Cover Story: The Thirty-Year Itch
By Robert Dreyfuss
Amid the 1970s oil crisis, a group of Washington hawks laid out a plan for U.S. domination of the Persian Gulf. Three decades later, the Bush administration is moving in for the endgame.

Outback Nightmares & Refugee Dreams
By Charles Bowden
When a few thousand asylum seekers hit its shores, Australia responded with a naval blockade, internment camps, and deportation. Now other nations are looking to the “Pacific Solution” as the way to be rid of refugees.

Up Against Wal-Mart
By Karen Olsson
Poverty wages, unpaid overtime, surveillance cameras, and an all-out war on unions: It takes more than everyday low prices to be the world’s largest, most profitable retailer.

A Tale of Two Chinas
Photo Essay By James Whitlow Delano
Text by Orville Schell
In the new China, growth is good, and history is, well, history.

Living in an Age of Fire
By Joann Wypijewski
With some of their sons and brothers accused of being a “sleeper cell,” the Yemenis of Lackawanna, New York, have faced the nation’s small-town suspicion with silence.

The Patient Predator
By Kevin Patterson
Experts call it an “emerging epidemic” and “Ebola with wings.” It preys on poverty and rides the currents of globalization. It’s becoming immune to antibiotics. It’s tuberculosis — and it’s deadlier than ever.

Editor’s Note
Masthead
Contributors
Backtalk

OUTFRONT
Snuffing out the tobacco treaty; Iowa’s medicinal bumper crop; DOD’s $1,000 cheese warmer; Cheney’s favorite Clintonite; snack PAC attack; the Valdez syndrome; plus Dr No freebies

EXHIBIT
The Pocket Prez; the all-seeing eye; and our thirsty-fry guide

POWER PLAYS
The Short, Unhappy Life of Campaign Finance Reform
By Paul Taylor
McCain-Feingold took six years to pass — and six days to derail. A look at the grave future of campaign finance reform.

NOTEBOOK
The Bad Guy
By Miles Harvey
In search of Jose Padilla: Is he an enemy combatant? Or the perfect fall guy?

THE SLANT
As the World Burns
By Ian Frazier
Long ago, in a decade far, far away, the Bush plan on global warming begins…

EXPOSURE
Balance of Power
Kurdistan’s balancing act

MEDIA JONES
Carl Elliott on better living through chemistry; Ruth Ozeki talks about potatoes, politics, and PR; the Weathermen storm the screen; plus more book, music, and film reviews.

P.S.
Political Fantasy Camp
Cartoon by Greg Clarke