June 14, 2010 | Vol. 175 No. 23

The Global Game: How Soccer Took Over the World (World Cup 2010)

Worshipped by the masses and played by superstars from all walks of life, the World Cup is a celebration of soccer as the great equalizer

The World Cup As Big Business (The Well / World Cup 2010)

The tournament really took off when two controversial FIFA bosses harnessed the game to television audiences and corporate patronage

Yes, Soccer Is America's Game (World Cup 2010)

It's more than just kids. On the field, in the media, in the culture, the sport has grown in almost every direction

Soccer in South Africa: Playing the Rebel Game (The Well / World Cup 2010)

In South Africa, soccer has long been a political statement. A successful World Cup would be another one

Stepping Up (World Cup 2010)

As the world's best players gather in South Africa, here are four to keep your eye on

Quest for The Cup (World Cup 2010)

A look at the globe's top players and teams as they head for South Africa

North Korea's Improbable World Cup Run (Essay)

In 1966, one team thrilled the World Cup--and a teenager who got to watch them

From the Gaza Flotilla Crisis, a Peace Opportunity? (Commentary)

The Gaza flotilla crisis means fundamental change, by all the players, is needed in the Middle East

Twitter Lit: A New Creative Outlet (Commentary / Tuned In)

A scathing BP satire, a sitcom and a host of mimics: Twitter inspires creative voices--albeit succinct ones

Leaving a Good Legacy (Commentary / Viewpoint)

Why the ethical case for combatting climate change is one that should appeal to conservatives

Catastrophe in the Gulf: How Bad Could It Get? (The Well / Nation)

The ongoing oil spill is an environmental calamity like none the U.S. has ever faced. And it's not just residents of the vulnerable Gulf who will get hit by it. This time we're all going to feel the pain

Drilling Too Close For Comfort (The Well / Nation)

Border Crackdowns and the Battle for Arizona (The Well / Nation)

A rancher's murder became the political catalyst for a tough new law aimed at illegal immigrants. But the state's controversial crackdown not only won't solve the border crisis — it may make it worse

Final Bell: Kansas City's Effort to Save Its Schools

One school district finally decides that the only way to get better is to get smaller. Closing schools in the City of Fountains

The Perils of Pregnancy: One Woman's Tale of Dying to Give Birth (World)

Will Afghanistan's Military Ever Be Fit to Fight? (The Well / World)

The U.S. has spent $26 billion building up the Afghan army. But it is still poorly trained and rife with internal rivalries. Will it ever be fit to fight?