Prosecutors request beheading, then crucifixion.

Taipei is very closely watching Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong—and so far it doesn’t like what it sees.

Turkey is set to allow the Iraqi Peshmerga into Kobani, and the U.S. has started to airdrop weapons and supplies to the Kurds defending the town.

Kiev and Moscow have reportedly reached an interim deal to supply Ukraine with Russian gas this winter. But the quantities involved won’t cover demand if this winter turns out to be a cold one, and the West will likely have to step in to help cover the costs.

As technology gives college graduates more flexibility to live and work where they choose and cultural offerings become more standardized nationwide, it would be natural for young Americans to move in greater numbers to less popular cities with lower costs of living. In fact, those shifts are already happening.

Japan’s acknowledgment of China’s position on the Senkaku/Diaoyu Island isn’t the major surrender it might seem. In fact, Abe is playing his hand well, and China doesn’t have all the advantages.

Egypt’s GDP growth climbs in the most recent quarter, leaving investors optimistic. Egypt’s planning minister calls for an “economic revolution”—but the country still suffers from political unrest.

200 more McDonald’s branches are under investigation in Russia. McDonald’s has become one of the main casualties of Putin’s attempt to de-Westernize his country.

The now-infamous gathering of Catholic Bishops to discuss marriage and family ended with the release of a report much less controversial in its final form than in the preliminary draft. Those waiting on serious changes to Catholic doctrine or practice will have to keep waiting, but the Synod may make them believe that hope is not completely lost.

Fortuitous historical sequencing in political development is one of the keys to good government.