The "top 10 news stories of 2004" lists from around the world tell more about the quality of media these days than they chronicle the year's major events. But bear in mind that most were announced before the tsunami struck on December 26.

The Associated Press named their top 10 world news stories of 2004. Make of them what you will:

1. The US election
2. The war in Iraq
3. Hurricanes in Florida
4. Abu Gharib
5. The release of the September 11, 2001 report
6. Gay marriage
7. Yasser Arafat dies
8. Ronald Reagan dies
9. Russian school seizure
10. Madrid bombings

The government-owned Xinhua News Agency's list of the top 10 Chinese news stories is eye-opening. Among the list: "The CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued two documents in March and November, urging all local departments to strengthen work in the ideological and ethical education of college students and minors."