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Each week The Economist's Editor-in-Chief, John Micklethwait, selects a number of articles from the latest edition of the newspaper as recommended reading. His selection is called the Editor's Highlights. You can receive this regularly by e-mail, or view his top picks below.

February 11th - 17th 2012

How to set Syria free
In the Syrian town of Homs they are burying their dead under cover of darkness, for fear that the mourners themselves will become the next victims. With some 7,000 Syrians having been killed and the prospect of a lengthy civil war, we argue in our cover leader that dethroning Bashar Assad as fast as possible is now essential. Rather than flooding Syria with arms or bombing the government troops in their barracks, the West should focus on peeling away the regime's support, both at home and abroad. That requires a united opposition and a safe haven in north-western Syria.

Here are some links to other pieces from this week's issue that might interest you.

The rich world's fragile recovery
There are some promising signs, but wait until politicians start doing the right things

Serving God and Mao
China's Communist Party struggles with religion in unexpected ways

Perilous journey
A 14-page special report on Pakistan

The power of the pink workplace
Why gay-friendly firms do well

The science of internet dating
It may not work as well as people hope