Economist, Aug. 2

(posted Saturday, Aug. 2)

The cover editorial calls for America and Europe to rethink their Iran policies when moderate Muhammad Khatami assumes the presidency next week. Khatami has been a hero of the West ever since he was removed as culture minister for being too permissive. A related story raises questions about an energy deal between Turkey and Turkmenistan, since natural gas will be piped through Iran. And, an article on the double bombing in Jerusalem says the explosion "could prove a mortal blow" to Prime Minister Netanyahu's government. Just one hour before the attack, Netanyahu's advisers were mocking Labor leaders for their inability to curb terrorism.

New York Times Magazine, Aug. 3

(posted Thursday, July 31)

It's trendy to be young and Jewish in Poland, says the cover story. With the end of communism, the country is witnessing a revival of the religion. But tension with the Catholic Church and a history of anti-Semitism still haunt the small community. An article looks at one of the remaining '60s communes, which has survived by making hammocks. No longer a refuge for idealistic and transient twentysomethings, the Virginia "campus" is now home to middle-aged men and women who move in for up to a decade. Also, a profile of disgraced boxer Roy Jones Jr. details his struggle to distance himself from a controlling father and to restore his reputation.

Newsweek and Time, Aug. 4

(posted Tuesday, July 29)

Two covers on the rich. Newsweek explains how stock options created the new billionaires. But the article warns that the laws of financial gravity have not been repealed and that the super-wealthy must eventually return to earth. Time's "Mormons, Inc." cover story details the riches of the church founded by Joseph Smith: It values the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' assets (which include the country's biggest cattle operation) at $30 billion. Church membership is approaching 10 million and is growing faster than most other religions'.

Both magazines chronicle the final days of suspected serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Time offers a brief psychological profile. Newsweek offers a piece by a Cunanan friend who says he was "a hard guy to read."