COVER

The Brother Who Mattered Most (The Well / Cover Story)

His brothers Jack and Bobby are part of modern American mythology, but Ted may just be the Kennedy who mattered most

ESSAY

Obama's Next Move in Afghanistan (Commentary / In the Arena)

The early returns from Afghanistan's presidential election had the smell of a decorous massage job

WORLD

Can Ethical Foie Gras Happen in America? (Postcard: Pocantico Hills)

The delicacy has been banned by some cities that believe it is produced inhumanely. Now a Spanish farmer is trying to bring his "natural" technique to the U.S.

How Crime Pays for the Taliban (The Well / World)

It isn't just drugs. Extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and protection rackets all help fund the growing Afghan insurgency. Why crime pays big-time for the Taliban

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The September Issue: Humanizing the Devil (Movies)

Going into The September Issue, a documentary chronicling the production of a single, record-breakingly huge issue of Vogue in 2007, we already knew that Anna Wintour's weapon of choice is more frosty glare than flaming pitchfork.

SOCIETY

Why Michelle Obama's Hair Matters (Life / Fashion)

For African-American women, hair commands great interest and carries a lot of cultural baggage

Michelle Obama's Hair

Photos: For African-American women, hair commands great interest and carries a lot of cultural baggage

One Ring to Rule Them All (Life / Family Tech)

Google Voice centralizes calls to your home, office and cell--and transcribes messages

BRIEFING

The Skimmer

Book Review: Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

LETTERS