Over a week into the joint allied offensive in Helmand province, NATO commanders have been cautioning that the true success of the mission cannot be fully gauged for months to come and indeed possibly beyond that.

• February 22, 2010

Israel's prime minister announces a controversial plan to add two West Bank religious sites to the country's national heritage list.

• February 21, 2010

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko drops her legal challenge against her rival's victory in Ukraine's presidential election.

• February 20, 2010

Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yanukovych is taking steps to force out the government of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is contesting his recent victory in the country’s presidential elections in court.

• February 19, 2010

A leaked UN report expresses concern Iran may currently be trying to develop a nuclear payload for a missile.

• February 18, 2010

The Dalai Lama is now in Washington despite stark criticism from the Chinese government. To avoid upsetting China, President Barack Obama has decided to keep the meeting low-key.

• February 18, 2010

A court in Ukraine has suspended the results of presidential elections after a complaint of electoral fraud. A decision on the validity of the poll is expected within days, ahead of a planned inauguration ceremony.

• February 17, 2010

The US sends one of its top diplomats to Syria in its latest move to improve ties with Damascus after years of tension.

• February 17, 2010