Qatar eyes diplomatic win with US-Taliban deal.

DOHA -- Providing neutral space for talks on ending Afghanistan's 18-year conflict has boosted Qatar's international profile and helped it defy a painful embargo enforced by neighbours and former allies. After quietly brokering dialogue between the warring sides in Afghanistan, Qatar is on the verge of reaping a major diplomatic dividend if a deal is signed in Doha this Saturday that would see the Pentagon withdraw thousands of troops. The negotiations have created incongruous scenes of Taliban fighters-turneddealmakers rubbing shoulders with guests in revealing outfits in the lobby of a luxury Doha hotel, to strains of pop classics played by the resident pianist. And Qatar has undertaken the ambitious project during a period of major regional challenges. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Doha in...