The deadly task of fighting against an invisible enemy

Jerome Starkey: For three years, British troops have been massively undermanned, underequipped and overstretched as they have tried to convince a deeply cynical population that they are safe from the Taliban.

Lost in music: The peculiar life of Brian Wilson

Life has not been easy for Brian Wilson. John Walsh discovers that interviewing the great man is no simple task either.

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Phone hacking allegations are irresponsible, says Wade

News International says accusations are untrue and misleading the public.

Deborah Orr: Why is it so hard to prove the obvious?

President Barack Obama reviews an honour guard at the Presidential Castle in Accra, Ghana.

Obama: 'Africa not separate from world affairs' new

It is the president's first visit to sub- Saharan Africa since taking office - but there will be no big public event.

'We want him to rule all African countries'

G8 admits its failure to meet Gleneagles aid pledges

Campaigners say rich nations are $15bn short of their $50bn target.

Leading article: Africa still needs our aid - but it's not just about money

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The coffin of Lance Corporal Dane Elson, who was killed in Afghanistan, at RAF Lyneham yesterday

This bloody war: eight British troops killed in 24 hours

Five British soldiers were killed yesterday in a devastating roadside bombing, the largest number to die in one single attack, bringing to eight the number killed in the most deadly 24 hours of the Afghan campaign.

'We want him to rule all African countries'

Richard Dowden in Ghana reports on the frenzy generated by President Barack Obama's visit.

England search for a glimmer of hope

Late wicket under floodlights at Sophia Gardens offers morale boost after Australia shine brightest

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Rufus Wainwright: Song in his heart

Extravagant, inspired and wildly romantic, the performer who takes his cue from Judy Garland walks his own yellow brick road

How we saw off Br�no

Murray Echols was a 75-year-old Alabama pensioner innocently indulging his passion for ballroom dancing. Then along came Sacha Baron Cohen and his film crew ...

Olympic shopping centre struggles to attract retailers

Only three anchor tenants have so far signed up to 300-unit centre in Stratford

Mother nose best: Sievey with her daughter, Ophelia

First Person: 'I gave birth without any medical help'

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Secret to a longer life lies on Easter Island

Scientists have found an anti-ageing drug that works on mice – and could do the same for humans

Andy Coulson was said to still be working yesterday despite the allegations surrounding him.

Yard rules out inquiry as hacking row simmers on

Recriminations fly after allegations that News of the World phone-hacking targeted thousands.

Summer break – the time to spot the browns

They are the butterflies of high summer and of long hot dusty days – the ones that small children run after on their holidays; the ones we set flying whenever we walk through a grassy field.

UN chief: G8 must go further on emissions

Google CEO says will discuss Apple board role

Google Inc Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said he will discuss with Apple Inc how his role on its board might change after Google's move to launch a new operating system.