World News Briefs -- February 23, 2010

ELECTION QUESTIONS - With only two weeks remaining until general elections in Iraq, U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multinational Forces-Iraq, talks to the press about the current situation in the country during a briefing at the Pentagon, Feb. 22, 2010. DoD photo by R. D. Ward

U.S. Will Slow Iraq Pullout If Violence Surges After Vote -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—The top U.S. commander in Baghdad said some American combat forces could remain in Iraq after this summer's planned withdrawal date if the country's feuding leaders are unable to quickly form a new government.

The comment from Army Gen. Ray Odierno is one of the clearest indications yet of how closely senior U.S. officials will be watching Iraq's national elections next month for signs of whether the country will be capable of governing itself—and maintaining its current level of security—once American forces head for the exits.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran to 'hide nuclear plants inside mountains'. Iran plans 2 new uranium enrichment plants.

Top brass grilled over Turkey 'coup plot'.

'Duabi hit involved another four European passport-holders'.

ASIA

Afghan Helmand start of broader offensive, officials say.

U.S. military Afghan war casualties in 2010 almost double those from same period in 2009.

NATO air strike, Afghan suicide attack kill 41.

China encourages US, N.Korea to meet. North Korea seeks military talks with rival South.

Maoist rebel offers cease-fire, talks with India. India Maoist rebels 'attack police' after peace offer.

AFRICA

U.S. Navy rescues Tanzanian ship, nabs 8 pirates.

Soldiers to govern Niger until new constitution.

Sudan to sign ceasefire deal with Darfur rebel group.

Darfur truce could pave way for peace. Resettling Darfur's displaced raises questions.

EUROPE

Madeira looks for 32 missing after island's floods.

Lufthansa disruption continues despite early end to strike.

Strike hits flights from Paris airports.

Courthouse bombed in Northern Ireland.

Ukraine leader to visit EU on Monday - EU source.

AMERICAS

Latin America backs Argentina as Britain begins Falklands oil quest.

Chavez plan rattles Venezuelan ranchers.

Mexico captures Sinaloa cartel cocaine trafficker.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Senior Yemen al Qaeda leader threatens U.S. attacks: site.

Mauritania-Mali row over al-Qaeda.

Hurdles hinder Counterterrorism Center.

Australia fights terrorism with tough visa checks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil above $80 as traders eye low interest rates.

Goldman defends Greece debt swaps.

Finance troubleshooters in Greece as strike looms.