By HANNAH BEECH / TOKYO At home its economy is floundering, but overseas its growing soft power is enabling Japan to make new friendships and forge a reputation as a responsible world leader
ASIA Rising from The Rubble (China)
By AUSTIN RAMZY / BEICHUAN Six months after the Sichuan quake, a building frenzy signals a new future. But will survivors be allowed to face the past?
ARTS Southern Discomfort (Movies)
By JOHN KRICH Thailand’s insurgency gets stark treatment
Lifting the Veil (Books)
By LYDIA WILSON Get a rare glimpse into the lives of Iranian youth
BRIEFING The Moment
By ISHAAN THAROOR 11|15|08: Pooneryn
ESSAY Learning Curve
By JOSHUA KURLANTZICK Asia presents complex challenges for U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. Here is an agenda for him
GLOBAL ADVISER Paragliding, Himalayan Style (Diversions)
By MADHUR SINGH Hold on tight. It’s paragliding season in the northern Himalayas
Birding For a Cause in Cambodia (The Great Outdoors)
By STEVE MOLLMAN A village on the northern plains of Cambodia are seeing the benefits of being a bird-watching paradise ・and so are the birds
Burnt Out on Bali? Head to Lombok (Check In)
By KATE GRAHAM Those who are looking to escape the crowds of Indonesia’s famous isle can hop next door to Lombok, where hotel Tugu Lombok caters to a mellower set
One Night in Kuala Lumpur (TIME Traveler) Let savvy residents tell you how to make the most of the Malaysian capital by night
LETTERS Inbox
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