COVER
The U.S. in Afghanistan: The Longest War
After more than seven years, the U.S. and its allies are still fighting in Afghanistan — in a battle fueled by joblessness and poverty. Why failure isn't an option
ECONOMY
International Monetary Fund 2.0 (Business)
Despised in much of the developing world and aimless during the boom years, the International Monetary Fund faced a bleak future. Now, thanks to the global economic crisis, it has a second chance
WORLD
Why South Africa's Over the Rainbow
Tainted by scandal and accusations of corruption, the ruling ANC is no longer the moral force it was under Nelson Mandela. It will win the nation's fourth democratic general election, but angry voters have plenty to grumble about
MOVIES
South African Film: Beyond Black and White
Hollywood loves apartheid's tales. But South Africans want to tell the nation's stories themselves
INTERVIEW
Q&A: Tony Blair on Restarting the Middle East Peace Process
The ex-Prime Minister and current mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects on the obstacles to peace
BRIEFING
The Moment: L'Aquila
One man warned of the earthquake that hit central Italy — and no one listened
GLOBAL ADVISER
Jungle Gym: Maya Ruins in Guatemala (TIME Traveler)
You need to be fit to visit Guatemala's most spectacular Maya ruins
Get It While It's Hot (Amuse-Bouche)
The Parsi restaurants of Mumbai look destined for oblivion
Pieces of Hong Kong's Past (On Show)
The G.O.D. Street Culture Museum displays locally-made consumer objects
In Florence, a Palace Coup (Check In)
Guests at Florence's latest luxury hotel might as well be living in a museum
LETTERS
AIG's Bad Reverberations (Inbox)
NATO's Role; No Apologies; Kindle Me Delighted