February 1 — Latin America: HAITI

The United Nations Mission to Haiti estimates that it will take several decades to rebuild Haiti after last month’s devastating earthquake. About 75 percent of the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has been destroyed and hundreds of thousands people now live in makeshift tents.

February 4 — North America: UNITED STATES

The United States Tea Party movement holds its first national convention, drawing about 600 members. The keynote speaker is Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, Sarah Palin. The grassroots movement gathers people who oppose President Barack Obama’s policies, such as the healthcare proposal and economic stimulus package. The Tea Party organizers say their goal is to get their supporters elected into Congress in the upcoming mid-term congressional election.

February 8 — Former Soviet Republics/Europe: UKRAINE

Ukraine’s pro-Russian opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych narrowly wins the country’s run-off presidential election, defeating Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. This is a big comeback for Yanukovych who was embroiled in fraudulent elections in 2004. During his presidency, Ukraine is expected to redirect its policies toward Russia.

February 9 — South Asia: INDIA

India puts a moratorium on growing genetically modified (GM) eggplant despite an earlier approval from the country’s scientists. The GM crop is said to be more resistant to pests, but the public is concerned about potential health problems, and the government says it will conduct more studies to ensure safety. India is one of the world’s largest producers of eggplant, growing thousands of different varieties. In 2002, India started using genetically modified cotton seeds.

February 10 — Africa: CHAD/SUDAN

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Chadian President Idriss Deby agree to normalize relations between the two countries, bringing hope that this will end the conflict in Darfur. President Deby calls on Chad’s rebels operating inside Sudan to disarm.

February 13 — South Asia/North America/Europe: AFGHANISTAN/UNITED STATES/UNITED KINGDOM

U.S., British, and Afghan forces begin Operation Moshtarak, a military offensive in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province, which involves more than 15,000 joined troops. The objective of the offensive is to recapture the area from the Taliban and turn it over to the control of the local authorities. The troops are encountering strong opposition from the Taliban insurgents who use civilian hostages as human shields. It is expected that the operation will take as long as 18 months, but the troops are already working with the local elders to prepare the area for the return of the Afghan police and civilian administration. Operation Moshtarak is the biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001.

February 22 — Latin America/Europe: ARGENTINA/UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom begins oil exploration in the waters off the Falkland Islands despite protests from Argentina, which has long claimed sovereignty over the territory it calls the Islas Malvinas. (February 24): During their second summit in Mexico, Latin American and the Caribbean states unanimously back Argentina’s claims to the Falkland Islands and condemn Britain for oil drilling in the waters of the archipelago. (February 25): Argentina officially asks the United Nations to mediate the talks with the United Kingdom on the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

February 23 — Africa: SUDAN

Sudanese government signs a ceasefire agreement with the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of the main rebel groups in Darfur. The deal, brokered by Chad, is seen as a major step towards peace in the war-torn region of Darfur. The agreement includes sharing power with the government.

February 28 — Former Soviet Republics: TAJIKISTAN

Tajikistan reports that President Emomali Rakhmon’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won the general election, gaining 71 percent of the vote. But according to international observers, the election has been marred by widespread fraud, including ballot stuffing and proxy voting. Rakhmon has been in power since 1994 and his PDP holds most of the seats in the parliament.