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MONICA LLOYD, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: We’re glad you’re with us for our newest edition of CNN Student News. I’m Monica Lloyd. Fighting in the Middle East: Lebanon’s army battles militants, as violence rages in several countries in the region right now. Speaking to seniors: Politicians are popping up at graduation ceremonies across the country, talking to students as they head into the world. And leaping for loot: A contest inspired by a famous American writer showcases some frogs with a little spring in their step.

First Up: Mideast Ablaze

LLOYD: First up today, we look at the Middle East, where conflicts are raging across the region. A battle is going on in parts of Lebanon right now between the army and militants. A Lebanese official is asking other countries for money and equipment to help win the fight. But that’s not the only Middle Eastern nation engulfed in warfare at the moment. Zain Verjee has more on the violence there.

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ZAIN VERJEE, CNN REPORTER: What began as a hunt for bank robbers ended like this: a crowded Palestinian refugee camp turned into a war zone. Lebanese forces pounding well-armed militants holed up inside the camp. They call themselves Fatah al-Islam and have links to al Qaeda. Their leader sentenced to death in absentia for the murder of a USAID worker in Jordan in 2002. The group wants to wage war against the U.S. from Lebanon and now it’s flexing its muscles, exploiting Lebanon’s political tensions, taking advantage of the crowded and radicalized Palestinian camps to set up terror cells.

HISHAM MELHEM, LEBANESE JOURNALIST: These are ideal places for theses radicals to recruit people and preach their dark ideology.

VERJEE: Like Northern Lebanon, Gaza also echoed to the sound of warfare. Israeli air strikes on Hamas targets in retaliation for rocket attacks fired into Israeli cities. At the same time, open conflict between Palestinians, as Hamas and Fatah gun for each other. And bloody sectarian fighting continues to rage in Iraq. A region on fire, as predicted months ago by Jordan’s King Abdullah.

JORDAN’S KING ABDULLAH: We could possibly imagine going into 2007 and having three civil wars on our hands.

VERJEE: While the White House is saying all sides should cool down, the administration is backing the Lebanese army’s tough response.

U.S. STATE DEPT. SPOKESMAN SEAN MCCORMACK: The Lebanese armed forces are reacting admirably.

VERJEE: As the violence rages on in Lebanon, Gaza and Iraq, terrorists are able to exploit the chaos, making it harder for the U.S. to influence events in the region. The U.S. has always supported the weak but democratically elected government of Fouad Siniora. They’re hoping that by taking military action, he can strengthen his own position at home among the Lebanese people. U.S. officials also say that they’re looking into helping the Lebanese military. Zain Verjee, CNN, the State Department.

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Tall Ship Burned

LLOYD: One of London’s most popular tourist attractions is in the middle of a $50 million makeover. But the price tag’s about to get a lot higher. That’s because a fire broke out yesterday morning onboard the Cutty Sark, severely damaging what’s thought to be the world’s last surviving 19th century clipper ship. Phil Black has more on the historic vessel’s fate.

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