In The Gulf

Pentagon Launches Gulf Exercise
The developments come as the US military launched a new exercise in the Gulf. It was the first time the Pentagon used a second aircraft carrier in a Gulf exercise since the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Iran Threatens Iraq Meeting Boycott
Meanwhile Iran is warning it may boycott a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice next month unless six Iranians detained by U.S. forces in Iraq are released. The meeting on Iraq’s future follows a lower-level summit earlier this month in Baghdad.

Saudi King: U.S. Occupation of Iraq “Illegitimate”
One of the Bush administration’s closest allies in the Middle East has issued his harshest words to date on the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Speaking at a meeting of Arab leaders in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia’s King Abdullah called the occupation “illegitimate.” Abdullah also called for an end to the U.S.-led boycott of the Palestinian government.

Saudi King Abdullah: “[Fatah and Hamas] succeeded in putting an end to their disputes and agreeing on a national unity government. In light of this positive develop, it is important to end this crippling blockade which has been imposed on the Palestinian people."

Abdullah’s comments come amid news he also turned down a state dinner at the White House for next month.