Economist, Feb. 22

(posted Saturday, Feb. 22)

Deng Xiaoping's death leads the Economist. The cover story credits him with "wealth-creation on a scale unparalleled in modern history," but concludes that China's prosperity depends on establishing democratic freedom and the rule of law. The magazine also warns that China's economic reforms might stall if it doesn't dismantle its inefficient state enterprises, something Deng was unwilling to do. An article hints that Italy is moving toward--believe it or not--political and economic stability. Also, a 26-page survey of India determines that its economy is growing too slowly.

New York Times Magazine, Feb. 23

(posted Friday, Feb. 21)

"Clinton Crazy" disparages the anti-Clinton conspiracy theorists--on the Internet, in the fringe press, and on talk radio--who believe that Vince Foster was murdered, that Clinton cronies dealt drugs, and that Clinton ordered hit jobs. An article describes the horrific child abduction-molestation-murder case in Belgium, and predicts that the government might fall on account of it. A profile of Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan can't decide whether his Islamism will radicalize Turkey (à la Iran) or clean up its corrupt government. Also, the magazine issues its semiannual "Women's Fashions of the Times." As in recent editions, "Fashions" depicts no models, only "real" women. Most of the real women seem to be professional dancers.

New Republic, March 10, and Weekly Standard, Feb. 24

(posted Friday, Feb. 21)

Both pick the week of Deng's death for their China cover packages (what timing!) and take a hard line toward the Middle Kingdom, warning that the United States must discipline China now or face a "rogue superpower" later. The New Republic, published the day after Deng's death, denounces his legacy in an editorial: "In Deng's China, the politics of communism was joined to the economics of fascism." Echoing a recent Nation story, a TNR piece describes how former U.S. officials (notably Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, and Brent Scowcroft) shill for U.S. companies doing business in China. A long piece describes China's suppression of Hong Kong, and another argues that China is, contrary to popular belief, a small and difficult market for U.S. goods.

The Standard, published a few days before Deng's death, covers similar territory. Sen. Jesse Helms opposes granting China permanent MFN status, calling it a reward for bad behavior. Several writers condemn Clinton's policy of "constructive engagement" as appeasement: They favor economic sanctions instead. An article says the United States must not sacrifice its democratic ideals "in order to sell a few more Big Macs." And Hong Kong legislator Martin Lee deplores China's plan to wipe out the colony's democratic government.