World News Briefs -- February 15, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Multiple firefights broke out in different areas in and around Marjah, the last militant stronghold in the country's most violent province, Helmand. (Goran Tomasevic/Reuters)

US Fears Being Bogged Down In Marjah as Snipers Hit Major Offensive -- Times Online

US Marines and Afghan troops were making slow progress as they came under attack from snipers on the third day of a major offensive to seize the Taleban’s stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

Multiple firefights broke out in different areas in and around Marjah, the last militant stronghold in the country’s most violent province, Helmand. The US troops leading Operation Moshtarak — “Togetherness” — advanced only 500 yards today. Marine units twice tried to capture the town’s central bazaar, only to be pushed back.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen rebels begin handover of Saudi Arabian soldiers.

Iran on verge of military dictatorship: Clinton.

Wen warns of challenges as China welcomes new year.

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.

Russia tells Netanyahu it will hold off on Iran arms deal. Despite Netanyahu pressure, Russia defends Iran missile deal.

ASIA

North Korea prepares for leader's birthday amid fallout from missteps.

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

Somali minister survives bombing.

Kenyan PM declares 'crisis' in power-sharing deal. Kenyan president lifts suspensions of two ministers.

Somalia refugees risk passage to Yemen.

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

EUROPE

Tymoshenko's supporters challenge Ukraine results.

French President Sarkozy takes on French pension challenge.

Germany's environment minister stands firm on nuclear power plant closure.

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

Fears of another quake become new Haiti boogeyman.

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

Oil industry cautious on future.

Dubai says Hamas man killed by European hit squad.

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

Germany rejects European fund for Greece.

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.