While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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