Economist, Feb. 7

(posted Saturday, Feb. 7)

A cover editorial pegged to Tony Blair's U.S. visit argues that he and Bill Clinton are not as similar as they seem. While they share broad principles (fiscal responsibility, free trade, etc.) and political tactics (artful repackaging of conservative ideas), Blair is much more left-wing than Clinton (as Britain is much more left-wing than the United States). Blair has banned all handguns and favors Britain's national health-care system, policies that would be inconceivable for Clinton. ... A piece dampens enthusiasm about recent rises in Asia's stock markets: Asian economies are still in dire shape and governments are not doing nearly enough to restore fiscal stability. ... Also, a long survey on Central Asia. Conclusion: oil and chaos.

New Republic, Feb. 23

(posted Friday, Feb. 6)

The cover package reiterates TNR's line that the United States should try to overthrow Saddam Hussein. One piece argues that anything short of toppling Saddam would be pointless: Iraq will be recalcitrant till he falls. (It also notes that Turkey and our Arab allies don't favor U.S. military intervention nearly as much as they did during the Gulf War: We'll have to go it alone.) Another article says the United States should not limit itself to a few days of bombing (the current battle plan): Only a long, insistent air campaign will persuade Saddam's troops to attempt a coup. ... A story mocks a right-wing, Clinton-hating group called Commission to Restore the Presidency to Greatness: One leading member predicted that Bill Clinton would announce that he was a woman ("Wilma Clinton") during a guest appearance on Ellen.

New York Times Magazine, Feb. 8

(posted Thursday, Feb. 5)

Would-be Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa is a pale imitation of his father, argues the cover profile. Hoffa fils shares his father's virulent anti-federal-government streak, but he lacks Dad's fire, organizing skill, and toughness. Hoffa will likely win the next Teamsters election, but the union is too weakened by corruption and too bullied by management and the feds to be the force it once was. ... A survey of suburban Americans finds they are tolerant of atheists, people of other races, working mothers--everyone but gays. Reason: They consider homosexuality an active choice. If they believed homosexuality was innate, they'd tolerate gays, too. ... A photo essay depicts Dzerzhinsk, Russia, the world's "least-habitable," most-polluted city. Once the center of Soviet chemical-weapons production, it has a reservoir of toxic waste called the "White Sea." Life expectancy for its 300,000 residents: 47 years for women, 42 years for men.

Time and Newsweek, Feb. 9