Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa was physically assaulted by rioting police officers, who shoved him and threw a tear gas grenade. Why? A new law that would have reduced benefits and slowed salary increases. No wonder governments hate cutting spending.

Correa was trapped in a hospital surrounded by police for part of the day, but was rescued by military soldiers late Thursday. It's unclear if the police are attempting to effect a coup, or if they'd have the power to do so.