A former president of Lebanon just lost a key by-election to parliament because he was backed by the Bush regime. In any country chafing under the hegemon's domination, that is the "kiss of death," explains an article in the NY Times. (Thanks to Bill Marina.)

Almost all the Republican candidates back the Bush regime, and are backed by the regime, in important respects. Only one man doesn't bear the kiss of death: Ron Paul. Do the people of Iowa also want independence from the hegemon? We'll get at least part of the answer tomorrow.