The New Shepherd (Cover Story)
It's hard to follow a superstar; will the new Pope with the fierce reputation be able to take up where John Paul II left off?


Standing Their Ground
Japan's row with China is cooling. But as a new generation of hawkish politicians steer Japan to the right, more diplomatic flare-ups are possible

A Dangerous Distraction (Viewpoint)
Japan and China should focus on North Korea's nukes

How to Lose a Harbor
For more than a century, Hong Kong has polluted and misused its greatest asset. But a sea change in attitude may be on the way

Good Morning, Vietnam
Thirty years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam is experiencing a new dawn


The Rise of The Machines
From the Emirates to the Korean DMZ, robots are showing up in some surprising places

Milestones

Verbatim

Letters
Lessons of the Schiavo Battle

Farewell, Pink Gin (Books)
Tash Aw didn't set out to write The Great Malaysian Novel, but to prove Somerset Maugham wrong


Too Cruel for School
South Korea is terrorized by youth gangs


Hiking the Haraz (TIME Global Adviser)
Hit the trail in the real Arabia

In the House Of Dior (TIME Global Adviser)
A Normandy summer fête celebrates the designer's legacy

Prague's Jurassic Art (TIME Global Adviser)
A new exhibition is bound to be a monstrous success

Get Your Just Desserts (TIME Global Adviser)
A new restaurant aims to be the queen of sweets

The Big Red Bargain (TIME Global Adviser)
Minivan not big enough for you and your clan? Buy your very own London double-decker bus—for less than you think