As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such pieces probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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