What's Next (Cover Story)
No one can see the future. But there's no harm in some enlightened, highly educated, thoroughly irresponsible guessing, is there? In that spirit TIME presents a thinking person's guide to the year to come


East Timor's Broken Promises
Plagued by poverty, crime and conflict, East Timor lurches toward an uncertain future that once looked so bright

Timeline: A Troubled land
From Portugal's colonial rule to Indonesia's brutal occupation to a difficult birth as an independent nation, East Timor has known little but strife

Washington's Surprising Pyongyang Parley
Bilateral talks between the U.S. and North Korea mark a sea change in Washington's diplomatic tactics


The Markets' Pain Isn't Over Yet
The recent turmoil in stocks looks like the beginning of a bear market


Boutique Hotels: Vive la Différence
The minimalist design of boutique hotels is supposed to be cool. It isn't. It's cold

The Last Bourbon King (of Bhopal)
The Indian who would be King of France

Interview: 10 Questions For Alan Leong (Asia)
Hong Kong Chief Executive candidate Alan Leong tells TIME why he's running a political race he can't win

Letters


Go Wilde in Paris (Check In)
Paris' four-star boutique L'Hotel is at the top of its game

Due South (TIME Traveler)
Explore the world's southernmost seas with Nomads of the Seas

The Great Descent (If you're in ... Kiev)
Visit the delights of Kiev's Andriyivsky Uzviz, an elegant pedestrian mall steeped in history

It's a Guy Thing (Grooming)
A look at five skin-care products for men