This was the year of the web generation, a year that saw the rise of a new digital democracy. Meet 15 of the web generation's biggest movers and shakers
On Scene: In Ramadi, American commanders are going to local sheiks for help. The results are promising — but is there a problem if your ally is a bandit ringleader?
The Year That Religion Learned Humility
The new millennium saw the rise of fundamentalist faith as a cultural force. In 2006, says Andrew Sullivan, the religious monoliths began to break down
World
Syria in Bush's Cross Hairs
Exclusive: A classified document suggests the Administration is considering a plan to fund political opposition to the Damascus government. Some critics say it would be an unwarranted covert action
U.S.
A Man Of Mettle
Steel baron Lakshmi Mittal won a takeover battle — and taught the world a lesson
Would a Troop Surge in Iraq Work?
In some Baghdad neighborhoods, more U.S. soldiers have helped bring down violence. In other troubled regions like Anbar Province, they may exacerbate it
World
A Setback for Ahmadinejad
The rejection of his candidates in municipal elections highlights the domestic weaknesses of Iran's fiery president
Person of the Year
Time's Person of the Year: You
In 2006, the World Wide Web became a tool for bringing together the small contributions of millions of people and making them matter
Ignorance is a Killer
In The Ghost Map, Steven Johnson charts a Victorian cholera outbreak with lessons for the world today
World
Iran Reacts Favorably to the Baker-Hamilton Plan
While the White House remains wary of the proposal to talk with Iran, Tehran sources tell TIME that the regime believes such talks are in the country's best interest
Europe | Turkey and the E.U.
Slow Train to Europe
As talks over Cyprus grind to a halt, Turkey's membership of the E.U. looks ever more distant
Business | Currency
Dollar Doldrums
A stalling U.S. economy means the dollar’s slide may not be over
Europe | Russian Chill
Russia's Bitter Chill
Much has changed in Russia since the end of Soviet rule. But the mysterious death of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, a recently vocal critic of the Kremlin, has raised fears among the country's new dissidents