The civilian population of Marjah, a farming community in Helmand, Afghanistan, are fleeing ahead of a huge NATO operation designed to defeat the entrenched Taliban in the region and restore government control.

• February 10, 2010

A day after China was confirmed as the world's largest exporter, figures for January show continued export strength.

• February 10, 2010

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says he is concerned about the "escalating and dangerous" threat posed by Israel.

• February 10, 2010

Sudan says it is ready to normalise ties with neighbouring Chad, raising hopes of an end to the Darfur conflict.

• February 10, 2010

With Germany suffering its worst recession since World War II, booming exports in China have given the Asian economy the global edge. But Europe’s largest economy is showing signs of improvement.

• February 10, 2010

Google takes the wraps off its latest social network - known as Buzz - pitting it directly against rival sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

• February 9, 2010

US President Barack Obama says the US and allies are developing "significant sanctions" against Iran over its nuclear programme.

• February 9, 2010

The euro strengthens against the pound and the dollar ahead of a meeting of EU leaders later this week.

• February 9, 2010