COVER

Are America's Best Days Behind Us?

The U.S. is used to being No. 1. But it's going to take a lot more than a few budget cuts and shifting resources to stay competitive in today's global arena. It's time to adopt a whole new way of thinking. Is America ready?

Don't Bet Against the United States

Through good times and bad, Americans have always worried about falling behind. That helps explain why the U.S. remains the world's leading nation

WORLD

Yemen: The Most Dangerous Domino

Home of an aggressive al-Qaeda franchise, Yemen is the latest Arab nation where young people have risen against an entrenched ruler. Would a change of regime there really be for the better?

ESSAY

GLOBAL BUSINESS

France's Labor Paradox

Sarkozy wants the French to retire later. But can he convince employers that gray is good?

GLOBAL ADVISER

Flight Center (Great Outdoors)

The Seychelles island that's a haven for birdlife

LETTERS