So many changes

It seems that we're in the midst of a period with a high number of changes in the roster of significant heads of government. Even before the financial crisis hit, we will see or have seen changes to the heads of government in the following major countries in the latter half of 2008:

• the United States (well, beginning of January)
• Japan
• Israel
• Thailand
• South Africa

we may see them in:

• Bolivia (verge of civil war)
• Canada (election with the incumbent favored)
• United Kingdom (possible backbench revolt against the prime minister)

That's 2 members of the original G7 up on the block, and 2 more possibly changed. I haven't even included some minor countries on this list such as Mauritania. Throw in some not-insignificant countries as well, and the next opening session of the United Nations may see some very different faces.