Monday Lead-off

According to CNN, Syrian rebels are reporting that government forces launched an intense assault on the city of Homs firing “on anything that moves.” While the violence was at the hands of snipers loyal to President Assad, the brutality is likely to bolster calls by the US and Turkey to impose a no-fly zone over Syria.

Japan’s economy slowed by 1.4 percent in April and June.

Will the addition of Paul Ryan to the Republican ticket spark a real debate about the role of government?

Is South Africa’s experiment in democracy failing?

When will the European Union welcome Turkey into its ranks?