KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan security forces will be banned from calling for NATO air strikes in residential areas to help in their operations, President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday, three days after 10 civilians died in such a strike in the country’s east. NATO air strikes and civilian casualties have become a significant stress point in the relationship between Karzai and his international backers. The issue threatens to further destabilize a precarious international withdrawal, to be completed by the end of 2014. …
Interviewer: pope said in August strength dimming
BERLIN (AP) -- A German journalist who interviewed Pope Benedict XVI for a 2010 book says the pontiff told him last August that his strength was diminishing and “not much more” could be expected from him as pope.
Iran not seeking a nuclear weapon: Supreme Leader
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran does not want nuclear weapons but if it did, no world power could prevent it from obtaining one, Iran’s Supreme Leader said on Saturday, according to Iranian media. The United States and some of its Western allies suspect Iran may be trying to develop a nuclear weapons capability under the guise of a civilian atomic energy program, a charge Iran rejects. …
Rugby-Mogg grabs brace as Brumbies down Reds
Feb 16 (Reuters) – Fullback Jesse Mogg scored two tries to help ACT Brumbies get their Super Rugby season off to a winning start with a 24-6 victory over Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday. Mogg also kicked two penalties while his forwards, bolstered by impressive new signing David Pocock on the openside flank, edged the battle of the breakdown in a scrappy encounter between the only Australian sides to have won the competition. “We’re happy, wins are important at this time of year and they’re a side who outplayed us twice last year,” Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen said. …
Show with Pistorius' dead girlfriend to go ahead
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- South Africa's national broadcaster says it will screen a realit y TV show featuring the dead model girlfriend of Oscar Pistorius, two days after she was shot and killed at the home of the double-amputee athlete. 
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- For many in Bangladesh, the "V'' for victory sign was more than they could bear.