Which Way is the Exit? (Cover Story)
The date is set for a handover to the Iraqis, but everything else is in trouble. A TIME guide to the hurdles the U.S. faces in ensuring a smooth transition


What Taiwan Wants
Taiwan's presidential election might prove to be a perilous watershed in its relationship with China. Can Beijing rein in the renegade?

Trade Links
Taiwan business leaders are used to China's economic embrace

Cross-Strait Strains
Relations between Taiwan and China have been tense for more than half a century

Push and Shove
Beijing is shouting down the city's nascent democracy movement, but its bluster may backfire


Malaysia's New Look
With snap elections scheduled for this month, PM Abdullah is putting more than just his political house in order

Bad Neighbors, Better Fences
Around the world, walls are going up on porous borders to keep modern-day barbarians at bay

Fighting Dirty (Notebook | Korea)
A slew of corruption scandals in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo could be a knockout blow for the martial art's Olympic chances

Milestones
TIME journalist Sandra Burton passes away

Verbatim
Quotes of the week

Letters
When Credibility Becomes an Issue

Puttin' on the Myths
An Indonesian epic poem comes to life in the hands of a modern stage legend


Tastes Like Chicken. Really (TIME Global Adviser | Street Fare)
Think that insect is a nasty pest? Think again—in some places, it's a cheap and tasty snack

Cuddle with Care (TIME Global Adviser | Your Health)
Forget about bird flu—you're more likely to get sick from a pet

Getting Into Hot Water (TIME Global Adviser | Diversions)
Sprucing up its thermal springs, Hungary jumps into the deep end of European spa tourism

How Many Kisses? (TIME Global Adviser | Question Time)
Time to pucker up? A handy guide to greetings around the world

Armani's House of Style (TIME Global Adviser | Check In)
Need a hotel? Here's some that may suit

Yes Sir, We Can Pencil You In (TIME Global Adviser)
Get the skinny on this year's new suits

Sky-High Wi-Fi (TIME Global Adviser)
Stay well-connected at 30,000 feet