Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These narratives delve into intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. I was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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