Editor's Note

Dear Reader:

Today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor is like no other. That's because the world is a very different place from what it was a week ago.

Since its founding in 1908 as a daily newspaper, the Monitor has dedicated its pages to the diversity of peoples and ideas that make up the world community. But there are moments in history when a single event so dominates that all other activity seems to recede in importance. We think this is one of those times, thus this special issue.

It focuses on the dramatic events of the past week, and their potential for altering the world around us. We hope you find today's paper valuable in understanding all that has occurred and useful to your role, whether it is individual prayer or civic involvement, in helping shape what happens next.