Barack Obama repeatedly promised Israel's leaders yesterday that its security would remain "paramount" while he promoted efforts to resolve their conflict with the Palestinians early in his first term if elected.

Beirut / Washington - In an abrupt about-face, the State Department on Wednesday scrubbed plans to meet with a visiting delegation from Syria, a meeting that could have signaled an easing of tense U.S. relations with Damascus.

Beirut - The focus in Lebanon is once again the ministerial policy statement that will be adopted by the national unity government for the purpose of securing the parliament's vote of confidence. The committee charged with drafting the statement is

Beirut- The Arctic may hold 90 billion barrels of oil, more than all the known reserves of Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Mexico combined, and enough to supply U.S. demand for 12 years, the U.S. Geological Survey said.Beirut- The Arctic may hold