Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These accounts delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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