World News Briefs -- February 17, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Scoping The Area: Corporal Jason Ducote, a fireteam leader with 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment uses the scope of his rifle to check out suspicious activity while Pfc. Jacob Cooper, an assaultman also with 3rd Platoon, provides security on the outskirts of Marja, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 14. U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Tommy Bellegarde

Flag Raised In Marjah As Taleban Retreat To Edge Of Helmand Stronghold -- Times Online

The centre of Marjah looked battered and abandoned yesterday as soldiers raised a makeshift Afghan flag after days of intense fighting between the Taleban and US Marines.

The symbolic gesture was designed to demonstrate Afghan government control but commanders acknowleged that the fighting was far from over and the local population were nowhere to be seen.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's Assad holds security talks with U.S. official.

Israelis share suspicions in Hamas leader’s killing.

Just weeks before elections, specter of sectarian violence resurfaces in Iraq.

Yemen rebels may free Saudi soldiers in days.

PM: Israel to erect Red Army memorial.

Dubai launches global dragnet to nab assassins of Hamas figure.

Iran's opposition searches for a new strategy.

ASIA

Impasse feared in Philippine talks with rebels.

White House calls Taliban commander's capture 'big success'.

Pakistan poised for more arrests after capture of Mullah Baradar.

US drone attack kills three in Pakistan.

India official condemns deadly Maoist attack.

U.S. carrier arrives in Hong Kong amid China tensions.

Crackdown provokes fears for Sri Lanka’s democracy.

AFRICA

One dead as mob attacks health workers in Mozambique.

Ivory Coast sees protests against dissolved govt.

Annan urged to intervene in Kenyan dispute.

Libya suspends issuing visas to Europeans.

EU renews Zimbabwe sanctions.

EUROPE

Greece loses EU voting power in blow to sovereignty.

Ukrainian election results suspended on appeal.

Natural population decline in Russia down by 31% in 2009 — Putin.

In Paris and Berlin, fury over a Greek bailout.

Russia signs deal to build military base in Abkhazia.

AMERICAS

Honduran leader keeps military chief behind coup.

Haiti judge frees eight of 10 American missionaries: lawyer.

US Suburban homeless: Rising tide of women, families.

As the world watches, Dalai Lama will meet with Obama at the White House.

Haiti quake damage in billions. Haiti quake more destructive than 2004 tsunami: study.

Missile purchase by Colombia's FARC rebels raises concerns.

Argentina imposes shipping rules in Falklands oil row. Argentina to blockade Falkland waters in dispute over oil rights.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

TSA to swab airline passengers' hands in search for explosives.

Wife of airline liquid bomb plotter 'prayed he would achieve highest level of martyrdom'.

Iran's Mottaki blames US for spread of terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

One big world of cheats.

Germany's Merkel hits out at banks over Greek deals.

Defections shake up climate coalition.

Lone voice warns of debt threat to Fed.

Financial crisis hurting millions: ADB, UN.

Foreign demand for US debt drops by record amount.