AP - From the solemnity of a Holocaust museum to a dusty village battered by Hamas rockets, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama on Wednesday professed "an unshakable commitment to the security" of Israel, whether the threat comes from terrorists, Iran or elsewhere.

Reuters - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama assured Israel and its U.S. Jewish supporters on Wednesday he was a friend who would not press for peace concessions that would compromise its security.

AP - Obama defends plans for direct talks with Iran; McCain campaign says Obama is backtracking ... McCain credits Bush for drop in oil and gas prices ... Economy top issue, but energy concerns grow in AP-Ipsos poll ... McCain airs radio ads in little US Berlins ... People Magazine: Obama girls offer irreverence, boundless energy

AP - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama defended his proposal to negotiate with Iran Wednesday and said he would use "big sticks and big carrots" to persuade the country's leaders not to develop nuclear weapons.

AFP - Barack Obama on Wednesday vowed to forge an "unshakeable" bond with Israel if he becomes the next US president and warned a nuclear Iran would pose a "grave threat" which the world must forestall.

AFP - Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has spelled out his terms for further prisoner swaps with Israel, according to a letter from UN chief Ban Ki-moon to the president of the Security Council seen here Wednesday.

AFP - Hezbollah turned over the remains of 114 Syrian and Arab fighters to Syria on Wednesday after receiving them as part of a prisoner swap with Israel last week.

AP - Barack Obama's trip to the West Bank on Wednesday appeared to generate some goodwill among Palestinians, though deep skepticism about U.S. policy remains.

AFP - An Israeli policeman shot in the head in an attack earlier this month outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City died of his wounds on Wednesday, police said.