COVER

The Ghosts of Haditha (Special Report | Iraq)

The killing of 24 civilians in Haditha threatens to become an icon of how the war in Iraq is going wrong

WORLD CUP

The Global Game (The World Cup | Global Game)

What football's success tells us about the modern world

Germany's New Pitch (The World Cup | Germany)

For Germany, winning isn't everything this summer. Its goal? To rebrand the country as a nation blessed with friendliness, creativity — and a sense of humor. Inside the marketing of Germany Inc.

The Cup That Cheers (The World Cup | Magic Moments)

Stolen, hidden, renamed, replaced and only ever won by seven teams over 72 years. Moments that make the World Cup great

Goals of Freedom (The World Cup | Iran And Football)

In Iran, football, politics and social change have become mixed in a cocktail whose flavor is not yet clear

Fair Play in Burma (The World Cup | An Explorer's Gift)

Even Burma's generals seem to realize the dangers of denying a long-suffering people the simple joy of kicks

LETTER FROM

BUSINESS

The Hippest Cat in France (Business | Sports Brands)

The African immigrant who founded France's hottest sports-apparel brand aims high

GLOBAL ADVISER

Family Thais (Check In)

The Old Bangkok Inn is a home from home

The Empire Strikes Back (Curtain Raiser)

This year's Naadam commemorates 800 years since the founding of Genghis Khan's Mongol empire

Gym to Go (Your Health)

Achieve a full workout without leaving your hotel room

Expensive Tastes (Diversions)

From diamond dust to caviar and champagne, spas are offering luxurious treatments featuring the most expensive of ingredients

Cool Room, Hot Jazz (Next time you're in ... Beijing)

The Icehouse is Beijing's best jazz and blues bar

BRIEFING

An Unwelcome Rest (Notebook | France)

Politicians come under pressure to tear up France's archaic trading laws