Topic: Sheik Hamad

Russia said Monday it will be reducing the level of diplomatic relations the country has with Qatar, after an incident involving the Russian ambassador.

Syria has begun an offensive to retake Homs as armed defectors fight government efforts to seize the third-largest city in Syria, analysts in Syria say.

Syrian forces killed at least seven people Thursday, despite government agreement to halt violence and meet with the opposition within two weeks, officials say.

The Arab League announced in Cairo Wednesday Syria agreed to end its deadly crackdown on anti-government forces, even as activists said 21 more people died.

Qatar will hold its first national election for the country's advisory council in the second half of 2013, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said Tuesday.

Arab mediators say Sudan will have talks with rebels from the country's Darfur region in an attempt to end a six-year uprising there.

While the Gulf states want to strengthen ties with Iran, the Gulf Cooperation Council hasn't invited Iranian officials to its next summit, officials said.

Gen. Michael Suleiman, commander of the Lebanese armed forces, will assume the presidency in a special session of Parliament, Speaker Nabih Berri announced.

Turkey courts German firms; Japanese energy firms not overactive on oil supply route from Russia; Gazprom, Qatar Petroleum mull joint projects

To a world reeling from record-high prices, the April 9 meeting in Doha, Qatar, of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum attracted intense media scrutiny. Pundits s