Relations between Poland and Russia thaw, the new get-out-of-jail card for pious prisoners in Georgia, plus Malta's version of the World Cup - for nations that don't exist.

Relations with Russia are improving, it escaped the economic crisis and young entrepreneurs are returning with new ideas and cash. Monocle reports on how Poland, despite the odds, became the European nation to watch.

In the world of politics, September is the start of a new term in many countries, so we’ve compiled our report cards for 15 leaders. Who has gone to the top of the class and who should be doing extra homework? We give marks…