Four Places Where the System Broke Down (Cover Story)
A TIME investigation shows how confusion, incompetence and, ironically, a fear of making mistakes hobbled the government at all levels

Living Too Much in the Bubble? (Cover Story)
A bungled initial response to Katrina exposed the perils of a rigid, insular White House. Inside Bush's plan to show he isn't isolated


A Woman's Place
Four years after the fall of the Taliban, Afghan women are now guaranteed a role in government. Can they save a nation still groping for peace?

Getting To Know One Another
U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao have to keep the world's most important relationship on an even keel

Enemies Of the State?
How local officials in China launched a brutal campaign of forced abortions and sterilizations


The Shackles of History
An ambitious period piece about an Indian national hero succeeds in antagonizing virtually everyone


Milestones
Events of the Week

Verbatim
Quotes of the Week

Letters
Asia's Modern History

Fall Preview: Movies (Fall Arts Preview)
Can a Chinese Musical Capture Discerning Movie Audiences?

Fall Preview: Books (Fall Arts Preview)
Truth Is as Beautiful as Fiction

Fall Preview: Music (Fall Arts Preview)
A Korean Force of Nature

Fall Preview: Television (Fall Arts Preview)
When Vampires Prey, Just Call in the Schoolgirl


Having Your Cake (TIME Global Adviser)
A roundup of the most delicious dessert spots in Austria's capital

My Big Fat Greek Island (TIME Global Adviser)
How to buy your own piece of paradise in the Aegean

Art on Your Sleeve (TIME Global Adviser)
Hi-tech ski jackets let you make calls from the slopes without frozen fingers

A Fine Vintage (TIME Global Adviser)
A London boutique for retro togs does the digging for you

Tuscan Treasures (TIME Global Adviser)
Italy's first truffle museum explores a prized—and odoriferous—local delicacy

The Cider Rules! (TIME Global Adviser)
Hereford, England gets fizzing with apple season