COVER
The Story of Barack Obama's Mother (Campaign '08)
Barack Obama's greatest influence was a woman most know nothing about. How her uncommon life shaped his world view
EUROPE
Remaking Poland
Improving economic prospects give Prime Minister Donald Tusk a chance to redress ills he's fought since the days of communism. But can he bring together both parts of his divided land?
TIME Interview: Donald Tusk (Interview)
TIME talks to the Polish Prime Minister on his hopes, heroes and life at the top
ESSAY
Higgs Boson: A Ghost in the Machine (Science)
A giant accelerator searches for a tiny particle that is key to the universe's origins
GLOBAL ADVISER
Crowded House (Curtain Raiser)
It's almost time for Tokyo's most boisterous celebration
Socialist Movements (Diversions)
Mid-20th century Chinese watches are becoming collectors' items
In Search of Value (Check In)
Bhutan's exclusivity as a travel destination now has a coterie of high-end hotels to match
A Perfect Day in Bandung (TIME Traveler)
Best-selling author Dewi Lestari and her pop-star husband Marcell Siahaan plan your day out in Java's café capital
LETTERS
The Dalai Lama's Greatest Trial (Inbox)
What Makes Terrorists Tick?; Obama's Achilles' Heel?; The Bear's Mighty Fall