This week’s TIME cover story focuses on what to do in a failing Afghanistan with a sidebar on how Obama, McCain expect to defeat the Taliban. Also in this week’s mag:

–Jay Carney on Bush and McCain’s uneasy relationship. “Few political relationships have been more bitter, awkward or downright tortured….”

–New TIME/Rockfeller Foundation poll finds 85% say the country is on the wrong track.

Plus: TIME’s Tumulty on how Obama’s audition overseas next week.