The Nation That Fell To Earth (Cover Story)
Did the U.S. overreact to Sept. 11? Niall Ferguson, one of the world's leading historians, speculates on how future generations will judge the war on terrorism—and on what it will take for America to win it


Divided We Fall (Viewpoint)
Pakistan's increasing polarization can be cured by democracy


Small Is Beautiful (Check In)
Bangkok gets a long-overdue renaissance in boutique hotels

Push the Boat Out (Curtain Raiser)
A floating exhibition of the world's most luxurious yachts in—where else?—Monaco

Spa Wars (Diversions)
Pamper yourself in Asia's new crop of megaspas

Vintage Buzz (Grapevine)
Waiheke's fine terroir and unique climate produce a remarkable vintage for this fledgling New Zealand district

Learning the Art of Giving
Asia's superrich are grappling with an enviable new challenge: how to give away their billions


What's Unavoidable, Unmissable and Uncovered This Fall (Show Business)
Asia's hits—and what you might otherwise miss—this season


Hu's Pension Power Play
A scandal in Shanghai could help China's President consolidate power

Should Chen Go?
A TIME/CNN survey sounds out Taiwan residents on their controversial President

Appreciation
Naguib Mahfouz, 1911-2006

Milestones

Verbatim

Letters
In Marco Polo's Footsteps