PERSON OF THE YEAR

Person of the Year

For sharpening the debate until the choices bled, for reframing reality to match his design, for gambling his fortunes—and ours—on his faith in the power of leadership, George W. Bush is TIME's 2004 Person of the Year

Long Arm of the Law

Guided by charismatic chief Mick Keelty, Australia's Federal Police are hunting crooks and terrorists, and exporting investigative skills to the region

Making Their Mark

From the newly enfranchised women of Afghanistan to the ordinary people of Hong Kong, 2004 was the year Asians made their votes count