World News Briefs -- February 20, 2010

U.S. Marines take cover behind a berm after receiving fire in the city of Marja in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 13, 2010. U.S. Marines Corps photo by Lance Cpl. James Clark

12 In Allied Forces Die In Afghanistan -- New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Twelve NATO service members, including at least eight Americans, have died in the first week of the offensive in Marja, with more than half the fatalities occurring on Thursday and Friday.

Three of the dead were British, and the nationality of the 12th service member, killed Friday in small-arms fire, had not yet been divulged by the International Security Assistance Force, the name for the NATO-led troops.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Sunni party drops out of Iraq's national elections.

Iranian opposition demoralized after failed protests at revolution's anniversary.

Iranian Supreme Leader denies nuclear arms push.

Israel in firestorm as fingers point to Mossad In Dubai murder. Credit cards implicate Mossad in Dubai hit: report.

Syria warns Israel new Mideast war would be catastrophic.

ASIA

Karzai: NATO still causes too many civilian deaths. African Union suspends Niger after military coup.

Pakistan kills 30 in airstrike on militants.

In Aceh Indonesia, Islamic police take to the streets.

AFRICA

Niger residents rally in support of coup.

Security forces kill protesters in Ivory Coast.

Gas shortage raises Egyptians' anger at government.

Guinea massacre a crime against humanity: ICC.

41 dead in Morocco minaret collapse.

EUROPE

Dutch role in Afghanistan in doubt as government collapses.

Ukraine's PM Tymoshenko withdraws vote challenge.

Greece set for critical test with bond issue.

AMERICAS

Cuba blasts US leaders for meeting with dissidents.

As Haiti's airport reopens, US military shifts its role.

Tens of thousands of Haitians still lack adequate shelter.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Justice Department clears Bush lawyers for 'torture memos'.

Feds seize 3 Florida businessmen for ties to Hezbollah.

U.S. warns of al Qaeda threat in Central Asia.

Underwear bomber's London mosque under pressure.

Top terror prosecutor is a critic of civilian trials.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar rises for sixth week versus Euro after Fed rate increase.

Greek crisis fallout: Could the Euro's days be numbered?

Toyota boss to go before US Congress over recall.