COVER
The Most Important Man in Europe (World)
Mario Monti is trying to pull Italy and its neighbors back from the economic brink
WORLD
Syria's Clashing Armies
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
Despite Xi Jinping's Visit, the U.S. and China Are Still Wary After All These Years
China's next leader makes a U.S. visit. A look at the issues that will determine its success
LETTERS
Inbox
BUSINESS
Why There's Nothing Micro About the New Model of Microfinance (Finance)
This $100 billion industry developed critical flaws. But new approaches are recasting its business model
PROFILE
Challenging Hugo Chávez
Can an old foe of Venezuela's populist President unseat him by stealing his mantle as champion of the poor?
THE CULTURE
Great Performances
Trophies, scrolls, statuettes — this time of year, actors get 'em by the zillions, like valet-parking stubs