The President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, was in Qatar today for talks with Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani in an attempt to reach a peace deal with the Taliban, as the West prepares to leave Afghanistan.

Beirut projects those fleeing violence will account for half its population in a year

Syrian opposition representatives have taken Syria's seat at an Arab League summit held in Qatar in a significant diplomatic boost for the forces fighting President Bashar Assad's regime.

Moaz al-Khatib urged to remain as head of alliance trying to form transition government

British number one was below par against Irina-Camelia Begu

John Kerry’s decision to make London the first destination for an official visit as the new US Secretary of State was seen as a matter of kudos by the British government. And today, on arrival, the former presidential candidate spoke of his determination to reaffirm the “special relationship”.

Living up to her reputation as a Wimbledon champion has not always been easy for Petra Kvitova, but there have been signs in the last fortnight that the 22-year-old Czech is recapturing the form that took her to within two victories of becoming the world No 1 at the start of last year.

American returns to the top of the rankings

If it's Monday it must be Dubai. The United Arab Emirates is the latest destination in Laura Robson's whistle-stop tour of the Middle East and the 19-year-old Briton will break new ground here tonight when she makes her debut in the Dubai Duty Free Championships.

Government falls after killing provokes violent protests in cradle of Arab Spring

PM urges Taliban to lay down weapons and enter talks after positive summit at Chequers

Dream comes true in Qatar as the nearly man finally fulfils Clarke's prediction of triumph

Justin Rose is now the world number four