COVER

Flash Point (World)

A chain of violence from Cairo to Benghazi raises the question, Did the Arab Spring make the Middle East more dangerous?

FEATURES

Ad Nauseam (Nation)

Romney and Obama are spending more money to woo fewer voters than at any time in memory. Will it make a difference?

One Nation Under Sanctions (World)

The big economic squeeze is taking its toll on Iran. But is it enough to change Tehran's mind on nukes?

September Surprise (World)

Romney's first response to the Libya attack was to attack Obama. Was that wise?

Rental Nation (Technology)

Technology and austerity are making it less attractive to buy things. Welcome to the "sharing" economy

BUSINESS

JetGreen (New Energy)

Airlines' need for cheap, plentiful biofuel is forcing the industry to scale up

The New Great Wall Of China (China)

After years of relative openness, Beijing is pulling back on reform. Frustrated foreign companies say the field has tilted against them

Seeds of Change (Ideas For Business)

How a small innovation put crop insurance within reach for poor farmers

BRIEFING

THE CULTURE

Master Class (Profile)

Joaquin Phoenix hits reset on his career, with brilliant results

Let Them Eat Cake (The Awesome Column)

How many bake-sale brownies would it take to re-elect a President?

10 Questions for Dwyane Wade (10 Questions)

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade on his Chicago childhood, Knight Rider and shooting hoops with Barack Obama

Cheat Sheets (Books)

Junot Daz offers a piercing look through a wandering eye

Check, Please (Tuned In)

Fact-checking has been good news in 2012, but it's only a start

COMMENTARY

An Awkward Strike (Viewpoint)

The Chicago schoolteachers' walkout is bad for everyone--and dangerous for Democrats

The Mitt Mirage (In the Arena)

The Republican nominee can no longer say for certain what he believes in