Afghanistan

Ten people wounded in double explosion and gun battle at police compound in Kabul.

United Nations report lifts lid on gory methods used by police to extract confessions.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates plans to use his £40bn personal fortune to eradicate polio, malaria and measles.

Britain, United States and Germany reluctant to commit as Mali faces existential threat

PM details Algerian rescue operation at In Amenas gas plant and warns MPs of growing threat of Islamist militants in north Africa.

Islamist militants pledge to kill Paris' secret agent Denis Alex - even though French intelligence claimed he was already dead.

Tuareg separatists pledge to help French military offensive against al-Qaida-linked rebels

The prince has helped create a landscape for the Chelsea flower show in honour of his mother.

John Tatton lured girl, 15, to house he kept for vulnerable targets and demanded sex for rent, Bolton court told.

Questions remain over appointment of Chuck Hagel and John Brennan to senior defence and CIA positions.

Soldier shot dead by suspected member of Afghan national army in 'green on blue' attack.

Move coincides with appointment of less hawkish Chuck Hagel as US defence secretary.

Blast at entrance to CIA office in Khost kills three civilians.

Queen hails stars of London Olympics and Paralympics, and "army of volunteers" at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Prime minister opts for most Christian address he's ever uttered, and praises UK soldiers in Afghanistan.

Deputy police chief says investigation under way but identity of victim remains unknown.

Royal couple to celebrate Christmas with the Middleton family in Berkshire.

Massachusetts senator and former Democrat presidential candidate to succeed Hillary Clinton in key role.

Prime Minister admits Britain has paid ‘heavy price’ during conflict but praises troops for their success

Staff sergeant escapes with $500 fine despite widespread condemnation of actions in YouTube film.

Washington uses drones to combat Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

Key Gulf deal comes just days after firm warns of earnings hit linked to Saudi delays on Salam Typhoon deal

It's time for games to put down the guns...

Girls aged between nine and 13 killed while collecting firewood.

David Cameron, Ed Miliband, BBC and Taliban all make women's group's final list.

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index places Greece 94th, below Bulgaria and Romania and the bottom spot in EU.

Afghani engineers have developed a light-weight mine detector that is powered by wind.

Taliban militants claim responsibility for the attack on the joint US-Afghan air base in Jalalabad.

WikiLeaks founder's health could deteriorate and he may have to leave embassy asylum for treatment, says ambassador.

Two men have been arrested in Kunduz for beheading teenager known as Gisa with a knife.