While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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