There was a major blow to the Taliban with the arrests of three senior leaders in Pakistan, including the number-two Afghan Taliban official. While this was a victory for U.S. and Pakistani intelligence, it was also a reminder of how the Taliban have used Pakistan as a base. Joining Daljit Dhaliwal to talk about the Marjah offensive and more are Gideon Rose and Susan Chira.
Specials
Week in Review: Afghanistan and Pakistan
New info surfaces about Iran nukes and dissent crackdown
Citing intelligence from the U.S., Israel and other countries, the IAEA said new information "raises concerns." France and Germany have threatened new sanctions against Iran. In recent months, Iran has been strongly criticized for a growing dissent crackdown. For more on where Iran is headed, Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Karim Sadjadpour.
Marijuana laws loosen gradually around the globe
During a recent upswing in drug violence in Mexican border towns, many critics of the drug war called for a change in U.S. policy toward marijuana use. Meanwhile, New Jersey just became the 14th U.S. state to allow marijuana for medical use. View our maps to compare current U.S. marijuana policy to laws in Europe and the rest of the world.
Haiti struggles to provide housing for quake survivors
Haiti's government says it will take over some privately held land to build camps for quake survivors. The aim is to relieve overcrowding in makeshift camps where many of the one million-plus homeless have been living. But five weeks after the quake, a few stories of hope are emerging as well. Steve Chao of Al Jazeera English reports from Haiti.
NATO’s new Afghanistan strategy focuses on Marjah
This week, NATO launched a large operation to take the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah, as part of its new counter-insurgency strategy. NATO hopes to wipe out the Taliban presence in this part of Helmand province, clearing the way for the Afghan government to take control. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Marvin Weinbaum, and James Bays of Al Jazeera English has more.
Worldfocus Radio: Burmese Political Change
Myanmar is on President Obama's list of countries deserving of direct diplomatic engagement. Many observers are hopeful that the Southeast Asian nation of 48 million people will respond to U.S. overtures and will hold a free and fair election in fall 2010. Joshua of Burma VJ and Suzanne DiMaggio join Martin Savidge to discuss political change in Burma.
U.S., Pakistan reap benefits of cooperation against Taliban
Mullah Baradar is the most senior member of the Taliban captured in the eight-year war against the movement. The joint raid conducted by U.S. and Pakistani forces suggests a change in tactics by Pakistan's ISI. For years the intelligence service was reluctant to target the Taliban. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Hassan Abbas for more.
‘March of Anger’ protests against violent Mexican drug war
On February 13, around 1,300 Mexicans took to the streets of Ciudad Juárez to protest the continued presence of the armed forces in the northern border city. Civil rights groups say the deployment of 6,000 combat troops has worsened the drug-related crime wave and have organized a "March of Anger" to voice their opposition. Read how bloggers are reacting.
Mexican economy hard hit by drop in U.S. remittances
Mexicans abroad are sending less money home to their families as a result of the global financial downturn and rising unemployment levels. These remittances are the country's second largest source of foreign currency -- after oil sales. Their rapid decline has hit the Mexican economy particularly hard. For more, Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Rodolfo de la Garza.
Drone war forces resurgent al-Qaeda to rely on franchises
The drone war in northwest Pakistan has brought attention to the attenuated al-Qaeda core that moved from Afghanistan in late 2001. But two events in December -- a failed Christmas Day bombing and an attack on CIA operatives in Afghanistan -- have led analysts to re-assess al-Qaeda's perceived decline. Worldfocus takes a look at the organization's evolution.