World News Briefs -- February 25, 2010

Plain clothed police move a Pakistan Taliban commander from the Bajaur region through the halls of the Police Crime Investigation Department on Feb. 17. Nearly half the Afghanistan Taliban leadership have been apprehended in the past week, according to Pakistani intelligence officials. Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Half Of Afghanistan Taliban Leadership Arrested In Pakistan -- Christian Science Monitor

MONITOR EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan officials told the Monitor they have arrested nearly half – 7 of 15 – members of the Afghan Taliban's senior leadership council in recent days, including the Taliban head of military operations in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has arrested nearly half of the Afghanistan Taliban’s leadership in recent days, Pakistani officials told the Monitor Wednesday, dealing what could be a crucial blow to the insurgent movement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkish army chief meets leaders over 'coup plot'.

Iran forces jet to land, nabs terrorist leader.

Iran parliament head defends nuclear policy.

Leaders of Iran, Syria stand united against U.S. influence.

Sunni leader decides to take part in Iraq election.

ASIA

Afghan government claims Taliban stronghold.

Pakistan to hand over Taliban No 2, says Afghanistan.

China investigating whether it helped North Korea violate UN sanctions.

Thai court rules on seizing Thaksin's fortune.

AFRICA

Kenya's poor suffer from scandals, bribery.

Darfur rebels say attacked by army, war not over.

How Nigeria President Yar'Adua made his stealth return. Leader's return to Nigeria sets showdown.

Al-Qaeda frees French hostage; Algeria recalls ambassador to Mali.

EUROPE

Yanukovych sworn in as President and hits out at Orange revolution.

Bank dispute sours Iceland's attitude to EU membership.

French air traffic controllers start 5-day strike.

AMERICAS

Raul Castro calls Zapata Tamayo's hunger strike death 'lamentable'.

Crunch time for Obama's landmark health reforms.

In Medellín, a disturbing comeback of crime.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. sends 4 Guantanamo prisoners to Albania, Spain.

Before justices, first amendment and aid to terrorists.

Judge rules against 2 at Guantanamo that Bush panel cleared for release.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

GM’s Hummer China deal collapses.

Oil below $80 amid mixed US economy signals.

US Fed chief sees positive signs, but long road to recovery.