1. Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for attack on Yemen compound housing American oil workers. Yemen says 7 in custody.

2. Nine terrorists convicted of Casablanca bombings have tunneled out of a Moroccan prison and escaped.

3. As General Petraeus prepares to speak to Congress on Iraq situation, Muqtada al-Sadr says he will disband Mahdi Army if Grand Ayatollah Sistani orders such.

4. Britain believes five citizens seized in Iraq are being held in Iran.

AFGHANISTAN
Taliban commander arrested, over 15 killed in Afghanistan - M&C

GAZA STRIP
Hamas renews war with major Palestinian clan - World Tribune

IRAN
Proof of Iran’s military nuclear program - Middle East Times
Britons seized in Iraq may now be held in Iran - Times Online

IRAQ
The Iraqis Step Up: Why Petraeus Sees Gains - New York Post
British fear Petraeus is beating the drum for Iran strikes - Telegraph
Iraq’s Sadr to Disband Militia if Ordered by Ayatollah Sistani - Washington Post
Iran joined militias in battle for Basra - Times Online

LEBANON
Lebanon PM rejects Berri’s terms for dialogue, says Israel only enemy - Ya Libnan

MOROCCO
9 terrorists convicted over Casablanca bombs tunnel out of jail - Times Online

YEMEN
Yemen Holds 7 in Western Complex Blasts - AP
Al-Qaeda attacks in Yemen latest to target oil - PennEnergy

ZIMBABWE
Mugabe Moves to Bolster Himself for Runoff - Washington Post