Inside the Mind of George W. Bush (Cover Story)
For this President, the essence of wisdom lies in knowing when not to change


A Democracy is Shaken
In a divided nation, an attack against Bangladesh's opposition party leader marks a new low


The Quiet Koreans
With government encouragement, the press keeps Korean troops' low profile in Iraq

Rumors of a Death
Stories that Kim Jong Il's favorite companion has passed away leads to speculation on North Korea's line of succession

Hands Off My Gods
Pop culture's appropriation of Hindu icons has the faithful up in arms

Milestones
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross dies

Verbatim
Quotes of the week

Letters
Hellish Highways

Beaten, But Not Defeated (Olympics 2004)
It was the losers, as much as the winners, who embodied the spirit of this year's Olympic Games


Wedding Crasher
An unusual takeover battle is shaking up Japan's consensus-minded bankers


Bound for Glory (TIME Global Adviser)
Japan's Museum Meiji-Mura is part theme park, part living history

Foam Party (TIME Global Adviser)
Get soggy at Munich's legendary Oktoberfest

Board Meetings (TIME Global Adviser)
Want to learn to surf? Try Asia's easy beaches and affordable surf schools

Cosmetic Comeback (TIME Global Adviser)
Powder to the People

Health (TIME Global Adviser)
Does poetry make the heart grow stronger?

Question Time (TIME Global Adviser)
Do Toddlers Need Seats?