Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
