In Pics: What happened across the world on Feb 12

Bengaluru, Feb 12: US President Barack Obama asked the U.S. Congress on Wednesday to authorize military force to "degrade and defeat" Islamic State forces in the Middle East without sustained, large-scale U.S. ground combat operations, setting lawmakers on a path toward their first war powers vote in 13 years.

Meanwhile, The White House ruled out any long term, large scale commitment against ISIL and reiterated its focus on training and increasing the capabilities of the local forces. In a letter to lawmakers, Obama said granting him war authority "would show the world we are united in our resolve" to defeat jihadist militants who now control swaths of Syria and Iraq.

OneIndia brings to you news from across the world in pictures.

Leaders pose for shutterbugs

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko pose for a photo during a time-break in their peace talks in Minsk, Belarus

Obama speaks about Islamic State group

President Barack Obama, flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, gestures as he speaks about the Islamic State group in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.

SpaceX rocket lifts off

An unmanned Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket lifts off from launch complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral.

Abu Dhabi prepares for Red Bull Air Race World Championship

U.S. Kirby Chambliss and Pete McLeod of Canada fly over waters off Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The pilots flew for an aerial inspection of the nearby race track in preparation for the first stop of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship this weekend.

Lionel Messi in action

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, second right, duels for the ball against Villarreal's goalkeeper Segio Asenjo, left, and Mario Gaspar, second left, during a semifinal, first leg, Copa del Rey soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.