The offensive came after the United States and other western allies criticized the Pakistani military for failing to rein in the extremists.

VOA: standard.2009.09.11

But for now it remains unclear whether they are simply strengthening their grip on areas around their home city, or laying the foundations for a bigger and more decisive offensive into the heart of western Libya.

BBC: Libya: Misrata breathes as Gaddafi siege lifted

It buys news from leading western agencies, but does not use anything controversial or offensive to the Chinese government.

ECONOMIST: The Middle Kingdom struggles with being wired

But its capture in an offensive that has been telegraphed for weeks could help sway Afghan and Western public opinion and is considered an important step in a broader push to reverse the Taliban's battlefield momentum.

WSJ: U.S. Starts Afghan Surge