COVER

The Real Running Mates

Political spouses have traditionally wielded their influence in private. But in this race, all the rules will have to be rewritten

ASIA

A Sudden Sayonara for Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe wanted Japan to stand tall on the international stage, but his agenda never clicked with a public more concerned about the economy

Pakistan's Drama Continues

Nawaz Sharif's brief return before being sent back into exile could trigger a crisis for President Pervez Musharraf and change the course of the nation

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Fiji's Unseen Underclass

A book and exhibition document the labor and longings of Fiji's landless Indian sugar-cane workers

SOCIETY

High-Tech P.E.

Kids who try to duck kickball or soccer can still break a sweat when interactive video games join gym class

GLOBAL BUSINESS

The Reel Russia

Hollywood studios and Russian tycoons are teaming up to make films in Moscow. Is it worth the trouble?

BRIEFING