COVER

Friends With Benefits (Science)

Humans aren't the only species capable of forging true and lasting friendships. Animals do it too--and get many of the same rewards

COMMENTARY

Obama vs. the Church

The winner is clear: religious freedom matters more than access to birth control

Halftime and Hyperbole (In the Arena)

How the GOP's overreaction to Clint's Chrysler ad hurts Romney's chances

BRIEFING

Forgetful? (Health&Science)

Zapping your brain may help

FEATURES

Syria's Clashing Armies (World)

Defecting soldiers have formed a loose alliance of militias to defend their homes and families, but the regime of Bashar Assad is out to crush them without mercy

THE CULTURE

Eat like an Italian (Currents / The Mediterranean Diet)

Half a century ago, a little town in southern Italy taught the world how to eat. The town is under culinary siege, but the diet endures

Hey, Zuck? Remember Me? (The Awesome Column)

What I learned from my time as an owner of "friends and family" tech shares