Inside the 31 August edition

Stormy days may threaten Republicans as they gather in Florida to anoint Mitt Romney. Within the GOP, too, things are far from calm as the presidential contender grapples with a party base that has become one of the most radical in US history. Paul Harris sets the scene for us in Tampa.

Inside the paper, it's small fish, big splash as a rise in anchovy prices has a knock-on effect globally and illustrates the interconnectedness of the food chain. It's an interesting issue, and a good read, and so features on page 3.

From the Middle East, the misery continues in Syria, as rebel forces falter in Damascus. From Israel, a judge finds that the death of American activist Rachel Corrie in 2003 was an accident. And in Pakistan, Muslim leaders come out in support of an 11-year-old girl accused of blasphemy.

In Europe, the battle for the leadership of the French right begins in earnest, Norway brings to a close its darkest chapter with the sentencing of mass killer Anders Behring Breivik and Moscow's Gorky Park reclaims its Soviet glory.

From Africa, Jacob Zuma comes under pressure for a slow response to the deaths of 34 striking miners. And Equatorial Guinea, whose president is known as one of the most despotic in Africa, finds itself in the unlikely position of hosting a human rights conference.

From Asia, Mongolia tries to manage a mining boom, confronting a potential resources curse, while Vietnam's economy goes full circle as electric bicycle sales come into their own.

Our world diary takes you to Las Vegas, where Prince Harry, who made headlines recently with his exploits there, is being hailed as a true son of Sin City.

In Comment, Ian Birrell argues that our image of Africa is hopelessly out of date, Peter Beaumont contends that hysteria threatens our online debate, and Peter Wilby weighs in on outrage over the grades given to some children in Britain who sat GCSE exams.

Among deeper reads, the lead in our Review section takes a look at a pioneering Wisconsin high school where half the students are gay. Also featured is an investigation into slavery in modern Mauritania, and, on a more upbeat note, a corner of Haiti rises from the rubble, lifted up by the community.

In Sport, Lance Armstrong falls from grace. And we meet three athletes with their eyes on the prize as London prepares for the start this week of the Paralympics (do wish I could get my hands on some tickets!).

Inspirational and moving in equal measure, we bring you a tribute to Neil Armstrong, the quiet man entrusted to become immortalised by his steps onto the moon's surface. Look for a two-page spread in the news section that reflects on America's glory years, and wonders what comes next.

I challenge you to find such brilliant writing, on such a variety of issues, from such a variety of places. Please do drop me a line.

Abby Deveney

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