1.   A lot of Tories wanted John Patten out of education, but even tough leaders do not sack ministers in mid-crisis.

2.   Over the years, the Kremlin leader has frequently sacked his most controversial lieutenants to maintain his preeminence in the turbulent world of Russian politics.

3.   Bosnian Serb leader Karadzic sacked his moderate rival Rajko Kasagic on Wednesday in defiance of attempts to sideline him.

4.   Rebel Serb leaders sacked four generals Monday, hoping to deflect blame for humiliating battlefield losses to government and Croat forces in northwestern Bosnia.

5.   Rebel Serb leaders sacked four generals on Monday, hoping to deflect blame for humilitating battlefield losses to government and Croat forces in northwestern Bosnia.