World News Briefs -- February 22, 2010

Afghans walk in front of US Marines during an operation in Marjah, Helmand Province on Sunday. It has been more than a week since the offensive began in Marjah. Goran Tomasevic/Reuters

Nato Airstrike Kills 27 Civilians In Afghanistan -- Times Online

Nato forces in southern Afghanistan bombed a civilian convoy, killing 27 people including women and children and injuring many more, Afghan officials said.

The airstrike in a remote part of Oruzgan province yesterday capped a bloody week for Afghan civilians that has seen some 60 innocent people killed by Nato weapons.

Afghanistan’s cabinet called the attack "unjustifiable" and condemned the raid "in the strongest terms possible".

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq: Report seeks sole agency to rebuild war zones.

Iran to work on two new enrichment sites.

Clashes erupt over West Bank religious shrines.

Israel says no recognition of Palestinian state before peace deal.

ASIA

Afghanistan battle shows war rarely fought to plan.

North Korea seeks military talks with rival South.

Blast in Pakistan's Swat kills six: police.

AFRICA

Nigerian oil rebels urged to sustain peace process.

Niger Junta gives assurances on democracy plans.

Sudan denies secret deal with JEM amid intense speculations on power sharing.

Swiss leave Tripoli embassy after Libya stand-off.

EUROPE

EU 'extremely concerned' over passports used in Hamas assassination. EU to censure Israel after Dubai killing.

Ukraine's Yanukovich eyes new PM and coalition.

Dutch PM: troops to leave Afghanistan as planned.

4 missing after Madeira flash floods killed 42.

Lufthansa pilots begin 4-day walkout. Lufthansa asks court to halt pilot strike.

AMERICAS

Haiti death toll could reach 300,000: Preval.

Argentina to launch diplomatic offensive to reclaim Falkland Islands.

U.S.-Mexico high-tech border fence is slow going.

Anger in Ciudad Juarez as Mexico loses drug war.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Philippines: Al Qaeda-linked rebels killed in raid by marines.

Basque moderate Rufi Etxeberria calls for end to Eta’s 40-year war.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The euro will face bigger tests than Greece. (opinion)

Toyota: US Dems 'not industry friendly'.

Bad economies in US states to worsen: governors.

Debt threat to Kuwait investment houses.

China taps more Saudi crude than US.