On the 5th of November the world watched in anticipation for what has come to be described as a historic and momentous event in the history of America and indeed the world.

The 2008 American presidential elections ended with the anointment of Barack Obama as America’s 44th president. An enthusiastic, bright, young man still in his early 40’s addressed a sea of people in Chicago during his acceptance speech emphasising that which was integral to his electoral campaign – that is, the imperative of ‘change’.

The release of 200 Palestinian prisoners held captive and detained in Israeli priosons last month was met with great cheers of joy from the many family, relatives and friends awaiting their return. And rightfully so. Who wouldn't be joyous over such an occasion? Who wouldn't be joyous of been able to finally see, touch and hold a long lost husband, father, brother or nephew after such a seperation?

After days of defiant talk emanating from his office, President Pervaz Musharraf has thrown in the proverbial towel and announced his resignation through an address to the nation. Talk is cheap in politics. Actions, circumstances, power networks and prospects speak louder than words. In reality the President had little choice in the end as most of his allies slowly but surely pulled the plug that had allowed him to maintain his position whilst surrounded by fierce domestic opposition in the last couple of years.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, US SECRETARY OF STATE: This is not 1968; and the invasion of Czechoslovakia where Russia can threaten its neighbours, occupy a capital, overthrow a Government and get away with it. Things have changed.