The Kingdom of Sweden took a dramatic turn toward totalitarianism with the adoption of a sweeping new education “reform” package that essentially prohibits home schooling and forces all schools to teach the same government curriculum.

The U.S. government is using threats and intimidation to coerce tiny Switzerland into changing its laws and handing over the names of Americans suspected of avoiding U.S. taxes using Swiss banks.

With the support of several prominent organizations, the Icelandic Parliament (the Althing) unanimously approved a new legislative package aimed at creating a sort of “haven” for journalism and freedom of expression.

After rattling markets last week with fears of a default, the Hungarian government announced a series of measures earlier this week including spending cuts, tax-policy changes, and a new tax on the financial sector aimed at satisfying international institutions and containing the nation’s public deficit.

European leaders reached an agreement over the weekend on bailing out the profligate Greek government with up to $40 billion in taxpayer-funded loans at below-market interest rates, easing fears of a default but prompting outrage among Europeans.

Icelandic voters went to the polls over the weekend and delivered an overwhelming blow to bankers and governments attempting saddle the people with billions of dollars in debts to foreign states stemming from the failure of a private bank.

Following a heated debate and the collapse of the Dutch government over the issue, Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende announced Sunday that the Netherlands’ troop contingent will begin leaving Afghanistan in August.

American banks helped Greece and possibly other governments to run massive deficits and conceal them from European Union officials and the public, according to international news reports. Meanwhile, the consequences of the deception are echoing through world currency and debt markets while shaking the very foundations of the Eurozone.

British police have a new strategy in their supposed effort to reduce burglaries: posing as robbers themselves.

The Council of Europe is set to investigate the World Health Organization’s swine flu campaign this month over allegations of improper influence from pharmaceutical companies in declaring the H1N1 “pandemic” and the promotion of “inefficient” and potentially dangerous vaccination strategies.