COVER

The Meaning of Michelle Obama (United States)

She's beaten back criticism and caricature to become the most watched First Lady in a generation. An intimate look at how Michelle Obama is changing the White House — and America — forever

ASIA

Rebuilding The Middle Kingdom

To cushion itself against recession, China is investing in one of the most ambitious public-works programs ever seen

COMMENTARY

Falling Short

India's elections are open and spectacular, but they often do not deliver real change

LETTERS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Unhappy Families (Books)

An Indian conglomerate riven by family feuding — what better material for a novel?

ESSAY

Casualty of War

Instead of spreading information, Pakistan's media are fanning the flames of paranoia

GLOBAL ADVISER

Game On (Check In)

A sheik's wildlife conservation project has helped create a stunning and unusual resort

Make a Splash (Next Time You're in ... Frankfurt)

Here are three of Wiesbaden's finest places to soak away the working week

Mature Thinking (Amuse-Bouche)

Restaurants are discovering the appeal of an on-site cheese room

Restoration Drama (After Dark)

One of Cambodia's historic Chinese shophouses survives as a trendy cocktail bar cum art gallery