The First Noël (Cover | The Nativity)
A close reading of the Gospels reveals how the story of Christ's birth came to life


The Dirtiest Trick (Europe | Ukraine)
Doctors confirm that Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned during the election campaign that was rigged against him. Can Ukraine hold a fair rerun?

"Of Course It Was Poisoning" (Q&A)
Ukranian Presidential hopeful Viktor Yushchenko talks to TIME

Explosive Strategy (Europe | Spain)
The Basque terror group ETA seemed eager to talk. So why is it still setting off bombs?


Terror Returns to Saudi (Notebook | Middle East)
The latest attack by al-Qaeda loyalists raises serious new concerns

Ireland's Photo Finish

A Lukewarm Invitation (Notebook | Turkey)

Bizwatch

Worldwatch

Letters

A Year After the Quake: Still Digging Out (Letter From Iran)
A year after the quake, Bam struggles to rebuild


A Grand Encore (Global Adviser | Curtain Raiser)
La Scala lifts the curtain on a technically perfect renovation

Under The Volcano (Global Adviser | Check In)
Verne's volcano overlooks Iceland's latest must-stay hotel

Screen Gems (Global Adviser | If You're In ... London)
Once the art world's poor relation, film and video are coming of age — as two shows at London's Tate galleries prove

Living For The City (Global Adviser | Tech Watch)
The power of Pharaoh is at your fingertips, if you care enough

Treats Are a Trap (Global Adviser | Your Health)
But by following a few holiday rules, kids can have their cake and eat it too


Something About Mary
Will Mary Poppins fly to the rescue of London's West End?

Keeping Up the Ghost (Music)
Jeff Buckley's legacy