Why America’s Point Man On China Is Running Into a Wall

I don't mean now. Now he's a creepy symbol of the afflictive nature of fame. But on "Thriller," his 1982 blockbuster and masterpiece, he's the man with the glitter-gloved Midas finger. This month marks the 25th anniversary of "Thriller," a milestone sure to be obscured by his recent lunacy. But I'm using it as an excuse to revisit one of pop music's golden moments.

On "Thriller," he's lustful ("Pretty Young Thing") and lusted after ("Billie Jean"). He's tough ("Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'") and dashing ("The Lady in My Life"). He's everything that the Michael we've come to know is not.

His voice still contained its clarity and sweet tone. Say what you will about the man, his work is unassailable. "Thriller" captures the soulful brilliance of the King of Pop before his crown rusted.

--Joshua Alston

Fast Chat: 'Hamas Closing In'
BBC journalist Alan Johnston was freed by Hamas in July after being held for 16 weeks by Palestinian extremists of the Army of Islam. His new book is "Kidnapped." He spoke to NEWSWEEK's William Underhill. Excerpts:

You must've feared for your life.
Three times. On the last night I thought I was more likely to die. Hamas was closing in, and my fear was that they would storm the building. It was unlikely the people holding me would allow me to be rescued alive in that situation.