While we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such accounts explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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