Luzhkov Out

In Russia, Medvedev has fired Moscow's mayor, Yuri Luzhkov.  (Yes, the president can do that sort of thing in Russia, thanks to Mr. Putin.)  Luzhkov is virulently anti-gay - but don't expect much improvement when his successor arrives on the scene.

Chill and Thaw

As Arctic ice melts, disputes concerning maritime boundaries are heating up, reports Canada's Globe and Mail.