TODAY AMERICAN VALUES

The year in review 2004

12 DAYS OF REPORTS AND ANALYSIS FROM A MOMENTOUS YEAR

The year 2004 has seen some momentous events on the world stage, ranging from the re-election of US President George W. Bush and the expansion of the European Union to the non-stop bloodshed of the Iraq insurgency.

The year has been no less eventful in the Asia region, with pivotal elections in a string of countries from Malaysia to Japan, growing tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and a rising tide of violence in Thailand's Muslim south.

Drawing on our extensive network of international correspondents, the South China Morning Post will put this crucial year in perspective with in-depth analytical articles.

Every day from now to December 31, the International section will put a region, country or topic under the microscope. We start today with a look at how the US has changed in 2004, and tomorrow it is the European Union's turn.