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

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