Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These narratives probe complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has become a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist 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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