syria early Tuesday, Lebanese police said without indicating if there were any casualties.Syria Seeks Cease-Fire Before Talks Los Angeles Times - Jul 31 12:04 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria Amid bitter condemnation across the Arab world for the Israeli attack that killed as many as 56 villagers in the Lebanese town of Qana, Syria said Sunday that it would insist on an "unconditional" cease-fire and that it remained opposed to the deployment of any foreign troops to end the fighting in southern Lebanon.Syria Opposes Multinational Force Israel National News - 1 hour, 17 minutes ago
(IsraelNN.com) Syrian officials have expressed opposition to the placement of a multinational force in southern Lebanon. Syria will however support enlarging the size of the UNIFIL force already stationed in the area.Syria holds key to lasting peace in Lebanon: analysts Khaleej Times - Jul 31 6:32 AM
DAMASCUS - There can be no lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah without the diplomatic support of Syria, which exerts considerable influence it Lebanon through the Shia movement, analysts say.Unconditional cease-fire before talks, Syria insists Sun-Sentinel - Jul 31 12:13 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria · Amid bitter condemnation across the Arab world for the Israeli attack that killed at least 56 villagers in the Lebanese town of Qana, Syria said Sunday it is insisting on an "unconditional" cease-fire and remains opposed to the deployment of any foreign troops to end the fighting in southern Lebanon.Talks with Syria, yes - but not now Haaretz Daily - Jul 31 3:46 AM
Since Syria's military intervention in the Lebanese civil war of March 1976, a triangular relationship has replaced the bilateral ties that existed previously between Israel and Lebanon, and between Israel and Syria.Bush says Iran, Syria must end support for Hizbollah Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 7:35 AM
President Bush accused Iran on Monday of supplying weapons and financial support to Hizbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon and called on Tehran to stop the practice.Lebanon-Syria border road bombed The Australian - Jul 30 2:29 PM
AN Israeli air strike hit Lebanon's road to Damascus at the border with Syria for a second consecutive night tonight, witnesses said.Israel defiant, Syria ready Sydney Morning Herald - Jul 31 5:11 PM
"There is no ceasefire" ... Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Photo: Reuters Israel rejected mounting international pressure to end its war against Hizbollah and launched a new incursion into Lebanon, as world powers squabbled over the urgency of a ceasefire.Israel not looking for Syria fight, but still getting ready AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 29 11:55 AM
Israel insists it is not looking for a fight with Syria, but is still taking precautions in case it becomes embroiled in a war with the neighbor it accuses of sponsoring Hezbollah.Syria denounces call for international Lebanon force AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 29 9:25 AM
Syria has slammed US-backed proposals for the deployment of a multinational force in southern Lebanon, saying it would be "an occupation force" that could deepen the conflict and spark a backlash against the troops.Bush Administration Roadblock To Peace CBS News - Jul 31 5:31 PM
The U.S. needs to develop a winning strategy for the Middle East soon, says The American Prospect . And without Syria in the discussion, the region could get bogged down in wars for years to come.For Syria s Voice in U.S., Isolation but Not Silence New York Times - Jul 28 11:43 PM
Syria s ambassador to the United States has not had a meeting with any senior Bush administration official in a year and half.Syria stands to gain from Lebanon's pain Guardian Unlimited - Jul 31 3:21 AM
Hizbullah's stock is rising among the Arab public, and the Syrian regime is making the most of it, reports Brian Whitaker from Damascus.Syria's Chemical Misslies Strategy Page - Jul 30 4:17 AM
July 30, 2006: Syria may not have nuclear weapons, but it has created a force of ballistic missiles equipped with chemical (nerve and mustard gas) warheads. Syria is believed to have about 1200 ballistic missiles.In Mideast tumult, Iran's clout rises The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 1:00 AM
In Syria and across southern Lebanon, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad smiles broadly from posters that feature the fiery leader alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Hizbullah's Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.Israeli strike shuts key Lebanon-Syria border point Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News - Jul 29 6:10 PM
BEIRUT (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike closed Lebanon's main crossing point to Syria on Saturday for the first time since the start of the war between Israel and Hizbollah, security sources said.Syria president puts army on alert Channel NewsAsia - Jul 31 2:17 PM
DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered the armed forces "to step up their state of readiness" Monday in the face of Israel's continuing offensive against his country's western neighbour, the official SANA news agency said.Syrian minister: Hezbollah not al-Qaida UPI - 52 minutes ago
DAMASCUS, Syria, July 31 (UPI) -- The Syrian foreign minister says resistance movements like Hezbollah and Hamas must not be confused with terrorist organizations like al-Qaida.Syria-Lebanon border crossing hit Aljazeera - Jul 29 3:12 PM
An Israeli missile strike has hit the main Lebanese border crossing into Syria, forcing its closure for the first time in the 18-day-old conflict.Syrian president calls on army to be ready WHO-TV Des Moines - Jul 31 6:01 PM
BEIRUT, Lebanon Warning of what he calls "regional challenges," Syria's leader is urging his army to intensify its training and "raise readiness."Israeli bombing cuts off link route to Syria New Kerala - Jul 29 11:07 PM
Beirut: Israeli planes renewed air strikes early Sunday on the Masnaa area, bombing the main road to the border region with Syria, Lebanese security sources said.Opportunity on Syria's doorstep Haaretz Daily - Jul 31 12:50 AM
The unfortunate bombing in Qana that caused the tragic deaths of more than 50 people, nearly half of them children, is not just "another bombing" in which innocent civilians were found in proximity to terrorists.Syrian group claims it attacked Israel WorldNetDaily - Jul 31 2:58 PM
TEL AVIV A group claiming to operate out of Syria took credit today for what it said was an attack against Israeli troops operating near the Syria-Israel border, according to a source in Syrian President Bashar Assad's Ba'ath party.Syria puts army on alert News 24 South Africa - Jul 31 2:09 PM
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ordered the armed forces "to step up their state of readiness" in the face of Israel's continuing offensive in Lebanon.Syrian minister blames U-N, U-S in Qana attack WSTM-TV NBC 3 - 3 minutes ago
DAMASCUS, Syria The Syrian Minister for Expatriates blames the U-S and United Nations for the killing of some 56 mostly women and children in Israel's weekend attack on Qana (KAH'-nah), Lebanon.Bush warns Iran and Syria over Hezbollah WIS-TV Columbia - Jul 29 4:21 PM
President Bush has tough words for two of Hezbollah's biggest supporters.The president is telling Iran to stop sending weapons and money to the militants. And he warns Syria to stop its "support for terrorism" and to respect the sovereignty of Lebanon.No Help From Syria, Iran: Nasrallah Arab News - Jul 29 4:13 PM
BEIRUT, 30 July 2006 Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah yesterday emphasized that Syria and Iran were not providing any military support to his movement in its current standoff with Israel.More News... KXTV - Jul 31 3:40 PM
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- Warning of what he calls "regional challenges," Syria's leader is urging his army to intensify its training and "raise readiness."In U.S., Calls Grow for Direct Contact With Syria Los Angeles Times - Jul 29 12:07 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria As international leaders search for a negotiated end to the violence in Lebanon, there is little doubt that the go-to state is Syria, Hezbollah's powerful ally and perhaps the only Arab state capable of guaranteeing a lasting peace.Syrian president calls on army to be ready KRIS-TV Corpus Christi - Jul 31 3:18 PM
BEIRUT, Lebanon Warning of what he calls "regional challenges," Syria's leader is urging his army to intensify its training and "raise readiness." Lebanon's neighbor has been...Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 11:40 AM
BERLIN, July 31 (Reuters) - Germany said on Monday Syria could have closer economic ties with the European Union if it played a constructive role in stabilising the Middle East.Air raid hits Syria border The Australian - Jul 29 12:29 PM
ISRAELI warplanes struck the town of Masnaa, the main crossing point over the border between Lebanon and Syria, security sources said.Ghana: Mid East Conflict AllAfrica.com - Jul 31 1:56 PM
Seventy out of over 120 Ghanaians living in Lebanon have been evacuated to Syria for onward repatriation to Ghana. "Initially, between 120 and 150 Ghanaian nationals were expected to be evacuated from Lebanon to Syria.Syria denounces call for international Lebanon force AFP via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News - Jul 29 6:58 AM
Syria has slammed international proposals for the deployment of a multinational force in southern Lebanon as "an occupation force" that would do Israel's job.Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 9:41 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria, July 31 (UNHCR) Syrian aid groups and private associations are urgently seeking UNHCR assistance in providing relief for thousands of displaced Lebanese in the Syrian capital, Damascus.Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 10:25 AM
DAMASCUS, 31 July (IRIN) - "I came from the Bekaa Valley to Syria two days ago with four of my children because there is nowhere else to go except Syria. I went to the Red Crescent after asking people at the border to give me some food and cash. I had to leave Lebanon.Bush urges Syria become active in peace for region Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 28 10:17 AM
President George W. Bush on Friday urged Syria to become an active participant for peace in the Middle East.U.S. may be forced to restore contacts with Syria Seattle Times - Jul 29 12:21 AM
As international leaders search for a negotiated end to the violence in Lebanon, there is little doubt that the go-to state is Syria, Hezbollah's...Mubarak blasts UN 'impotence,' 'foot-dragging' The Daily Star Lebannon - Jul 31 12:53 PM
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak warned Monday that the entire Middle East peace process could collapse because of Israel's war on Lebanon, as his foreign minister shuttled between Syria and Saudi Arabia in an intensified effort to end the crisis.Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 9:40 AM
CHTOURA, Lebanon, July 31 (Reuters) - Israeli aircraft hit three trucks on the main Lebanese crossing point into Syria on Monday while jets bombarded targets in south Lebanon hills, security sources said.Air strike targets road to Damascus The Daily Star Lebannon - Jul 31 12:53 PM
Israeli warplanes struck the main Beirut-Damascus highway border crossing at Masnaa for the third time on Monday, wounding four customs employees and a civilian, security sources said. A customs post on the Lebanese side of the border with Syria was bombed midday in an attack that destroyed a civilian vehicle.Bush Stresses Need for Lasting Peace in Mideast Voice of America - Jul 31 8:35 AM
President Bush has again called for a lasting, sustainable cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon. Mr. Bush said during a visit to Miami, Florida Monday that Iran and Syria must end their support of terror groups, such as Hezbollah.Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 7:55 AM
DAMASCUS, July 31 (Reuters) - Syria has agreed to supply Lebanon with gasoline from its strategic reserve to compensate for shortages created by an Israeli naval blockade, the head of the council overseeing bilateral ties said on Monday.Syrian army units posted on the Lebanese border go on red alert India Daily - Jul 31 3:54 PM
Syrian units near the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights have also been reinforced with three brigades from the Iraqi and Turkish borders. Anti-aircraft missile batteries have been spotted by motorists south and east of Syria, as well as along the coast in the northwest.Syria denounces call for international Lebanon force Khaleej Times - Jul 29 8:48 AM
DAMASCUS - Syria on Saturday slammed international proposals for the deployment of a multinational force in southern Lebanon as an occupation force that would do Israel s job.Syria condemns Israeli attack on Qana as "state terrorism" People's Daily - Jul 30 4:53 PM
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad condemned on Sunday the deadly Israeli attack on the southern Lebanese village of Qana as "state terrorism", the official SANA news agency reported.Israel approves wider ground offensive AP via Yahoo! News - 18 minutes ago
Israel's prime minister declared Monday there would be no cease-fire with Hezbollah guerrillas, saying "we will not give up on our goal to live a life free of terror." His Security Cabinet approved widening the ground offensive.Talk To Them CBS News - Jul 30 5:31 PM
Bob Schieffer questions the rationale of not talking with Syria.U.S. weapons manufacturers profit from ME conflict - Al Jazeera - Jul 31 8:20 AM
We heard much condemnation in the U.S. media over the arms and equipment Iran and Syria allegedly provide the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah with.Select an Edition: AlertNet - Jul 31 5:10 AM
A Lebanese woman cares for her child as she waits for permission to enter Syria at the border of Lebanon and Syria in Magdel Anjar July 31, 2006. REUTERS/Morteza NikoubazlClosure of main Syrian crossing no hindrance to Lebanon evacuation Daily News - Jul 31 1:45 PM
COLOMBO: The closure of the main crossing to Syria from Beirut has not affected the evacuation of stranded Sri Lankans from Lebanon, Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) Chairman Jagath Wellawatte who is now in Damascus overseeing the repatriation of workers told the Daily News yesterday.Syria: Rejects Idea Of International Force India Daily - Jul 29 9:40 AM
Syria on July 29 condemned international proposals for the deployment of multinational forces in southern Lebanon. The official dailies Tishrin and al Baath described the proposed international peacekeeping troops as an "occupation force," which will eliminate Hezbollah on behalf of Israel.Bush Calls Attack on Qana Awful, but Refrains From Calling for Immediate Cease-Fire New York Times - 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
President Bush described the current crisis as part of a larger struggle between the forces of freedom and the forces of terror.Israel Pushes On Despite Agreeing to Airstrike Lull New York Times - 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Israel s defense minister told Parliament that the army will expand and deepen its operations against Hezbollah. As Bush Outlines Cease-Fire Terms, U.N. Talks Stall Washington Post - 2 hours, 24 minutes ago
MIAMI, July 31 -- President Bush vowed Monday to work for a cease-fire to stop the bloodshed in the Middle East as long as several broad conditions are met, but deliberations at the United Nations quickly became tangled in a dispute between the United States and France over the right approach.Syrian leader calls on army to heighten readiness USA Today - Jul 31 3:56 PM
Syrian President Bashar Assad called on his army Monday to increase readiness to cope with "regional challenges," saying he was determined to support Hezbollah.Mottaki makes a stop-over in Damascus Islamic Republic News Agency - Jul 31 7:20 AM
Iran - Syria - Mottaki Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki heading a delegation arrived in Damascus Monday and was welcomed by his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem.Hezbollah's former enemy now its public face USA Today - 1 hour, 20 minutes ago
Lebanese politician Nabih Berri has a new role as the public face of Hezbollah, the radical Shiite movement that has been both his rival and partner. For Americans with long memories, Berri's role as intermediary for a dangerous Lebanese foe is all too familiar.Cease-Fire Diplomacy in Lebanon New York Times - 1 hour, 13 minutes ago
With the Security Council now preparing to act, Washington needs to call on Israel to accept an extended cease-fire while diplomacy proceeds.Delivery services continue despite war The Daily Star Lebannon - Jul 31 12:51 PM
Despite the several bombardments of the airport, an enforced sea blockade, and a barrage of attacks on the roads to Syria, Lebanon's local and international delivery network is still in working order. "We haven't faced any serious delay in shipment, apart from near the beginning of the attacks when the roads were closed," said.Israel hits Lebanese bridge near Syria UPI - Jul 29 5:38 AM
BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 29 (UPI) -- Israeli warplanes destroyed a bridge near Lebanon's border with Syria Saturday as Hezbollah fired more rockets into Israel, military officials said.Lebanon Asks U.N. to Open Qana Inquiry New York Times - 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
Lebanon also asked the Security Council to press for an immediate cease-fire in the border war with Israel.Israel to Widen Ground Operations in Lebanon Washington Post - 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
Olmert rejects calls for cease-fire ahead of security cabinet's vote to expand use of troops in the south; U.N. postpones meeting on multinational force.Israel Pushes On Despite Agreeing to Airstrike Lull New York Times - 2 hours, 17 minutes ago
Israel rejected the possibility of an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon as it poured soldiers and artillery shells across the border.U.N. scraps meeting about Mideast troops AP via Yahoo! News - 2 hours, 7 minutes ago
The United Nations on Monday scrapped a meeting of nations that might contribute troops to help stabilize south Lebanon, a decision that reflected the deep divisions among key nations on how to end the three-week war between Israel and Hezbollah.Raise readiness, Assad tells Syrian Army Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 3:15 PM
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the Syrian military on Monday to raise its readiness, pledging not to abandon support for Lebanese resistance against Israel.Jeweler charged in bogus NYC subway plot AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 5:11 PM
A jeweler, apparently bent on revenge against former business associates, was arrested Monday for reporting a bogus plot to bomb the New York subways last July Fourth weekend, authorities said.No Cease-Fire Soon, Israeli Leader Says Washington Post - 1 hour, 54 minutes ago
JERUSALEM, Aug. 1 -- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed Monday that there "will be no cease-fire in the coming days," and his top security officials unanimously approved a widening of Israel's military operations on the ground in southern Lebanon after a four-hour meeting that ended early Tuesday... Syrian minister blames U-N, U-S in Qana attack KRIS-TV Corpus Christi - Jul 31 5:03 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria The Syrian Minister for Expatriates blames the U-S and United Nations for the killing of some 56 mostly women and children in Israel's weekend attack on Qana...Israel fights in south Lebanon Reuters via Yahoo! News - 2 hours, 26 minutes ago
Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hizbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon early on Tuesday, as the Jewish state gave the green light to widen a ground offensive and push deep into Lebanese territory.Israeli jets bomb suspected guerrilla targets near Syrian border Canada.com - Jul 31 5:59 AM
BEIRUT -- Israeli warplanes struck suspected guerrilla positions in eastern Lebanon near the border with Syria early Monday, security officials said.France urges contacts with Iran over Lebanon Khaleej Times - Jul 31 6:33 AM
BEIRUT - France said on Monday it was important to maintain contacts with Iran as part of efforts to resolve the crisis in Lebanon but ruled out talks with Syria.Bush sticks to call for lasting Mideast peace Reuters via Yahoo! News - 2 hours, 28 minutes ago
President George W. Bush said on Monday he would push for U.N. action this week on ending the fighting in southern Lebanon but again resisted calling for an immediate ceasefire despite growing pressure after a deadly Israeli airstrike.Christian victims of 'someone else's' Lebanon war AFP via Yahoo! News - 2 hours, 51 minutes ago
Spitting curses at Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a man with a chunky cross around his neck stood beside his demolished home in the Lebanese coastal village of Naameh that took a direct hit in an Israeli air strike.U.N. continues to press for Mideast resolution USA Today - Jul 31 5:36 PM
Israel vowed today to widen its ground offensive against Hezbollah in south Lebanon as world diplomats at the United Nations pushed for a cease-fire. "There will not be any cease-fire in the coming days," said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.US Position on Cease-Fire "Totally Unacceptable" Spiegel Online English - Jul 31 7:59 AM
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, 65, says America's rejection of an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon is "totally unacceptable." He denies that Syria has been supplying arms to Hezbollah and says an international force in Lebanon will only work if it isn't perceived as merely protecting Israel.Israeli PM says no cease-fire coming now AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 3:55 PM
Israel's prime minister declared Monday that there would be no cease-fire with Hezbollah guerrillas, apologizing for the deaths of Lebanese civilians but saying "we will not give up on our goal to live a life free of terror." His Security Cabinet approved widening the ground offensive.Olmert apologizes but vows no cease-fire AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 5:30 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologized Monday for the dozens of civilians killed in an airstrike on the Lebanese town of Qana, but ruled out a cease-fire in the 20-day-old battle with Hezbollah guerrillas.Israeli troops fight Hizbollah in south Lebanon Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 4:53 PM
Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hizbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon early on Tuesday, as Israel gave the green light to widen a ground offensive and push deep into Lebanese territory.Lebanon ceasefire calls mount as world protests at Israeli raid AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 4:02 PM
Governments and angry street crowds on all continents voiced shock and fury at the Israeli air strike on Qana that killed 52 Lebanese civilians, mostly sleeping children.Key Republican breaks with Bush on Mideast CNN.com - Jul 31 3:17 PM
Urging President Bush to turn all U.S. efforts toward "ending this madness," a leading Republican senator Monday broke with the Bush administration and called for an immediate cease-fire in the Mideast.Bush: US 'urgently' working on Mideast peace AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 3:58 PM
US President George W. Bush said that the United States was working "urgently" to end the Middle East conflict, but resisted calls for an immediate ceasefire and defended Israeli strikes.After The U.N. Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 4:00 PM
Security: Goodbye "international community." Hello "free world." It's time for the leading democraciesIsrael rejects pressure to end Lebanon war Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 2:37 PM
Israel rejected mounting international pressure on Monday to end its war against Hizbollah and launched a new incursion into Lebanon, as world powers squabbled over the urgency of a ceasefire.Israel lists conditions needed for peace CNN.com - Jul 31 2:17 PM
With hopes dimming for a quick end to fighting in Lebanon, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres presented five conditions Monday that he said must be met before Israel can achieve peace with Hezbollah.Israel rejects ceasefire calls after Qana outrage AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 3:38 PM
Israel rejected mounting calls for a truce in its war on Hezbollah Monday despite global outrage over an attack that killed at least 52 civilians, but a lull in raids allowed thousands of southern Lebanese to flee to safer havens.7 OFWs held at Lebanon-Syria border INQ7.net - Jul 28 10:05 PM
SEVEN overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were held by police at the Lebanon-Syria border on Saturday after it was learned that their employers had filed charges against them, labor and foreign affairs officials said.Identity Politics The Weekly Standard via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 12:58 PM
DamascusHERE AT THE GREAT UMAYYAD MOSQUE two 10-year-old neighborhood boys have split the Muslim world between themselves. "The Shia side of the mosque is Jafaar's," says Munzer. "And the Sunni side is Munzer's," Jafaar says.eyefortransport - homepage eyefortransport.com - Jul 31 4:07 AM
Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) has been awarded the 10-year operating concession for the Tartous Container Terminal (TCT) in the port city of Tartous, Syria Arab Republic. ICTSI has a five-year extension option.Analysis: Bush Mideast stance may flop AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 3:07 PM
The Bush administration may have badly miscalculated in insisting that any Mideast cease-fire be tied to long-term objectives. As the toll on Lebanese civilians has soared, even moderate Arab governments have turned into U.S. critics, and Hezbollah's support has climbed across the region.The Hezbollah Surprise The Weekly Standard via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 12:37 PM
WITH ALL THE DISCUSSION, analysis, commentary, and recrimination that has sur rounded U.Israeli PM says no cease-fire coming now USA Today - Jul 31 2:28 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologized Monday for the dozens of civilians killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese town of Qana, but ruled out a cease-fire in Israel's 20-day battle with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon.Bush Ties Battle With Hezbollah to War on Terror New York Times - Jul 31 2:03 PM
President Bush once again embraced a pillar of his foreign policy: his faith in the power of democracy to bring peace to the region.Lebanon asks UN for international probe of Qana Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 2:01 PM
A top Lebanese official asked the U.N. Security Council on Monday for an international inquiry into the Israeli raid on the southern Lebanese village of Qana that killed at least 54 civilians, mostly children.Lebanese civilians flee during respite AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 1:52 PM
Thousands of civilians trapped for nearly three weeks in south Lebanon's war zone streamed north Monday by truck, car and on foot, seizing the chance to flee during a brief halt in Israeli airstrikes. Israel's prime minister said there would be no cease-fire in the fight against Hezbollah.France and Iran Step Into Diplomatic Vacuum New York Times - Jul 31 2:03 PM
France and Iran visited Beirut by their foreign ministers after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice canceled her trip.Bush cites objectives for Mideast deal AP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 11:52 AM
President Bush insisted anew Monday that any Mideast cease-fire be conditioned on a wider agreement and said he would look to the United Nations to act to establish "a long-lasting peace, one that is sustainable."Top Republican asks Bush to push for immediate Lebanon ceasefire AFP via Yahoo! News - Jul 31 1:33 PM
A leading Republican senator urged US President George W. Bush to call for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.