A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

China will inevitably become the largest economy in the world, according to Andrew Nathan, chair of Columbia University's department of Political Science.

A timeline of Sudan's history from its colonial past to turbulent present.

Director Marije Meerman blogs from China, where she's shooting a film about the gaokao, China's national college entrance exam.

By positioning tiny Cuba on the map of world sports, not only did Fidel carve an image of greatness for his country, but also one that distinguished Cuba from both its supporters (USSR) and its enemies (USA).