As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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