The Hamas-dominated Palestinian Government has resigned after 11 turbulent months in power, clearing the way for a unity government intended to end deadly infighting and a Western boycott.

Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper woke up in a good mood on Tuesday morning, declaring “Ray of hope shines on Beirut as both sides see ‘open door’ ” on its front page as hopes grew that simmering sectarian tensions would abate.

A joint US/Iraqi drive to wrest back control of Baghdad from militias appears to be making progress, with no major incidents in the capital today.