1. Iran faced increasing international pressure and sanctions over its nuclear program, as President Ahmadinejad said sanctions would be "regretful" while Russia hinted it would back sanctions, and Iran's supreme leader said Iran does not seek atomic bombs. 2. In Afghanistan, the Taliban commander Mullah Baradar was captured and Taliban resistance slowed coalition forces in Marja, as the military operation continued. 3. An investigation continued into the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai, with fake passports and credit cards implicating the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad in the killing.

1. Current Events WEEK 1 17-23 Feb 2010

2. IRAN Anyone placing sanctions on Iran would be "regretful", President MahmoudAhmadinejad Clinton Issues Another Warning to Iran Russia hints it will back Iran sanctions calls Iran's supreme leader: We do not seek atomic bombs

3. AFGHANISTAN The capture of top Taliban commander Mullah Abdul GhaniBaradar Taliban resistance slows coalition forces in Marja, Afghanistan

4. DUBAI/MOSSAD MURDER Mahmoudal-Mabhouh, Hamas leader, murdered in a hotel room on 20 January. Fake passports fuel questions about Israeli role in Hamas official's slaying (Wash. Post) Credit cards implicate Mossad in Dubai hit (Washington Post) Identity thefts threaten links with Israel

5. HEADLINES US President Obama pushes to revive healthcare reform Clashes erupt over West Bank religious shrines Turkish police arrest 50 in move against anti-Islamist coup Blanket HIV testing 'could see Aids dying out in 40 years' Sudanese government to sign formal peace deal with Darfur rebels Niger Junta Gives Assurances on Democracy Plans Calls in Egypt for ElBaradei to Seek Presidency Dalai Lama to meet Obama in US despite China anger US missionaries arrive home in the US - but two stay behind Argentina imposes shipping rules in Falklands oil row War in Iraq will be called 'Operation New Dawn' to reflect reduced U.S. role Street riots greet Kashmir peace talks Winter Olympics