Arab summit

BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanon’s anti-Syrian government said Tuesday it would boycott a March 29-30 Arab summit in Damascus because of Syria’s role in blocking the election of a new Lebanese president.

Gaza talks

RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction yesterday ruled out talks with Hamas unless the Islamist group first cedes control of Gaza, casting doubt on a Yemen-sponsored reconciliation push.

Car bomb

KABUL, Afghanistan: A car bomb exploded in a market in the southern Afghan province of Helmand yesterday, killing at least eight people and wounding 17, police said.