The end of the Cold War ushered in widespread calm and stability. It's not likely to last. It is difficult to imagine that we will get to the year 2000 without another war in Korea or the Persian Gulf, without some crisis in Hong Kong, Cuba or Bosnia, without greater friction between ourselves and China, Russia or both. Peace and prosperity may be hard to come by. The last land mine is far from the least.
Scandal is a common feature of second terms.
Here, too, history is certain to repeat itself. Already there is campaign financing, Whitewater, misuse of personnel background files, the White House travel office, Paula Jones. The result is that independent counsels are sprouting around Washington like spring flowers. Republicans are sure to join in, especially if the president exercises his pardon power to protect anyone charged or found guilty. All of this will take time, demoralize staff and undermine the president's legitimacy and ability to govern.