Scientists like Omar Ghattas see great potential in the exponentially more powerful Stampede computer.

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The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Washington says Mr Panetta's remark is the first time a senior American official has publicly taken this position.

BBC: Panetta backs Syria rebels arms plan

Kim Ghattas: I've flown to Seoul ahead of Hillary Clinton to get a sense of what South Korea is expecting from the new US administration.

BBC: Obama diary: Days 31-40

Trust may not be enough between the US and Russia, said top State Department official Ellen Tauscher in an interview with BBC state department correspondent Kim Ghattas.

BBC: Obama: Start nuclear treaty vital for national security

CNN's Kamal Ghattas and Laura Smith-Spark contributed to this report.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

CNN's Kamal Ghattas contributed to this report.

CNN: Opposition: 127 dead as Syrian forces target civilians

Kim Ghattas : He speaks Polish, he's been ambassador to South Korea, helped negotiate an end to the Balkans conflict and shuttled from Washington to Pyong Yang for three years, working on a denuclearisation deal with North Korea.

BBC: Obama diary: Days 61-70

Ghattas said that authorities remained hopeful the number of visitor bookings would recover so pilgrims could enjoy the city's planned events, which included a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 15, and a choral festival before midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

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While the Saudi minister did not detail his vision of a quick solution in public, it is likely that options were discussed behind closed doors in the meeting between Mrs Clinton and King Abdullah, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas, who is travelling with the top US diplomat.

BBC: Saudi FM al-Faisal doubts Iran sanctions plans