Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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