INCLUDES INDEX.

Our legacy -- The administration takes office -- Managing the global competition -- The challenge of leadership -- Balaced policy under pressure -- SALT II and U.S./USSR -- Steering a balanced course -- The PAnama Canal treaties -- The administration and the Middle East: Negotiations begin -- The Middle East: Camp David -- The Middle East: The Sinai treaty -- Southern Africa: Helping to shape change -- Southern Africa: Rhodesian breakthrough; Namibian stalemate -- The Shah falters -- The storm breaks -- The SALT debate -- Iran: Hostages are taken -- The Russians invade Afghanistan -- Resignation -- Hard Choices -- Appendixes: Overview of foreign policy issues and positions ; Middle East documents ; Memorandum from Joint Chiefs of Staff to secretary of defense ; United Nations resoution 435 ; Statement of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.