Africa

DOHA, Qatar – A truce between the Sudanese Govern­ment and the most dangerous rebel group in Darfur has been made just in time for the first national election the country has had in decades. The truce was signed yesterday in Doha, Qatar between the rebel Justice and Equality Movement and the government with the U.S. , U.N., Arab representatives and the president of Chad. The truce is a cease-fire that will, if held, lead to political negotiations on March 15. The trea­ty was sped up by improved relations between Sudan and Chad, who, in the past had accused one another of support­ing the opposite country’s rebel groups. According to The Washington Post, the declared end of bitterness between Chad and Sudan is a huge step towards ending violence in Darfur.

Middle East

MARJAH, Afghanistan – An air strike ordered by U.S. Special Operation Forces killed 27 civilians in southern Af­ghanistan Monday. The airstrike was said to have broken the rules of engagement, according to Afghan and coalition officials. The attack was hundreds of miles outside Marjah, which is the newest battle ground of the biggest offensive attack in Afghanistan since 2001. According to the Wall Street Journal, “a NATO spokesman said he couldn’t confirm that U.S. Special Operations Forces called in the strike.” Af­ghanistan’s Cabinet was quoted calling the latest airstrike “unjustifiable.” The deaths of civilians have further caused problems in efforts to win over the civilians in Marjah, complicating the search for Taliban members in the area.

Europe

FALKLAND ISLANDS, Argentina – The UK began drill­ing for oil 62 miles north of UK territory in the South At­lantic Ocean, with strong opposition from Argentina. Argen­tina has claimed sovereignty of the area and has imposed shipping restrictions. Britain has reported that the drilling should take approximately 30 days. Argentina continues to fight and oppose the UK’s drilling and asked for support from other Latin American countries at a regional meeting in Mexico. According to BBC News, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said, “Britain was being irrational and had to realize the ‘time for empires was over.’” Meanwhile, UK For­eign Secretary David Miliband said British oil exploration in the area was “completely in accordance with international law.” Britain’s Prime Minister said that the UK is doing ev­erything they can to ensure the safety of the Falkland Islands.