COVER

COMMENTARY

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

Friendly Rivals

China's next leader makes a U.S. visit. A look at the issues that will determine its success

PROFILE

BUSINESS

Microlending Thinks Bigger (Finance)

This $100 billion industry developed critical flaws. But new approaches are recasting its business model

THE CULTURE

Great Performances

Trophies, scrolls, statuettes — this time of year, actors get 'em by the zillions, like valet-parking stubs

LETTERS