World News Briefs -- February 15, 2010

U.S. Marine Capt. Stephan P. Karabin gives directions to units on two different radios from a rooftop during a firefight at the center of “Five Points,” a key intersection of roads linking the northern insurgent stronghold of Marja with the rest of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2010. Karabin is the commanding officer of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian Tuthill

The Marines Move On Marja: A Perilous Slog Against Afghanistan's Taliban -- Washington Post

MARJA, AFGHANISTAN -- For the Marines of Charlie Company's 3rd Platoon, Sunday's mission was simple enough: Head west for a little more than a mile to link up with Alpha Company in preparation for a mission to secure the few ramshackle government buildings in this farming community.

It would take nine hours to walk that distance, a journey that would reveal the danger and complexity of the Marines' effort to wrest control of Marja from the Taliban.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. begins Mideast push for ideas on Iranian solution.

Thousands rally in Beirut to honor slain former Prime Minister Hariri.

Abbas suspends top aide who mocked PA president on sex tape.

Despite Netanyahu pressure, Russia defends Iran missile deal.

ASIA

Suspected US missile strike kills 3 in NW Pakistan.

India fears terror campaign after new bomb attack in tourist area.

Will India and Pakistan talks survive Pune bombing?

AFRICA

Kenyan president lifts suspensions of two ministers.

Somalia refugees risk passage to Yemen.

Somali pirates get 15-year sentences for hijacking, kidnapping.

EUROPE

Head-on train smash kills 25 in Belgium.

Pro-Russia Yanukovych named winner of Ukraine vote. Medvedev invites Ukraine President - Elect to Moscow.

Officials Warn: Extremist parties threaten Eastern Europe's stability.

Britain's far-right party to ditch whites-only membership rule.

AMERICAS

U.S. draws down Haiti relief force.

Two hurt as Joe Biden's motorcade crashes in Vancouver.

Snow in all 50 states? New storm could make that true.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Biden: Military trial possible for 9/11 suspect.

Counterterrorism Czar Brennan draws fire for comments on Gitmo recidivism.

Australian court sentences 5 men in terror plot.

Biden, Cheney spar over terror policy.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Japan stays ahead of China as world's second-biggest economy as 4Q GDP beats expectations.

Collapse of the euro is 'inevitable': Bailing out the Greek economy futile, says French banking chief.

Secretive steel baron tops Russian rich list.