Welcome to the online edition of The New York Times Upfront, where you'll find a selection of articles from our print edition. (For information on subscribing to the print edition, with all its additional articles, graphics, and teacher's edition, please click here.)

FEATURES

COVER STORY

World Affairs Annual 2008

INTERNATIONAL

Africa's Rising Hopes
Despite their problems, a poll finds Africans optimistic about the future.

Mexico's Challenges
A new President confronts illegal immigration, along with crime and poverty.

Can China Reform?
Why China may need its own Progressive Era

DEPARTMENTS

NEWS & TRENDS
Playing with time in Venezuela, Russian sitcoms, Thai boxing, and more

DEBATE
Should the U.S. negotiate with its enemies?

OPINION
Excerpts from New York Times columnists

CARTOONS
Some lighter looks at what's in the news