Several things of note have happened in the past 24 hours:

• In Pakistan, the PPP and the PML-N, the former being Benazir Bhutto’s party and the latter being on with apparent similarities, won by a landslide in elections, which were a remarkably peaceful event. There is already talk (albeit just rumors) about the possibility of the impeachment of dictator Musharraf. It’s far too early to know the full effects, but some are suggesting that this is a very good sign for democracy.
• Fidel Castro has stepped down. The article is quick to note that this doesn’t mean that democracy is around the corner–a new leader will be appointed by Cuban parliament, only because Castro said he didn’t want to be named as the next leader. Possible replacements are reported to be Castro’s brother, with some discussing the possibility of a surprise appointment of a “generational gap” leader, Castro’s current VP (who is 56).
• Kosovo has declared its independence from Serbia.