PERSON OF THE YEAR
The American Soldier U.S. fighters swept across Iraq and conquered it in 21 days. They stand guard on streets potholed with skepticism and rancor. They caught Saddam Hussein. They are the face of America, its might and goodwill, in a region unused to democracy. Essay by Nancy Gibbs 32
PHOTO ESSAY
SNAPSHOTS OF A SOLDIER'S LIFE: Photographer James Nachtwey kept watch with U.S. soldiers as they grilled suspects, returned fire, grabbed a smoke, e-mailed home 42
ONE PLATOON'S STORY
ON ALERT: Romesh Ratnesar and Michael Weisskopf ride with the Tomb Raiders. Tragedy lurks in the shadows 58
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