Troubled Soil (Cover Story)
With Sharon off the stage, Israel prepares for life after its iconic leader. Why his successor will find it harder to make peace with the Palestinians

The Lonely Warrior (Cover Story)
Sharon spent much of his life stoking the rage of Israel's enemies. So how did he become their best hope for peace?


Gold Fever
Indians have long preferred to store their wealth in gold, and despite the precious metal’s precipitous price rise, their appetite for it is only increasing as the nation grows richer


Within the Chaos (Books)
In his dispatches from troubled countries, Amitav Ghosh is a participant, not just an observer


Capital Assets (TIME Global Adviser)
Washington's lesser-known museums feature fascinatingly offbeat, unique collections

The Pillage People (TIME Global Adviser)
Missed the Vikings' first arrival on British shores? Check out this one

China's Fast-Moving Vehicles
Ready for the next export to challenge Detroit? Low-cost Chinese cars are revving their engines


China's Aspiring Aces (Sports)
Molded by a socialist training system, Chinese women are storming the global rankings in what was once a decidedly foreign sport


Speed Read: Stem-Cell Scandal
How Much Damage Was Done?

Milestones

Verbatim

Letters
Asia's Mentor