Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These pieces probe intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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