A Nation Divided (Cover Story)
Running mate John Edwards is giving the Kerry campaign a much-needed injection of charisma

The World According to Michael (Cover Story)
Taking aim at George W., a populist agitator makes noise, news and a new kind of political entertainment


Air Raiders
Budget airlines are changing the way Asians fly, making travel blissfully accessible to the masses

Prisoner of Conscience
A SARS hero is detained for daring to challenge Beijing over the Tiananmen Square massacre

Sex, AIDS and Thailand
The country dodged the HIV bullet in the 1990s. But it dropped its guard, and now it's at risk again


Patent Denied
Erectile dysfunction is big business in China

Avian Flu Hatches Again
Widespread human infection may be only a matter of time

Can Megawati Win?
"she has a chance of winning."

Milestones
The events of the week

Verbatim
Quotes of the Week

Letters
North Korea's "Teflon Dictator"

Heaven on Earth
An exhibition of North Korean propaganda art offers rare insight into the hidden world of Kim Jong Il


Par Excellence (TIME Global Adviser | Traveler)
Drinking and driving takes on a new meaning at the Machrie

Meet Berlin's Elite (TIME Global Adviser | Local Fare)
Who's that at the next booth? Borchardt's is the place to eat and greet

Have a Cow, Man (TIME Global Adviser | Do It Yourself)
You too can become a big cheese in the bovine rental sector

Brand Gestures (TIME Global Adviser | Long-Haul Books)
Books to help you get the lowdown on living with a logo

A Very Smart Phone (TIME Global Adviser | Tech Watch)
If you're stuck on a question—any question—the answer is just a text message away

It's all in the Bag (TIME Global Adviser | Style & Design)
Practical and glamorous: the must-have accessory is a handbag