Democracy in action - Obama win is a call for real change

THE startling events in Kenya and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto stand in stark contrast to the opening skirmishes of the US presidential election.

In a process that is transparent though hideously expensive, Barack Obama has taken a significant step toward becoming the first black president of the US.

His victory in the Iowa caucuses was stunning and left a rebuffed Hillary Clinton, the Democrats’ anointed one, languishing in third place.