COVER

Which Way is the Exit? (Cover Story)

The date is set for a handover to the Iraqis, but everything else is in trouble. A TIME guide to the hurdles the U.S. faces in ensuring a smooth transition

ASIA

What Taiwan Wants

Taiwan's presidential election might prove to be a perilous watershed in its relationship with China. Can Beijing rein in the renegade?

Trade Links

Taiwan business leaders are used to China's economic embrace

Cross-Strait Strains

Relations between Taiwan and China have been tense for more than half a century

Push and Shove

Beijing is shouting down the city's nascent democracy movement, but its bluster may backfire

BRIEFING

Malaysia's New Look (Notebook)

With snap elections scheduled for this month, PM Abdullah is putting more than just his political house in order

Fighting Dirty (Notebook | Korea)

A slew of corruption scandals in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo could be a knockout blow for the martial art's Olympic chances

Milestones (Notebook)

TIME journalist Sandra Burton passes away

Verbatim (Notebook)

Quotes of the week

Letters (Notebook)

When Credibility Becomes an Issue

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

GLOBAL ADVISER

Tastes Like Chicken. Really (TIME Global Adviser | Street Fare)

Think that insect is a nasty pest? Think againin some places, it's a cheap and tasty snack

Cuddle with Care (TIME Global Adviser | Your Health)

Forget about bird fluyou're more likely to get sick from a pet

Getting Into Hot Water (TIME Global Adviser | Diversions)

Sprucing up its thermal springs, Hungary jumps into the deep end of European spa tourism

How Many Kisses? (TIME Global Adviser | Question Time)

Time to pucker up? A handy guide to greetings around the world