Obama Says No 'Short Cut' to Middle East Peace--Palestinians Stay the Course, Determined to Push for Vote Despite Obama--Sarkozy Proposes Observer, Non-Member State (Palestinians-un‪)‬

Statehood (Palestinian-Report)

Abbas Presents Ban His Application for Full UN Membership--Says: It's Time for a Palestinian Spring--Hamas Attacks Abbas, Says His Speech 'Lacks Content'--Netanyahu: We Cannot Achieve Peace Through UN Resolutions--France Holding on to Its Initiative Regardless of Israel's Objection (Palestinians-un)

What are the Options for Abbas After U.S. Failure (Palestinians)

Middle East-U.S (Today's News Highlights)

Thousands Greet Abbas Upon His Return to Ramallah--Abbas Insists on Settlement Freeze Before Talks Begin--Nabil Shaath: We will Not Pay the Price for Obama's Election, We have the Votes--Hamas Welcomes Abbas's Call for National Unity Dialogue--Netanyahu, Leiberman Support Quartet's Statement with Reservations (Palestinian State)

Mitchell: There is a Window of Opportunity for a Two State Solution--Hamas Warns Fatah on Consequences of Negotiations--Abu Rdaina: PA will Not Sign Onto a Deal Contrary to Palestinian Demands--Peres Calls for Abandoning "Cynicism and Skepticism" on Direct Talks--Abul Gheit: No Sense in Direct Talks if Israel Continues Settlement Activity (Mideast-Peace Talks)

Lebanon-Politics (Today's News Highlight)

Berri Says Syrian Unrest Part of "Foreign Conspiracy" Aimed at Partitioning Syria--Says Turmoil in Syria Threatens Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon--Declares Hizbullah's Arms are Not up for Discussion--Shiite Council Head Urges Libya to Uncover Sadr's Fate (Lebanon-Politics)

Gaddafi Said Seeking Safety for Wife, Children, Grandchildren--Latest Battle News Says Rebels Closing in on Tripoli (Libya-Rebellion)

Israel's Peres Breaks Silence on Syria's Assad, Says Time for Him to Go--Demonstrations Call for End to Mass Arrest Campaign--Kurds Reject New Multiparty Law--Protest Leaders Meet to Coordinate Strategy--Two French Rights Groups File Legal Complaints Against Assad (SYRIA-UNREST)

Rival Factions Seen Heading for Fierce Showdown over Prime Minister's Post--Hariri Vows to Seek New Term As Pm, Defying Hizbullah's Challenge--Blames Hizbullah and Its Allies for Failure of Qatari-Turkish Mediation--Iran, Syria, Turkey and Qatar Fms to Meet in Istanbul on Lebanese Crisis--Jumblat to Declare His Position on Hariri's Nomination Friday--Hizbullah Said Preparing Plan to Cope with Developments (Lebanon-Politics)

Syrian Troops Engage in Ferocious Battles with Army Deserters--Police Fire on Demonstrators Protesting Arrest of Sheikh--Syrian Army Units Chase Citizens Across the Border Into Lebanon--Rights Groups Gives Detailed Tally of Protests So Far--Turkish FM Meets with SNC (Syria-Unrest)