COVER
Troubled Soil (Cover Story)
With Sharon off the stage, Israel prepares for life after its iconic leader. Why his successor will find it harder to make peace with the Palestinians
The Lonely Warrior (Cover Story)
Sharon spent much of his life stoking the rage of Israel's enemies. So how did he become their best hope for peace?
SOCIETY
Gold Fever
Indians have long preferred to store their wealth in gold, and despite the precious metals precipitous price rise, their appetite for it is only increasing as the nation grows richer
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Within the Chaos (Books)
In his dispatches from troubled countries, Amitav Ghosh is a participant, not just an observer
GLOBAL ADVISER
Capital Assets (TIME Global Adviser)
Washington's lesser-known museums feature fascinatingly offbeat, unique collections
The Pillage People (TIME Global Adviser)
Missed the Vikings' first arrival on British shores? Check out this one
BUSINESS
China's Fast-Moving Vehicles
Ready for the next export to challenge Detroit? Low-cost Chinese cars are revving their engines
SPORTS
China's Aspiring Aces
Molded by a socialist training system, Chinese women are storming the global rankings in what was once a decidedly foreign sport
BRIEFING
Speed Read: Stem-Cell Scandal (Notebook)
How Much Damage Was Done?
Milestones (Notebook)
Verbatim (Notebook)
Letters (Notebook)
Asia's Mentor