While the economic crisis may be at the top of President-elect Obama's agenda in January, he'll also face a number of critical challenges.

• Author: Rebhun, Elliott

WHILE THE ECONOMIC CRISIS may be at the top of President-elect Obama's agenda in January, he'll also face a number of critical challenges overseas, starting with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

THAT'S WHERE OUR ANNUAL World Affairs double issue comes in. It includes an up-to-the-minute atlas--with "news boxes" on key issues in each region--and an almanac for use all year long. The "Snapshots" section features graphs on a range of fun and serious topics. And you'll find two pages of cartoons from around the world on the election of Barack Obama

OUR COVER STORY focuses on America's reaction to "the rise of the rest"--China, India, Brazil and other developing nations--and what it means for our future. We also take a close-up look at the U.S.-Mexico...