Norman J. Ornsteinhas conducted extensive research into government transitions and continuity. This year, he has been contributing to the transition process by advising and consulting for the Transition Coordinating Council.

Bush's creation of a Presidential Transition Coordinating Council to smooth the transition process is a significant and welcome way to ease the new president into his role.

The Bush administrationis working hard to ensure presidential appointments go smoothly, but there is another piece to this--confirmation by the Senate.

To advance and strengthen democracy globally through peaceful means and to assist foreign countries to implement democratic forms of government, to strengthen respect for individual freedom, religious freedom, and human rights in foreign countries through increased United States advocacy, to strengthen alliances of democratic countries, to increase funding for programs of nongovernmental organizations, individuals, and private groups that promote democracy, and for other purposes.

The substance of the bill S. 148 places the Secretary of Homeland Security in the presidential line of succession in case of terrorists targeting government officials.

With daily reports of death and destruction, it is easy to view Iraq as a hopeless quagmire, but the situation is far more nuanced than outside commentators often portray.