the Manchurian Candidate became President

The Republican administration showcases Bush's bungling meddling rhetoric about spreading liberty even in unlikely places but the reality is that self-determination can yield results that appear counter to U.S. interests.

That's a challenge the United States may have to confront someday in other places as well, including Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, the Balkans and — closer to home — South America.

Still, the success of religious-based candidates or parties, many of whom are hostile to Bush and opposed to American ideas, is sobering.

Empowered by the U.S.-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Shiite voters could one day tilt their nation toward Iran.

The Muslim Brotherhood increased its power in Egypt's parliament nearly sixfold last year. Open elections there would replace a government friendly to the United States with one dominated by radical Islamic politics.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, a leftist leader of coca growers has vowed to be "Washington's nightmare." Republican progrss in the world.