COVER

The Real Magic of Harry Potter (Cover Story)

Why are children so eager for the next book about a boy wizard? Maybe it's because they see themselves in him

The Shy Sorceress (Cover Story)

J.K. Rowling is happy with her writing success, but she still prefers to keep her life private

ASIA

Hostages of the State

A murder that shocked the nation exposes the brutality of China's system of extrajudicial detentions

The Hard Cell?

Thailand joins the war on terror by busting up a plot to bomb the country's tourist playgrounds

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Facing the Hard Facts (Books)

In a clearheaded book about Tibet, Patrick French abandons wishful thinking for some tough truths

Bandung's Headbangers (Music)

Long the preserve of dangdut and gamelan, Indonesia now has a rock scene that actually rocks

20 Years Ago Today (Concerts)

Beyond, Hong Kong's rock pioneers, have headed out for a reunion tour with a whole new twist

BRIEFING

Down, But Not Out (Notebook)

As new SARS infections wane in Asia, researchers turn their attention towards a possible second wave

Generals Under the Gun (Notebook)

Burma's ruling junta comes under increasing pressure to free democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi

Verbatim (Notebook)

Quotes of the Week

TRAVEL

A New Club Mix (Time Traveler)

Hong Kong's ex-colonial clubs are changing their tune