COVER
Encountering Anguish and Anxiety Across America
6,782 miles, 12 states, 24 days, 576 songs. One road trip reveals the issues people are talking about — but politicians aren't
Scenes from a Midterm Election Roadtrip
Photographer Peter van Agtmael accompanies TIME's Joe Klein on a cross-country trip to take the political pulse of the electorate prior to the 2012 midterms
COMMENTARY
Is France's Islamophobia State-Sanctioned?
France's zeal for secularism risks turning into a state-sanctioned form of Islamophobia
WORLD
Arrivederci, Italia: Why Young Italians Are Leaving
The economy's stagnant and the job market discriminates against youth. Is it any wonder so many young Italians are building their lives abroad?
Can Britain's Conservatives Escape Thatcher's Legacy? (Britain)
The Tories have worked hard to convince voters of their compassion but welfare cuts, announced at their annual conference, bring echoes of the party's bracing past
The Real Challenge From China: Its People, Not Its Currency (China)
Forget that currency row over how China undervalues the renminbi. The real story is that China is now investing in its people
LETTERS
Surprise Party (Inbox)
Base Problems; Not All Beer and Cheer