.. or at least how the Associated Press see’s them.

1. War in Iraq

What started in 2003 as a supposedly straightforward drive to topple Saddam Hussein deteriorated during 2006 into a dismayingly complex and savage struggle, with Iraqis by the thousands killed in sectarian reprisal attacks and the U.S. military death toll nearing 3,000. President Bush dropped talk of “staying the course” but balked at embracing many of the key suggestions of a bipartisan study group. Iraqi authorities struggled to assert control and avoid fracture.

2. U.S. election

Unhappiness with events in Iraq was one of the driving forces behind the Democrats’ surge in the Nov. 7 election. They took over the House with a large majority, gained a narrow edge in the Senate and advanced in statehouses nationwide. Nancy Pelosi, right, assailed by Republicans as a “San Francisco liberal” during the campaign, will become the first female speaker of the U.S. House.

3. Nuclear standoffs

The United States and its allies were frustrated in their efforts to rein in nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Il, above, tested a nuclear bomb in October. Iran - despite a threat of sanctions - pushed ahead with plans to bring its first nuclear power plant on line.

4. Illegal immigration

Congress tried to confront the influx of illegal immigrants from Latin America, but the effort collapsed amid deep divisions over whether to stress a crackdown or include provisions to help some illegal immigrants work toward citizenship. The get-tough approach triggered huge protests by immigrants-rights supporters.

5. Scandals in Congress

Several Republican congressmen were brought down by scandals, including Mark Foley, who resigned over sexually explicit messages sent to male pages, and Randy Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from defense contractors. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, left, resigned after being indicted on campaign finance charges in Texas. Ohio’s Bob Ney pleaded guilty in connection with the probe of lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

6. Saddam convicted, executed

Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq, was convicted in the slaying of 148 Shiite Muslims, including children, after an assassination attempt against him in 1982. He was ordered to die by hanging, and the sentence was carried out Friday in Iraq.

7. (tie) Mideast fighting

Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militia fought a monthlong war in the summer; more than 900 people were killed. Lebanon’s Western-backed government emerged more embattled than ever, while Hezbollah claimed increased popular support.

7. (tie) Rumsfeld resigns

A day after the midterm elections gave Democrats control of Congress, President Bush announced Donald Rumsfeld’s departure. Rumsfeld was seen as underestimating Iraq’s challenges, while alienating military brass and members of Congress.

9. Airliner terror plot

British authorities said they narrowly thwarted a terrorist plot to bomb several jets over the Atlantic Ocean. The disclosure led to tough new restrictions on the contents of carry-on luggage.

10. Disaster in Darfur

Violence worsened in Sudan’s Darfur region, where fighting between rebels and government forces has killed more than 200,000. The United Nations approved a 20,000-strong peacekeeping force, but Sudan blocked its deployment.

I have no qualms with the content of the list, though I would probably alter the order a bit. I am surprised that Darfur even made the list, the MSM has been mostly quiet on that front. I note the tie for 7th pace and have to wonder if the Middle East fighting would have been so prevalent on the list had the AP decided to stick with reporting only the facts.