The View From Mars (Cover | A New Space Race?)
Where is the mission to Mars really headed? And is it worth the many billions of dollars it would cost?


Leaner, Meaner, Cheaper (Europe | Armed Forces)
Germany plans a leaner, more mobile military


What The World Needs Now (Davos | The World Economic Forum)
Michael Elliott argues that America's security concerns shouldn't dominate the agenda at this year's gathering of the world's business and political élite in Davos

A Farewell to Allies (Davos Viewpoint | Charles Krauthammer)
Now they are neutrals. America can stand tall without them

Who Needs Allies? ... America, That's Who (Davos Viewpoint | Josef Joffe)
Josef Joffe on why it needs allies

The Buck Flops Here (Davos | Notes of Caution)
The dollar's slide hurts the euro zone

The Anti-Davos (Davos | The World Social Forum)
The temperature at World Social Forum is rising


A clash of civilizations? (Notebook | Paris Life)
The French try out lattes and frappuccinos at Paris' first Starbucks

Biz Watch
Kind Words and LVMH; Banking on it; The Bottom Line

World Watch
Peace Meal Progress? Tony's Test; The Return of Comical Ali;

A Style Capital Gets The Hotel It Deserves (Check-In)
Hotels don't come any more idiosyncratic than Tokyo's newly refurbished Claska

Getting Fresh in Sicily (Time Traveler)
Can't afford a villa in a Tuscan town — or been there already? Then consider the rugged, romantic and historically resonant island of Sicily.

The Height of Passion (Long Haul)
How easy is it to gain membership to the Mile High Club?

Wat Next? (Diversions)
Temples off the tourist trail in Thailand

Heavenly Help Lines (The Cost-Of-Living-It-Up Index)
Concierge or credit-card company can't assist? Try divine intervention

Mister Tamborine Man (Grapevine)
One of Australia's best-kept secrets is possibly its finest distiller

Laptop For The Long Haul (Tech Watch)
JVC's new notebook shows that small is beautifully practical and practically beautiful


A Dark Star Under The Lights (Theater | His Dark Materials)
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials takes on another compelling dimension ... the London stage