Vol. 168 No. 25
COVER
The world has changed, but the American classroom, for the most part, hasn't. Now educators are starting to look at what must be done to make sure our kids make the grade in the new global economy
NATION
John McCain was a straight-talking upstart in the 2000 presidential election. Now he's poised to be the G.O.P. favorite for 2008, But at what cost?
WORLD
The investigation into the death of a Russian dissident in London heats up and sheds an ugly light on Vladimir Putin's rule
Looking The Other Way
The U.S. wants to turn over security to the Iraqis. But that sometimes means ignoring their crimes
Advice and Grudging Consent (Letter From Washington)
The Iraq Study Group has its say. Now Bush has to figure out what to do next
Avoiding Iraq Syndrome (Viewpoint)
Viewpoint: Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, warns against letting the failure in Iraq cause America to lose sight of its global role
The Big Lie About the Middle East (Viewpoint)
Tell James Baker: Arab nations don't care about the Palestinians
SCIENCE
The manned space program heats up as NASA unveils its plans for a lunar base and finds signs of flowing water on Mars
SOCIETY
Mary Cheney is starting a family. Let's hope she doesn't start a trend
NOTEBOOK
Doors Wider Open
Milestones
Suffering for Someone Else's Art
The State of Our Health
What's Next
Numbers
There's More Than One Way to Diversity (In The Arena)
All I Wanted For Christmas
Punchlines
BUSINESS
The already ubiquitous coffee chain hopes to triple its outlets—without diluting its boutique-y culture
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
What to do when there are only 12 days of Christmas but dozens of movies on offer? Here's a guide to some worth braving the crowds for
5 Great Photo Books (Worth Your Time)
To wrap up an issue filled with pictures, here are some terrific picture books
Yes, That's David Lynch (Movies)
mad
SPECIAL SECTION
TIME's look back at the major stories of 2006, as seen through the eyes of our photojournalists
YOUR TIME
How to Have a Green Christmas (Home)
how you can be kind to the environment and still celebrate in style
Next Year's Diet Books (Health)
PEOPLE
10 Questions for Dakota Fanning (Interview)
LETTERS
My Person of the Year
To help us make this year's selection, TIME asked people who have been featured in the magazine for their 2006 nominations. A sampling:
ESSAY
lived for holidays. Keep that in mind this season
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Kohl's are duking it out in a market sector they've revived
Play It Again, Boys (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / Show Business)
Disney, the Weinsteins have a new label and a new strategy
Telltale Fingertips (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / Change Agent)
how you type can allow websites to know who you are--or aren't
Growing Younger (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / Management)
services and a savvy marketing campaign are fueling AARP's torrid growth
Hackers For Hire (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / Small Business)
holes in their defenses
Q&A Daniel Vasella (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / CEO Speaks)
drugmaker Novartis, a physician, has high hopes for cancer vaccines
New Routes To Profit? (Time Bonus Section January 2007: Inside Business / Global Influences)
locales for profit