Time
40
NATION: Strapped for cash and compassion, America is mortgaging its future by ignoring the needs of its children
Presidents, Prime Ministers, a King and a Cardinal gather at the United Nations to discuss the plight of the world's most vulnerable citizens. What kind of leadership can the U.S. offer? Not much, so long as we stubbornly refuse to invest in health care, education and basic support programs for the young.
26
THE GULF: With sanctions serving only to increase Saddam's belligerence, war looks more and more inevitable
For the first time, Iraq threatens to launch a first strike. Should Bush exploit a legal loophole to order a hit on Saddam? From shopkeeper to minister, Iraqis believe battle is unavoidable. Perhaps that is why so few seem truly enthusiastic about their leader. Israel steps up its defenses.
63
BUSINESS: A Japanese giant courts King Kong
Matsushita Electric negotiates to buy MCA, the Hollywood entertainment conglomerate. Unless the U.S. and Europe budge, the world's trade talks may collapse.
69
SPACE: Surprising views through Venus' murky veil
After a balky start, the Magellan probe is mapping the cloud-shrouded planet by radar. Found so far: giant craters, major lava flows and a webwork of faults.
70
ESSAY: "The American Century" was no illusion. What's more, a second one could -- and should -- be on the way.
This been an era of U.S. ascendance, says Henry Grunwald, former editor in chief of Time Inc., but if there is to be a Second American Century, the nation must renew and rebuild itself. Writes Grunwald: "It is unbelievable -- and unacceptable -- that the richest and most productive country in the world, which we still are, cannot find the means to exert international leadership while simultaneously improving its own society."
76
LAW: The U.S. Supreme Court: not the last word
To escape the growing conservatism of the federal bench, liberals are turning to state supreme courts and winning on issues like abortion and pornography.
78
VIDEO: A nation is riveted by The Civil War
It was PBS's version of Roots week, as Ken Burns' masterly 12-hour documentary drew record ratings and reintroduced viewers to a crucial part of American history.
90
SPORT: Burly and brash, the Oakland A's are a team for all postseasons
Baseball's best team can dazzle you with speed, numb you with power, destroy you with their arrogance -- and that's just when Rickey Henderson is at bat. Add the glower of Jose Canseco and the death stare of Dave Stewart, and you have a team that looks as tough as it plays. This October, the A's know that their true opponents will not be the Pirates or Red Sox or Reds, but the ghosts of great teams past.
5 Letters
18 Critics' Voices
23 Grapevine
56 World
77 Religion
77 Milestones
79 Cinema
79 Science
80 Books
89 People
Cover: Photograph by Peter Poulides