Democracy wins again. In a redo of an election rife with blatant fraud, challenger Victor Yushchenko wins easily over incumbant (and Russian pick) Viktor Yanukovych in the Ukraine. And the US has been on the right side of this despite the fact that the winner is less supportive of US policies than was the incumbant. So integrity wins as well. Glenn Reynolds has more. As does Captain Ed. And Dean posts about the Ukraine's new First Lady, who's an American. Democracy didn't fare as well in Uzbekistan.
A suicide car bomber hit one of the biggest Shi'ite Muslim parties, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), missing its leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim. Almost simultaneously, the top Sunni political party withdrew itself from participation in elections that will take place next month. In contrast Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai met with his Cabinet ministers, three of whom are women, and urged them to avoid political intrigue and work together for the future. Given that just 47 years ago Iraq was a shining star in the region and Afghanistan was still a pile of rocks, the contrast today is startling.
Sissy writes about a Jewish conservative who's views get marginalized because he doen't fit the mold.
Hindrocket fact-checks the New York Times - again.
Instapundit has a roundup of the disaster taking shape in Southeast Asia.
Alphecca has posted the yearly check on gun bias in the media; that's against, not for.
A doctor amputates the wrong limb.
Endoscopy by worm.
Art Bell's predictions for 2005.
The top ten worst gadgets of 2004.
UFOs plague Iran.