Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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