Time

56

COVER: The human body' s intricate defense network begins to yield its secrets

The immune system is made up of a trillion specialized cells, regulated by powerful biochemicals, that wage an unending war on alien organisms that cause illness, suffering and death. Spurred along by the AIDS epidemic, research into its complex and wondrous workings is bringing about promising developments in the treatment of deadly diseases. See MEDICINE.

14

NATION: Why, oh why, are the Reagans perennial targets of kiss- and- tell books?

The Regan memoir is only the latest to bare the Administration' s inner workings. The White House cries "disloyalty," but the Reagans seem to bring it on themselves. -- Two conservative Washington insiders use leaks to tilt U. S. policy against the Soviets. -- Congress has exempted itself from a broad array of laws covering civil rights and safety requirements.

24

WORLD: The Afghanistan pullout signals a slick new Soviet foreign policy

Beyond Kabul, there are signs that Gorbachev wants to win friends and influence governments. But Moscow' s goal is still to stymie the U. S. -- A snap election in Denmark raises the question of whether NATO' s members can have a pick- and- choose defense. -- In France a victorious Mitterrand names a Socialist Cabinet. -- Kim Philby, British traitor and master spy, is dead at 76.

36

Economy & Business

With the economy in danger of overheating, inflation may take off. -- A lucky class of '88. -- Panamanians cope with sanctions.

49

Religion

Thanks to a flood of immigrants, converts and native believers, Islam will soon displace Judaism as America' s No. 2 faith.

51

Press

In an offbeat matchup, Jane Amsterdam of upscale magazine fame is named editor of New York' s grittiest tabloid -- the Post.

54

Video

Two new books take a harshly critical look at the turmoil that has beset CBS News in recent years. One of the villains: Dan Rather.

55

Law

When accused killers claim rough sex as a defense, is rough justice the result? -- A pinch of pot means big trouble for a yacht owner.

69

Sport

Battling Billy Martin is stitched into baseball' s historic alliance with alcohol. -- The barefoot runner from South Africa goes home in tears.

74

Books

Opposed by his subject and restricted by the courts, Ian Hamilton has still produced a canny, engaging biography of J. D. Salinger.

82

Essay

Why would a billionaire want to cheat the Government out of a measly $4 million? Simple greed isn' t an adequate explanation.

6 Letters

8 American Scene

67 People

76 Health & Fitness

79 Cinema

80 Theater

80 Milestones

Cover: Photograph by Dennis Chalkin; illustration by Joe Lertola