WORLD

Showdown

AFTER A SAVAGE SPASM OF TERROR, SHARON AND ARAFAT FACE OFF IN A COLD TEST OF WILLS

Radicals On The Rise

The militant Islamic group Hamas enjoys a boost in popularity as it goes about its business of slaughtering Israelis

WAR & TERRORISM

The Manhunt: Into The Caves (The Fall Of The Taliban / The Manhunt)

How the Taliban's collapse begins a new and dicey stage of the Afghan war

The Great New Afghan Hope (The Fall Of The Taliban / Afghanistan)

Hamid Karzai has survived the Taliban and U.S. friendly fire. Now he faces rebuilding his country

The Taliban Next Door (The American Taliban / The Prisoner)

At 16, John Walker was a quiet California kid. At 20, he was a Taliban warrior. How did he get from Marin County to Mazar-i-Sharif?

BRIEFING

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

In Defense Of Denial (Essay)

A noted journalist, given a diagnosis of Parkinson's, makes the case for kidding yourself about bad news

BUSINESS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art: The Joy Of Color (The Arts / Art)

Long in Seurat's shadow, Paul Signac was a terrific painter in his own right

YOUR TIME

Have We Got A Car Deal For You! (Personal Time / Your Money)

Shoppers confront a dizzying variety of ways to buy a car. Here's how to find the best plan for your needs

All I Want For Christmas... (Personal Time / Your Technology)

Why should kids have all the fun? Online wish lists can be a blast, as long as you send them to the right people

Sleepless In America (Personal Time / Your Health)

A new pill can keep you alert on even a few hours of sleep--but it's not for everyone. What you need to know

SPECIAL SECTION

The Nuke Pipeline (The Next Big Threat? / TIME In Depth)

The trade in nuclear contraband is approaching critical mass. Can we turn off the spigot?

PEOPLE

LETTERS