September 9, 2002

This issue examined tensions between the State Department and the Bush administration one year after September 11, 2001. Charles Krauthammer's cover essay "Year One" reflected on how Americans believed the attacks would permanently change national character and priorities, yet found that irony, triviality, and normal political divisions had returned by the first anniversary of 9/11. The magazine explored how the initial post-attack consensus and sense of national purpose had largely dissipated as partisan politics resumed.